Abstract: To obtain an index print prepared by effectively utilizing photographic paper, magnetic information is read in accordance with feed of a negative film (202, 204), and a relevant index format is selected according to a number of photograph frames of the negative film to determine an index print size corresponding to the selected index format (206, 208). Next, each frame is subjected to exposure processing to accumulate image data respondent to the index format (210). Upon completion of the exposure processing of the negative film, the accumulated image data are read (212) to conduct index printing by using the read image data to cut in accordance with the index print size (214, 216). Accordingly, an index print is produced in a size respondent to a number of frames.

Abstract: A color proof is generated as a hard copy approximating a printed color document by a color printer or as a displayed image approximating a printed color document by a color display monitor. A color shift produced by a filtering process which cuts off a spatial frequency response inherent in an image output device such as a color printer, a color display monitor, or the like while retaining a spatial frequency response inherent in a printing screen of a printed color document during an image structure simulation process is corrected by a color shift correcting LUT, and thereafter a color shift caused when a color digital printer is used is corrected by a color shift correcting LUT. A generated color proof accurately reproduces colors and image structure of the printed color document.

Abstract: A roll of developed still photographic film feeds toward an image capturing part. The image capturing part captures the image data of plural frames. An index image, which is composed of plural frames, is made in accordance with the captured image data of plural frames, and the index image is displayed on a display. When the index image is displayed, the format information relating to an aspect ratio of each frame, which is recorded in the film, is read. An image processing conforming to the format information of each frame is executed in accordance with the read format information, so that the aspect ratio of each frame in the index image can be seen. Only an image area, which is required for display and printing, is read according to the format information relating to the aspect ratio of each frame. As a result, the pixels of the line sensor can be used effectively.

Abstract: Color balance of a sample image is compared with a previously learned template image utilizing an appropriately programmed machine vision system including a color camera at a vision station. The sample image, preferably captured from a web scanner attached directly to an offset printing machine, is compared with a previously generated "known good" template image. This comparison process produces four correction factors which are the ratios between the amount of each of four colored inks in the template image to that in the sample image. The four colored inks may be cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks but inks of other colors could also be used. These correction factors can either be presented to an operator to manually adjust the machine or else used in an automatic feedback loop of a controller of the machine, thereby maintaining consistent image quality.

Abstract: A distribution system and method which can be executed by such a system.

Abstract: An image handling system and method which can be executed by such a system.

Abstract: Apparatus for capturing and printing images on a receiver sheet includes a camera for electronically storing an image of a subject and having a display for displaying such stored image and including alignment structure and an ink jet printer, an ink jet print head including a plurality of colored inks and a structure for providing relative movement between the ink jet print head and the receiver sheet. The ink jet print head further includes coupling the ink jet printer to the alignment structure to provide a unitary camera printer unit. Image signals are transferred to the ink jet print head to cause the ink jet print head to deliver ink to a receiver sheet to form an image corresponding to the stored image on the receiver sheet.

Abstract: A film image reading system includes: an image pickup device which picks up a light image of an image recorded on a film to produce raw image signals corresponding to three colors of the light image and indicative of magnitudes corresponding to light amounts of their respective three colors; a signal processor which processes raw image signals of three colors in accordance with a reference to produce output image signals corresponding to three colors of the light image, the output image signals being operable to ensure a proper color balance; a first calculator which calculates differences between a high magnitude image signal of a particular color and respective high magnitude image signals of the remaining colors; and a second calculator which calculates differences between an average magnitude image signal of the particular color and average magnitude image signals of the remaining colors; and a reference changer which changes the reference of the signal processor based on differences calculated by the fir

Abstract: YMCK halftone dot percentage data from an image editor are converted into color image data in an XYZ colorimetric system with a common color space conversion table generated by a common color space conversion table generator. The color image data are converted into a gamut mapping and appearance corresponding to an image monitor device with a gamut mapping/appearance table generated by a gamut mapping/appearance generator. Then, the color image data are converted into color image data in a device color space of an image output unit with a device color space conversion table generated by a device color space conversion table generator for thereby predicting a color image which will be reproduced by the image output unit.

Abstract: In an apparatus for reproducing a photographed image on each frame of a developed photographic roll film, wherein each frame includes an image region on which the photographed image is provided and a memory region in which information with regard to the photographed image is stored, an information reader for reading the information stored in the memory region; a processing circuit for processing image signals photoelectrically obtained by an image reader on the bases of the information; and the processed image signals are displayed on the screen.

Abstract: A CPU performs color space compression of an input image, and also performs masking processing associated with image formation. A plurality of images having undergone different color space compression processes are sent to a monitor via a video interface. The monitor displays a plurality of images on one screen. The user selects an image having a desired color appearance from the plurality of images displayed on the monitor. The CPU converts the color reproduction range of the input image into the color reproduction range of the selected image, and supplies the resultant data to a printer via a printer interface. With this processing, a preview function is provided for forming an image having a desired color appearance.

Abstract: A color corrected display image can be rapidly provided by color developing an imagewise exposed, duplitized color photographic element, scanning the developed image to form digital signals, and digitally manipulating those signals to correct either interimage interactions and/or gamma mismatches among at least two color recording units. The color corrected image can be provided in any desired form. The duplitized elements have at least one light-sensitive silver halide imaging layer on each side of the support.

Abstract: A printer has a scanning station where the negatives of a film are scanned zone-by-zone. One or more of the negatives are subsequently printed at a printing station by directing a beam of light through the negatives and onto a first photographic copy material. An exposure control unit adjusts the color composition and intensity of the light beam on the basis of data from the scanning station. Once a negative at the printing station has been printed in this manner, a reflector is moved into the path of the light beam between the negative and the copy material. The reflector deflects the light beam to a video camera which scans the negative line-by-line and point-by-point to generate a series of electrical signals representing an image of the negative. The signals are sent to a memory where they are combined with information about the image.

Abstract: In an image processing method for carrying out processing on an image signal, which represents a given image, the image signal is separated into low frequency components, middle frequency components, and high frequency components. Emphasis and restriction processing is carried out, with which the high frequency components are emphasized and the middle frequency components are restricted. The high frequency components and the middle frequency components, which have been obtained from the emphasis and restriction processing, and the low frequency components are combined with one another, and a processed image signal is thereby obtained. The image sharpness is thus emphasized, and noise components due to film graininess are removed, such that a reproduced image having good image quality may be obtained.

Abstract: A technique, applicable for use in implementing a print preview function in a color electronic imaging system, that, under a variety of different ambient lighting conditions, will yield a highly acceptable color match between a color image appearing on a CRT monitor and that which will be produced by the system as a printed version of the same image. Specifically, a computer system (120) is employed to scan an image and, through an ambient illumination sensor (27), senses the spectral content of the ambient illumination. The computer displays the scanned image along with various non-image information which can be used to adjust the color of the image. The computer transforms the color of the scanned image and the non-image information such that a resultant display of the image and the non-image information on a color monitor (24) will show the appearance of a print when the print is viewed under the ambient illumination.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus for outputting printing data to an image forming apparatus. The image reading apparatus has document reader for reading an image from a document to produce color separation data as to three colors, image data processor for converting the color separation data to printing data, converter means for converting the printing data to display data and display for displaying an image based on the display data.

Abstract: A pre-press process employs color accurate instant photography so that the customer and/or his photographer adjust lighting and exposure at the photography session to achieve approved reflection originals. The photographs are judged under controlled lighting against a standard background in device such as a potable illuminator. Since any deficiencies are corrected by recreating an improved original, the session produces a job output which is 100% suitable for color accurate scanning and separation without the intervention of the pre-press operator. Originals are suitable as proofs for the printer to match. Novel means are employed to achieve rapid, colorimetrically calibrated scanning with standard equipment, and the colorimetry of the prior art is improved to deal effectively with whitepoint and blackpoint misalignment.

Abstract: Silver chloride color negative films can be rapidly processed using shortened color development times and specific amounts of color developing agent and bromide ion. After development, and optionally desilvering or fixing, the developed film is scanned to form density representative digital signals for the color records. These signals are then digitally manipulated to correct both interimage interactions and gamma mismatches around the color records to produce a digital record that is capable of providing a display image having desired aim color and tone scale reproduction. That digital record can then be stored or used to provide corrected display images, such as color prints, using output display devices.

Abstract: Digital signals are generated and stored for each pixel of a frame of a video originated material. A computer reads the digital signals and converts them to binary image data by employing a program to reassign color and black component values for each pixel. The component value reassignments performed by the computer are a primary component modification step. The primary component modification step, in one embodiment, comprises component modifications by selected image zones of the video originated images, based on color data within actual filmed images originated simultaneously as the video images. The film origination and video origination are preferably provided by the same camera, with image data delivered for both through the same lens by way of a "beam-splitter" device. The primary component modified digital data is assembled and a secondary modification may also be performed. Film stock emulsion grain patterns are introduced to the images in the second modification step.

Abstract: In an image processing apparatus for previewing a color image, by using a color output device for forming a preview image, processing is decentralized, the load on a host computer is reduced, and a preview-processing program can be easily formed. The apparatus includes a communication device, e.g., a bidirectional interface, for communicating with a host computer, an output device for outputting image information for image formation to an image forming device for forming an image on a recording material based on input color-image information from the host computer, and a color conversion device for previewing an image which generates color-preview-image information for correcting the image formed by the image forming device on a color monitor. The color-preview-image information is transmitted to the host computer by the communication device.

Abstract: Film image processing equipment enables, before printing, exposure conditions to be changed in order to produce authentic color reproductions. Each film has a particular color characteristic or bias which can be cancelled to produce authentic color reproductions. The film characteristic is detected statistically and is used as part of the change required to the exposure conditions to produce authentic reproduction.

Abstract: A photographic image can be viewed at a customers location on her personal computer and images selected for initial printing, reprinting and ordering related image services. Photographic negatives are provided to a scanner to obtain image data. The image data is manipulated to provide a positive image of the photographic negatives and sent to the customers personal computer. The desired prints are then selected and order information is provided, based on the positive image as displayed on the display of the personal computer. The order information is recorded to allow the desired prints and services to be created and the resulting order is sent to a designated addressee.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting input color image data between a device-dependent color space and a device-independent color space uses a device profile having public tags through which an unalterable series of color transformation operations can be accessed, and private tags through which an alternative series of color transformation operations can be accessed. The apparatus inputs the image data and stores a first private tag and a second private tag. The first private tag stores override information for overriding the unalterable series of color transformation operations, and the second private tag stores, in a hierarchical storage structure, tag element data and references to public tags and other private tags in the device profile. The apparatus determines, based on the override information in the first private tag, whether to access the second private tag, and reads data from the second private tag in a case that it is determined to access the second private tag.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electronic film viewer system comprising a cartridge holding section in which a film cartridge is detachably mounted with a processed film loaded therein, a film feed section for feeding a film or a rewinding it, an image inputting section for optically picking up an image from a frame in a frame position to obtain an image signal (image data), a multi-image creating section for storing each frame image data in a multi-image memory section in a way to be assigned to a corresponding one of portion images into which a display image screen is divided, and a switching section for effecting switching to a multi-image area or the image data directly from one frame of the film by an operation section and sending any one to an external display section. The multi-image memory section allows a display of the multi-image area with a storage capacity corresponding to one image area and desired image data can be retrieved and displayed.

Abstract: A system for electronic image signal processing is described for use in a system including high speed film scanning apparatus and residual based hierarchical storage and display apparatus wherein full resolution luminance and half resolution color signals are processed to directly generate tonescale corrected full resolution scene luminance signal for image encoding without the creation of full resolution intermediate RGB images.

Abstract: In a digital image scanning system and method, a sample of tone values from the image is used to estimate the exposure or central tendency of the recorded image. The estimate is then used to select a tone correction function used to process the image prior to printing, transmission, or CRT display.

Abstract: A photographic film preparation workstation for supplying a high speed photographic printer and an index printer with film image computational data and film encoded data includes a film motion controller subsystem for controlling film movement, a film code reader subsystem for reading optically encoded film data, a magnetics reader subsystem for reading magnetically encoded film data, a film scanner subsystem for scanning film image data and generating a scanned image signal, a magnetics writer subsystem for optionally writing magnetic data to new format films, and a workstation controller in communication with the workstation subsystems for organizing, storing, and distributing subsystem signals.

Abstract: A photographic element, is disclosed which includes a support and at least three silver halide emulsion layers, that records exposure information. The exposure information is recorded in three image-recording units and wherein the spectral sensitivities of said image-recording units are chosen such that the average color error, .DELTA.E*.sub.ab, is less than or equal to 3.1. .DELTA.E*.sub.ab is computed for a specified set of test colors of known spectral reflectance, and the light source is specified as D.sub.65. .DELTA.E*.sub.ab is the average CIE 1976 (L*a*b*) .DELTA.E*.sub.ab between the CIE 1976 (L*a*b*)-space coordinates of said test colors and the CIE 1976 (L*a*b*)-space coordinates corresponding to transformed exposure signals.

Abstract: Image characteristics of a finally generated printed image that is reproduced from YMCK halftone dot percentage data from an image editor by an image output unit B are simulated highly accurately taking into account periodic noise and random noise, and the simulated image is outputted from an image output unit A. Specifically, the YMCK halftone dot percentage data from the image editor are converted into color image data corresponding to image characteristics of the image output unit B by an LUT combiner/converter, and periodic noise and random noise that can be produced by the image output unit B are applied to the color image data. The noise-applied color image data are then outputted from the image output unit A.

Abstract: A camera system has a camera section, a reproduction section and a printer section, the printer section being separably attachable to either the camera section or the reproduction section to form an integral body. The camera system has photoelectric conversion elements and picks up an image of an object to produce image data. The reproduction section processes the image data so as to reproduce the picked-up image on a display screen, and the printer section prints the picked-up image on printing paper based on the image data. The reproduction section may include an output device which transmits the processed image data to a television set having a display screen, and it may also be integrally provided with a monitor having a display screen. The camera system further includes a recording portion electrically connected with the camera section and which records the image data.

Abstract: There is provided a model where the illuminance of reflected light from the print is expressed with a linear combination of the illuminance of specular reflection light and that of internal reflection light. On the basis of the model, three methods are applicable to compute the colors of a print disposed in the three-dimensional space. In the first method, a specular reflection coefficient and an internal reflection coefficient, which are depending upon the wavelength, are interpolated by an angle of reflection .theta. and an angle of deviation .rho., and the illuminance spectrum of the reflected light is subsequently determined (step S2). Tristimulus values X, Y, and Z are then determined by integration of the illuminance spectrum according to the color matching functions (step S3). In the second method, the tristimulus values are determined for the specular reflection light, the internal reflection light, and the environmental light, respectively, and then interpolated by the reflection angle .theta.

Abstract: A device and method for producing clinically useful hardcopy or archived records from a real-time imaging system includes a controller which monitors variable settings on the system effecting display monitor images. The controller then compensates the signal sent to the hardcopy recorder or archiving device via gamma curve or Look Up Table (LUT) application and/or directly through recorder brightness and contrast controls.

Abstract: An image of an object is fixed on a color negative film, the object image on the film is converted into an analog signal for each pixel by use of a scanner, and the analog signal is output to a demodulation processing section. The demodulation processing section demodulates color information of the object from the analog signal and outputs the same to an image processing section. The image processing section subjects the color information to an aesthetic color correction process, if necessary, and displays an image having substantially the same color as that of the object on a color CRT. Further, an output circuit receives the color information from the image processing section, subjects the same to a preset process so as to create a color dye signal indicating the densities of color materials and outputs the color dye signal to a color printer. The color printer creates an image on a medium based on the color dye signal.

Abstract: CPU performs correcting process for the difference in sensitivity caused by the difference in the kind of film and exposure condition by setting an amplification value of each video amplifier to which an image data on each color of G, R, and B is inputted wherein the amplification value is set so as to make a maximum value in the maximum and minimum values relative to an output of an image data on a predetermined number of picture elements as a predetermined value, and corrects the contents of each lookup table which is provided for maintaining an amplitude of image reading data on each color of R, G, and B constant so as to obtain predetermined output amplitude by the minimum value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for arranging photographic images in a photographic album utilizing a database of photographs and a database of available album mats where each mat represents a particular available configuration for a page of the album. A video monitor displays the photographs in the database and selected album mats. The selected photographs are arranged on the selected album mats to establish pages for the album. The album pages can then be viewed on the video monitor.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for calibrating a photographic media requiring only a minimal area of the media by producing a pattern of exposure patches utilizing the steps of forming an exposure area on a portion of unexposed photographic media as a plurality of abutted test patches wherein the width of all the test patches is substantially constant and the width is less than 100 .mu.m. Each test patch is then exposed at a substantially constant log illumination increment over the previous test patch.

Abstract: In a method for producing geometric masks, a color image is displayed on a monitor. Color samples are taken from the image with a coordinate input unit and are deposited in a color sample memory. Color correction values that modify colors identified by the color samples can be input. A color computer serves the purpose of fast calculation of the color correction. For generating geometric masks, the color computer is loaded with an extreme value at the locations that are identified by the color samples. For that purpose, a table in the color computer is loaded with the extreme value at the corresponding location. The color image data are then applied to the color computer and the output data of the color computer are compared to a threshold. When the result is positive, a location in the mask memory is set. After all image pixels have been compared in this way to the thresholds, the mask memory contains a geometric mask at all locations that belong to the color samples.

Abstract: A system for use in a photofinishing station wherein photographic prints from photographic film frame images are generated. The system enables the station to process a filmstrip including a magnetic strip, and includes a digital scanner for generating scanned film frame image signals, a magnetic reader module for generating read magnetic strip information signals, and a processing device in communication with the digital scanner and magnetic reader module for adapting the image and information signals for use in the photofinishing station. The system also enables existing photofinishers to read magnetics on film, create in-depth prints, and automatically classify negatives by augmenting their existing equipment.

Abstract: An image input apparatus, or "scanner," capable of adjusting the focal point of an image-forming optical system and pre-scanning the same portion of an original document for various focal points of the image-forming optical system. The various pre-scan images are displayed side-by-side on a display device so that an operator can compare images and select an appropriate focal point. The scanner includes an image-forming optical system which forms an image of an original source, an image pickup unit, positioned so as to correspond with the image-forming optical system, for sensing the image formed by the image-forming optical system, an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the focus of the image-forming optical system, and a display device, interfaced to the image pickup unit, for displaying the image sensed by the image pickup unit.

Abstract: Any specific color (e.g., flesh-color, sky-blue and so on) is determined for its area on an original color image and corrected by the use of a matrix color correcting factor to assure a high level of reproduction of that color. Any specific color, for example flesh color, is previously extracted by pre-scanning (S1, S2). An area of the color is determined by counting its pixels included therein (S3). The determined area S of the specific color is compared with a given value C (S4). When S<C, a usual color correction is made (S6). When S>C, another kind of color correction is made (S9, S10). An area of each color is extracted (S9) and a suitable correction factor is selected (S10). All colors are separately corrected by using respectively selected correction factors, that assures a high-quality reproduction of the color image to be printed.

Abstract: A color printing system includes a central processing unit for generating color image data, a color monitor for displaying color image data generated by the central processing unit and a color temperature sensing device for sensing color temperature of viewing light in which color images displayed on the monitor and color images printed by the printer are viewed. A first light source has a light output intensity controllable by the central processing unit. The central processing unit is adapted to control the intensity of the first light source in accordance with the color temperature sensed by the sensing device so as to match the color temperature sensed by the sensing device to a potential color temperature. Additionally, a second light source may be provided. The second light source has a different color temperature than the first light source and the central processor can adjust the intensity of the first and second light source based on relative color temperatures.

Abstract: A color image reproduction system of the type having a color monitor, an image processing computer, and a color printer is capable of making a color print that appears as if the original image was captured by a photographic process. The effect is achieved by providing a transform embodied in a three dimensional look-up table formed by composing: a) a transform for transforming the color digital image to original scene exposures; b) a transform for transforming the video scene exposures to photographic scene exposures; c) a transform for transforming photographic scene exposures to channel-independent densities; d) a transform for transforming channel-independent densities to reproduced densities; and e) a transform for transforming the reproduced densities to control signals for driving the color hard copy output means.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficiently handling, modifying, transmitting, re-displaying and storing color images is described. An image is provided which has a plurality of pixels each having color parameters (information) in the form of color coordinates which can be considered a color point in a color space. The invention provides a plurality of color volume elements which together contain at least a portion of the color space and which in effect quantize the color space. Each color volume element has a representative color value (point) so that a first plurality of representative color values (points) are provided by the plurality of volume elements. A representative color value is determined for each pixel in the image such that, with a typical image, a subset of the first plurality of representative color values are determined. In other words, the image will not use all the values in the first plurality of representative color values.

Abstract: A methodology for handling photographic film in which a video image of each frame of film is acquired on a diskette as the frames are originally being processed in the photographic laboratory, the diskette is transmitted to the photographer's studio, along with the proof prints, for viewing by the photographer/subject, the photographer/subject makes further desired corrections or adjustments of each frame by viewing the video image of each frame on a computer monitor, the further corrections or adjustments are recorded on the diskette for each frame, and the revised diskette is returned to the photographic laboratory where it is used in conjunction with the film to produce final photographic prints. The final photographic prints thus graphically and objectively reflect the precise desires of the photographer/subject.

Abstract: In a color facsimile apparatus, a color scanner converts an original image into color image data, and a transmitter transmits the color image data in either a color transmission mode or a monochromatic transmission mode. A processor processes the color image data as processed color image data or processed monochrome image data according to the transmission mode of the transmitter. The data is displayed on a monitor, prior to transmission, in a first mode as a monochrome image and in a second mode as a color image.

Abstract: In a first system, a laboratory unit includes a developing machine for developing an exposed film, a printer for printing the exposed film, a print identification code printer, a film identification code reader for reading a film identification code, a scanner for reading the image recorded on the exposed film, a controller for controlling an image memory in is stored the image data sent from the photographer, and a printer which prints the image data. Also in the first system, a photographer unit includes an image memory for storing image data sent from the laboratory side, an image processing unit, an operation member, a monitor, an optical disc unit, and an image memory. The laboratory unit is connected to the photographer unit by a transmission line containing terminal repeaters. In a second system, on the photographer side, the images on a negative film are read by a scanner and converted into digital image data. The digital image data is processed by an image processing unit.

Abstract: Methods and means are described for enhancing the visibility of small errors in color balance and color adjustments of images previewed for subsequent production. The visibility of color differences is enhanced by varying the color reproduction of a system in such a way that, for each color, the luminance and hue remain constant while the chroma is increased. The size of the increase in chroma is related to the magnitude of the initial chroma. This increase in chroma enhances the visibility of small color deviations and makes it much easier for an operator to decide whether an image is correct with respect to color balance.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for printing an image on a film or monitoring the image on a display screen. An image generator, such as a CRT, generates a viewable image. The display screen is in optical communication with the image generator and defines a first optical path. A first reflector is selectively movable into the first optical path to intercept the generated image in order to reflect the image over a second folded optical path, defined by second and third reflectors, to the film. Along the second folded optical path is an optical filter for filtering predetermined frequency components of the generated image. In a print mode, the first reflector is driven into the first optical path, such that the film is in optical communication with the image generator, for exposing the film to the generated image. In a monitor mode, the first reflector is driven out of the first optical path, such that the display screen is in optical communication with the image generator for displaying the generated image.

Abstract: A color image communication apparatus comprises first means for transmitting color image data through a digital circuit, and second means for transmitting data representing a color expression form of the color image data together with the color image data through the digital circuit.

Abstract: A machine produces photographic color prints both from images captured on film and from digitally encoded images. A conventional machine used to make color prints from images on film is provided with a one-line cathode ray tube (7 or 7a or 7b) positioned along the path followed by a strip of light-sensitive paper (31) from a supply roll (3) to a set of chemical treatment baths (60), preceding or following a printing surface (29). A projecting head (71) of the one-line cathode ray tube generates a pencil-thin line comprising a high number of pixels in a notably broad range of colors. The single lines are emitted gradually and in ordered succession by the projecting head (71), impacting on a corresponding length of the light-sensitive paper (31) as it advances across the head, thus generating an image of high definition and chromatic fidelity directly on the light-sensitive surface.