Abstract: The present invention relates to a photo finishing system for printing images on a sheet material comprising: an image data source for providing image data; and an ink-jet printer for printing an image on the sheet material in accordance with the image data.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for developing a photographic emulsion carrier in a plurality of processing tanks through which the emulsion carrier travels in succession, with at least one rotatable roller, the photographic emulsion carrier having a front section and an end section and the roller being arranged such that an end section of the photographic emulsion carrier comes into contact with the roller while travelling from a first to a second processing tank, the direction of rotation of the roller being designed so that the roller can wipe the end section in a direction away from the emulsion carrier.

Abstract: A heat development system of forming an image by exposing and heat developing a sheet-form heat developable light-sensitive material by using a heat development image-forming apparatus comprising a conveying member, a light-sensitive material-supplying member and an image exposure member, said heat developable light-sensitive material comprising a support and a light-sensitive layer comprising a binder, an organic silver salt, a reducing agent for a silver ion, and light-sensitive silver halide grains.

Abstract: The exposure apparatus and the substrate processing unit is connected via an in-line I/F portion. In addition, information on the substrate carriage is communicated in between the control unit of the exposure apparatus side and the control unit of the substrate processing unit, and both units decide their next operation that contribute to improving the processing capacity related to the wafer carriage, before actually starting the operation. Therefore, the throughput of the series of wafer processing performed by the substrate processing unit and the exposure apparatus can be improved, and as a consequence, becomes possible to improve the productivity of the device. In this case, for example, information on the predicted time or the expected time when the substrate can be received or sent out is reciprocally communicated between both units.

Abstract: A photo printing apparatus (100) with a data converter (22) for converting inputted image data of a photo film (1) into print data with a print density set for each pixel in images, and a print head (4) for forming images on print sheets based on the print data. The data converter (22) includes a basic conversion processor (40) for converting the image data to exclude color information intrinsic to the photo film from the inputted image data, and an image quality corrector (50) for performing an image quality correction process for the image data based on attribute information on the photo film and with conditions corresponding to the photo film.

Abstract: A photographic processing chemical supplier for supplying photographic processing chemicals, in particular dry chemicals in powder form to a developer solution preparing means, comprising: a container having a receiving opening through which said photographic processing chemicals are receivable in said container and a supply opening through which the received photographic processing chemicals are supplyable out of said container to said developer solution preparing means; wherein an attaching means constituted such that a cartridge is removably attachable to the supplier by means of said attaching means; and opening/closing means for opening and closing said receiving opening constituted such that said receiving opening is closed if said cartridge is removed and such that said receiving opening is openable or open if said cartridge is attached.

Abstract: Method of processing photographs in a photographic laboratory by means of a photographic processing system, comprising the steps of: receiving customer orders and processing information, respectively assigned to the customer orders, each order comprising at least one photographic image and each processing information defining processing tasks, wherein a number of processing tasks is assigned to at least one processing site based on the processing skills of a number of operators available at the processing site, and if particular processing information of said received processing information, which is assigned to a corresponding order, requires the execution of at least one of said assigned processing tasks, the corresponding order is processed at the at least one assigned processing site for said execution.

Abstract: A method of developing a latent image on an exposed photographic element by applying a developer solution to the photographic element and scanning the photographic element with at least two different wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation while the latent image is developing. A method of electronically developing a latent image on exposed film, and a digital film scanning apparatus for use in electronic film development are also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a single digital image file from multiple digital images while minimizing cost, complexity, and/or size of the system. A single imaging station is used to generate a plurality of digital images from a medium, each digital image representing the same source image on the medium. The plurality of digital images are combined to create a single digital image which represents the source image. In one exemplary embodiment, the medium is moved a plurality of times in a continuous unidirectional path through the imaging station to create the digital images. The medium can be applied to a transport structure, such as a wheel, which can be rotated to recirculate the medium through the imaging station. The medium can comprise developing film, and the imaging station can comprise a front source, a front sensor, a back source, and a back sensor.

Abstract: A solution supplying device is disclosed, that comprises a gas-solution separation tank for stocking an undiluted process solution supplied from a package that packs the undiluted process solution, a solution supplying pump for supplying the undiluted process solution stocked in the gas-solution separation tank to a processing tank, and an overpressure release valve for varying the inner pressure of the gas-solution separation tank. With the overpressure release valve, the solution supplying device can use a small solution supplying pump. Thus, a device such as an automatic developing device that performs a solution process can be compactly structured.

Abstract: A submerged conveyance structure for a photosensitive material, including a main body, a blade, and a blade press. The blade covers the slit hole in the state with the portions other than the portion contacting the photosensitive material, that is, the vicinity of the end edges of both sides in the longitudinal direction and the vicinity of the end edge on the opposite side with respect to the side elastically contacting the conveyance path upper wall surface, nipped by the blade press and the first tilted surface having the slit hole. Thus, the sealing property can further be made certain at the portions other than the portion that contacts the photosensitive material.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a system for digital dye color film processing. In one embodiment, a developer station applies a processing solution to film to initiate development of metallic silver grains and at least one dye image within the film. A scanning system illuminates the coated film with light having at least one frequency within the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. The light interacts with the silver and at least one dye image within the film. The scanning station measures the light from the film and produces sensor data that is communicated to a data processing system. The data processing system processes the sensor data to produce a digital image. The digital image can then be output to an output device, such as a printer, monitor, memory device, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention is a developing method for performing developing treatment for a substrate, having the steps of moving a developing solution supply nozzle from one end of the substrate to the other end along a horizontal direction and a predetermined direction above the rotating substrate, and supplying a developing solution to the substrate from the aforementioned developing solution supply nozzle during the movement, and when the developing solution supply nozzle moves from one end of the substrate to the other end, a rotational speed of the substrate is changed. According to the present invention, the amount of the developing solution supplied to the center area of the substrate is decreased, and thereby evenness of the developing solution within the substrate surface can be improved.

Abstract: A system comprises a first maintenance interval storage for storing a first maintenance interval of each component which is not related to an actual utilization of an apparatus, a second maintenance interval storage storing a second maintenance interval of each component which is related to the actual utilization of the apparatus, a maintenance demander for demanding maintenance of some component based on the passing of the first maintenance interval of this component; and a maintenance interval prolonger for judging the second maintenance interval has passed or not based on the passing of the first maintenance interval, and when the second maintenance interval has not yet passed, suspending the demand for maintenance by the maintenance demander and prolonging the first maintenance interval. Consequently, it becomes possible to manage a maintenance timing of each component and give notice thereof on the side of the apparatus composed of a plurality of components.

Abstract: A monobath solution is coated onto undeveloped film to produce a developed image within the film. The coated film is scanned to produce an electronic representation of the developed image. The electronic representation can be output to a output device, such as a printer, memory storage device, data network, or the Internet. The monobath solution comprises a combination of a developing agent and some other processing function. For example, the monobath solution may comprise a combination of a developing agent and a fixing agent, bleaching agent, or stabilizing agent. The developed image generally comprises developed in-situ silver and at least one dye.

Abstract: One implementation of the invention is a self-service film processing system. In one embodiment, the self-service film processing system comprises a display and a film processing system. The film processing system operates to develop and digitize film provided by a customer to produce digital images that are then displayed to the customer. The self-service film processing system may include several additional components, such as various types of payment systems, image input systems, output devices, and customer input devices may be incorporated into the self-service film processing system. The film processing system may comprise a wet-chemistry film processing system or a digital film processing system. Another implementation of the invention is a prepaid photoprocessing card. In one embodiment, the prepaid photoprocessing card comprises a media and an encoded data device. The encoded data device contains prepaid balance data that can be used for payment of services at a self-service film processing system.

Abstract: A digital film processing system and film processing solution cartridge are disclosed. The cartridge comprises a housing and a chamber for storing a film processing fluid. The processing solution may be contained within a flexible bladder within the chamber. The cartridge may also include an integral applicator for coating the processing solution onto undeveloped film. The cartridge is generally removeably attached to the film processing system, but may also be refillable.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a digital dye color film processing system. In one embodiment, the digital dye color film processing system includes a developer station, a processing station, a scanning system, and a data processing system. The developer station applies a developer solution to a silver halide based film to produce metallic silver grains and at least one dye image within the film. The processing station then applies at least one processing solution to the film to substantially oxidize the metallic silver grains and to substantially dissolve the silver halide within the film. In the preferred embodiment, neither the developer solution nor the processing solutions are removed from the film. The scanning system then scans the coated film and produces sensor data that is communicated to a data processing system that processes the sensor data to produce a digital image. The digital image can then be output to an output device, such as a printer, display monitor, memory device, and the like.

Abstract: Recovering the dye image on film in electronic film development following a latent holding stage obviates the problem common in prior art electronic film development of film image destruction. Recovery of the image is accomplished using a developing agent containing couplers to form a dye image. These dyes do not affect the infrared scans of the image. Upon complete development of the dye image, further dye formation is halted by the application of a coupler blocking agent, while silver development and electronic scanning may continue or halt. After halting dye formation, the film is stable for an arbitrary time in a latent stage and may be dried and stored. Following this latent stage, silver is removed from the film with a bleach-fix leaving a conventionally usable film image.

Abstract: One embodiment is a system for the development of a film includes an infrared light source and a visible light source. The system also includes at least one sensor operable to collect a first set of optical data from light associated the infrared light source and a second set of optical data from light associated with the visible light source. The system further includes a processor in communication with the at least one sensor, the processor operable to determine an image on the film in response to the first and second sets of optical data.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for preparing a liquid treatment solution for treating photosensitive material, said arrangement including a storage container for storing fresh treating solution to be fed to a development compartment of a development apparatus, a supply portion for supplying a dry component or components and/or one or several mixtures of components for preparing the treatment solution and a reception container for receiving a solvent, wherein according to the invention a mixing tank is interposed between said supply portion, said reception container and said storage container.

Abstract: A substrate processing method for forming a resist film on a wafer with a base film being formed, and performing an exposure processing and a developing processing for the resist film to thereby form a desired resist pattern, has a base reflected light analyzing step of radiating a light of the same wavelength as an exposure light radiated during the exposure processing to the base film and analyzing a reflected light, before forming the resist film, and a processing condition control step of controlling at least one of a resist film forming condition and an exposure processing condition, based on the analysis of the reflected light. The method makes it possible to control a line width of a resist pattern with high precision.

Abstract: A leading edge chuck provided at a leading edge clamp unit and a trailing edge chuck provided at a trailing edge clamp unit are removable from a rotating drum. Therefore, a direction in which the rotating drum rotates in order for printing plates to be mounted thereon, a direction of rotation when the printing plates are exposed, and a direction of rotation in order for the printing plates to be removed from the rotating drum may all be made into a same, single direction. Accordingly, labor impacting working effectiveness, such as switching the rotational direction of the rotating drum, can be eliminated, and image exposure can be conducted rapidly.

Abstract: In an automatic processing apparatus for photographic-processing a film, the apparatus includes: a processing station for photographic-processing the film; a scanner for scanning the film on the way of a photographic-processing on the processing station; an image data memory device for storing image date acquired by the scanner; and an image output device for outputting the image data stored in the image data memory device in parallel with a following photographic-processing.

Abstract: An image handling method comprising: (a) processing an exposed photographic film at a processor-scanner station which has both a scanner and a processor at the same location, to produce one or more hardcopy images at the processor-scanner location; (b) reading data on the film which indicates that a set of one or more of the hardcopy images, is to be communicated to a hub station, which hub station is remote from the processor-scanner station; (c) scanning the set at the same processor-scanner location at which the film was processed, to obtain a corresponding image set signal; (d) communicating the image set signal from the scanner to the hub station; and (e) storing the communicated image set signal at the hub station. A system and components useful in the method are also provided.

Abstract: The system and method provide bin identification numbers for storage of developed film rolls in a system that provides reliable and effective notification to customers that film rolls they deposited with a vendor for processing are available for retrieval. The method determines whether the generated number is contained in a list of reserved bin numbers. If it is, another number is generated from the received data. This process continues until a generated number is generated that is not on the list of reserved bin numbers. That number is then added to the list and also stored in a data record corresponding to the received data. Upon retrieval of the developed film from the bin having the assigned bin number, the bin number is removed from the reserved list.

Abstract: When a resist film formed on a substrate is exposed in a predetermined pattern and thereafter an exposed pattern is developed, a substance capable of decreasing fluidity of the developing solution is added to the developing solution, the developing solution to which the substance is added is caused to become low-fluid under a predetermined condition, the developing solution is applied onto the exposed resist film on the substrate, and thereafter a predetermined trigger is given to the developing solution to cause the developing solution to become high-fluid so as to allow developing to progress. Thereby, line width can be made uniform and defects do not tend to occur during coating of the developing solution.

Abstract: A developing device in which, after a film onto which an image was exposed has been heat-development processed, an image reader reads image information from the film and the image information is recorded onto a floppy disk. Then the film from which the image information was read is transported to a cutting apparatus. At the cutting apparatus, the film is grippedly transported between a cutter roller and a rubber roller and the film is destroyed such that the image information thereon cannot be read. The cutting apparatus is built into the interior of the developing device. Thus, when the film is ejected to an eject tray provided outside the developing device, the image information is already in an indecipherable state. Hence, the confidentiality of the recorded image information is reliably assured.

Abstract: A film drop-off apparatus which minimizes lost film. The apparatus includes a computer; a display controlled by the computer which displays instructions to a customer, including photo delivery options during a film processing transaction; an input device controlled by the computer which records a customer choice for a photo delivery location; and a printer controlled by the computer which prints information identifying the photo delivery location on a film envelope.

Abstract: A system and method provide reliable and effective notification to itinerants that film rolls they have deposited at a place of lodging or a point-of-interest site for processing have been returned to the itinerant's place of lodging and are available for retrieval. A system that provides such notification for film deposited at a place of lodging includes a data capture device for reading customer identification data from an itinerant's electronic room key and film roll data from a film roll. A data server coupled to the data capture device stores the data in a data repository that accompanies the film roll to the film processing site. The data server also generates a data record for storage in a database. Upon return of the developed film, a notification message generator generates a notification message to the itinerant regarding return of the developed film roll.

Abstract: A box-shaped shielding cover is disposed at the surface of a developing solution contained in a developing tank and the bottom wall of the cover ensures that contact between the developing solution and the air is kept to a minimum and that deterioration of the processing solution due to carbon dioxide and evaporation of the water are controlled. Moreover, the close contact between the top portion of the peripheral wall of the shielding cover and the top cover covering the top portion of the PS plate processor cuts off the flow of air over the developing tank (the air flowing from the insertion aperture to the discharge aperture). Accordingly, the airtightness of the seal in the developing section is enhanced, there is minimal deterioration of the developing solution due to carbon dioxide, and the rate of replenishment of the developing solution is reduced.

Abstract: A method provides archival storage of information related to a photographic film unit having a local data memory. In the method, a logical memory is allocated to the film unit. The logical memory unit is physically remote from the film unit. Photofinishing parameters for the film unit are written to the logical memory unit for use by a photofinishing unit. The photofinishing parameters are also written to the local data memory. After an expiration of time, the logical memory unit is no longer maintained. A replacement logical memory unit can be later reallocated to the film unit and the information in the local data memory can be written to the replacement logical memory unit.

Abstract: An image forming solvent stored in a bottle is sent to a sub tank by a pump. The image forming solvent with the bubbles eliminated at a sub tank with the upper end open is filled into a jetting device having nozzle holes. The water level of the sub tank is kept constant by a discharge pipe communicating with the sub tank at a position lower than the jetting device. As a result, the inside of the jetting device is in a constant negative pressure state so that the atomized image forming solvent is jetted from the jetting device. At this time, the atomized image forming solvent can be jetted stably. The jetting state of the jetting device is not effected by the pulsation of the sub tank pump.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a film transport unit (5), in which a cleaning leader (80) formed of a synthetic fiber (81) hardened with a resin (82) is transported through a transport path of the film transport unit, and the cleaning leader (80) removes substances adhering to a magnetic head (32a) disposed in the transport path, with said cleaning leader. Preferably, the synthetic fiber is hardened by being impregnated with a resin (82) selected from urethane resin, acrylic resin and silicone resin. Preferably, the cleaning leader (80) is elongated to be an identical or similar shape to a film (2) transported through the film transport unit (5). At least a leading end of the cleaning leader is hardened.

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 method and apparatus for conditioning a previously developed photosensitive material. The method includes subjecting the photosensitive material to a liquid bath prior to scanning or printing the photosensitive material and the apparatus includes a second processing path for subjecting the previously developed photosensitive material to only some of the processing baths used for processing an undeveloped exposed photosensitive material.

Abstract: A photographic printing system for a photographic film stored in a cartridge with a cartridge ID. This system includes a receiving unit for receiving the cartridge storing the photographic film, the receiving unit having an information input for inputting first printing information on the photographic film as linked with the cartridge ID of the cartridge, a printer/processor unit, and an information controller for communicating, by using the cartridge ID as a key, with the receiving unit and the printer/processor unit, to control and record printing information for the cartridge ID. The printer/processor unit includes an information reader for reading second printing information recorded on the photographic film drawn out of the cartridge, and a printing processor. Third printing information is generated from partial printing information read by the information reader and partial printing information inputted by the receiving unit.

Abstract: The improved back printing apparatus for recording a back print on a non-exposed surface of a light-sensitive material to be subjected to wet photographic processing comprises a charging section to be charged with an ink which is heat-fusible but solid at ordinary temperatures and which is not water-soluble; a melting section for melting the ink; and a print head from which the ink melted in the melting section is jetted to record the back print. Using this back printer, one can produce sharp back prints of high quality without causing any adverse effects on the light-sensitive material A and yet good handling properties are assured.

Abstract: A mechanism for capturing an image of an object client includes a camera having an optical axis extending in a direction toward the object client. A half mirror is mounted across and at an angle to the optical axis of the camera. A monitor displays an image taken by the camera. The monitor has an optical axis extending perpendicular to the optical axis of the camera and is reflected by the half mirror toward the object client. The camera is located at a position such that the optical axis thereof is offset from and not coincident with the optical axis of the monitor reflected from the half mirror.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing a photosensitive material through at least one processing solution for processing of a photosensitive material. The apparatus includes a transport mechanism for providing moving of the photosensitive material through the processor. A heater is provided in the processing tank for localized heating of the photosensitive material passing through the processing solution.

Abstract: Described herein is a high capacity, low volume processor for processing photographic material in web form. The processor is self-threading and is capable of being linked directly to a high-speed printer. The processor can be replenished by direct replenishment of concentrates without external chemical mixing. "Fluid drive" is preferably used to provide both transport of the web through the processing tanks and to provide agitation at the surface of the web.

Abstract: An automated film processing system, comprising: a film having at least one recordable section for storing at least one customer selected electronic address; a film finishing system for reading the electronic addresses recorded on said film, developing said film, digitizing the images developed on said film, and for transmitting the digitized images to the customer selected electronic addresses; and at least one customer station, remotely located from said film finishing system, said station electronically connected to said film finishing system for receiving and displaying the digitized images when addressed by said film finishing system. Photographs taken by a photojournalist are automatically communicated to a remotely located news agency by recording a telecommunication address for the remote location on the film. The data can be prerecorded on the film or recorded by the photographer before dispatching the film to a processor.

Abstract: A device for feeding film cartridges into a processing and/or handling apparatus, having a first feed channel so laid out that the cartridge moves by its own weight in the direction of its longitudinal axis through the channel. The cartridges lie one behind another in the direction of their longitudinal axis. To separate them, an apparatus is provided that holds one cartridge secure by frictional engagement, while the lower cartridge beneath moves down to a second feed channel. Cartridges which enter the second channel are displaced, one by one, along this channel and supplied at a feed point to the film processing and/or handling apparatus.

Abstract: A modular photographic processor for processing a photosensitive material comprising a plurality of replaceable modular processing sections. The processor is made to be adjustable in size such that it can accommodate any desired number of replaceable processing stations.

Abstract: A device for automatic removal of a photographic film from a cartridge, in which the film is rolled up on a spool. The feed channel for the cartridge is disposed so that the cartridge moves through the channel by its own weight in the direction of its spool axis. The channel has a cross section that permits admission of the cartridge in only one direction. The device includes a mechanism to turn the cartridge into a position in which the spool axis is aligned horizontally. The devices also includes a mechanism for unwinding and separating the film from the spool in a light-impervious housing. A mechanism turns the empty cartridge so that its spool axis is vertical, with a prescribed orientation. A replaceable magazine sequentially collects and orders a plurality of empty cartridges.

Abstract: A method of processing recording media includes the steps of recording, on a second recording medium, image information recorded on a first recording medium; and effecting a parallel conveying operation for conveying the second recording medium on which the image information is recorded with divided portions of the second recording medium being arranged in a plural number of rows. The parallel conveying operation is effected in such a manner that the divided portions of the second recording medium are arranged such that a positional order of ends of the portions of the second recording medium which are disposed on an upstream side in a direction in which the second recording medium is conveyed coincides with an order of the image information being recorded on the first recording medium.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing recording media includes: a recording device recording image information recorded on a first recording medium onto a sheet-shaped second recording medium; a conveying/processing device effecting a predetermined processing while conveying the second recording medium onto which the image information has been recorded; a conveying device, provided between the recording device and the conveying/processing device, for enabling switching of a second recording medium received from the recording device between a held state and a non-held state, and for enabling the second recording medium to be sent out in a held state; a first moving mechanism for, after the conveying device receives the second recording medium, moving the conveying device in a second recording medium transverse direction which intersects a second recording medium sending-out direction; and a second moving device for, when the conveying device receives the second recording medium, moving the conveying device in a first di

Abstract: A developing machine having a high durability at a high temperature even in the presence of a high concentration of the developing agent is provided. The developing machine has means for keeping the temperature of a color developer having a concentration of an aromatic primary amine developing agent of 0.15 to 0.50 mol/l in the range of 40.degree. to 50.degree. C., and the material for at least one of the developing tanks and the racks is a resin selected from the group consisting of polyphenylene sulfide resin, polyphenylene oxide resin, polymethylpentene resin, polyether ether ketone resin, polyalkylene terephthalate resin, polyether imide resin, polyether sulfone resin and polysulfone resin.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving undeveloped film and for delivering prints and developed film to a customer. The apparatus comprises a workstation for interaction of a customer at the apparatus thereby providing instructions to the customer for ordering processing of an undeveloped photosensitive material. The workstation includes a first display device for providing instructions and information to the customer for use in said apparatus, for entering data responsive to said instructions; an acceptance device for receiving image data; a printing mechanism for issuing a customer claim check having a unique identification indica; and a second display visually separate from the workstation for displaying the status of various customer orders.

Abstract: A color filter is produced through the steps of: forming a layer of a color filter material including a colorant dispersed in a photosensitive resin on a substrate; and pre-baking, exposing and developing the color filter material layer to leave a color filter pattern on the substrate. In the developing step, a developer liquid is applied in the form of a curtain onto the exposed color filter material layer on the substrate, the substrate is allowed to stand in a substantially still state and then the substrate is supplied with an ultrasonic wave projected perpendicularly to the substrate while being in contact with the developer liquid. The ultrasonic wave is preferably uniformized by at least two rotating reflection or diffusion plates before it is projected onto the substrate. As a result, the color filter pattern can be developed with little development irregularity even on a large-size substrate.