Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided an image display device for displaying acquired image information including: an information acquisition section for acquiring image information and information associated with the image information by communication from an external device; an adjustment section for executing image quality adjustment processing in relation to display of the image information; and a setting section for setting details of the image quality adjustment processing, based on the information. Therefore, details of the image quality adjustment processing may easily be set automatically in an appropriate manner.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided an image display device for displaying acquired image information including: an information acquisition section for acquiring image information and information associated with the image information by communication from an external device; an adjustment section for executing image quality adjustment processing in relation to display of the image information; and a setting section for setting details of the image quality adjustment processing, based on the information. Therefore, details of the image quality adjustment processing may easily be set automatically in an appropriate manner.

Abstract: At least one of a nucleus forming process, a nucleus growing process, a chemical sensitizing process, and a spectral sensitizing process for producing a silver halide photographic emulsion is performed by using a microreactor. A minute region of the microreactor is used to precisely perform a reaction of nucleus formation. A condition under which host grains are allowed to react with newly supplied silver halide nuclei is made uniform to cause uniform crystal growth. A predetermined quantity of molecules for chemical sensitization is doped in a crystal lattice of a nucleus of silver halide to effect a sensitizing process. Alternatively, a spectral sensitizing process in which a single molecular layer of a spectral sensitizer is uniformly adsorbed on a silver halide nucleus grain surface is securely carried out.

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 said customer orders, each customer order comprising at least one photographic image, controlling the processing of a customer order in accordance with an assigned processing information; checking each processing information to ascertain whether or not the processing information may be automatically processed by said processing system and identifying those customer orders which are to be processed according to a non-automatically processable processing information.

Abstract: A photographic paper processor includes plural serially arranged liquid baths, for sequentially processing a first photographic paper sheet of one type. The plural liquid baths are constituted by bath groups G1 and G2. The bath group G1 includes a color developing bath. The bath group G2 is positioned downstream from the bath group G1, and includes rinsing baths. First and second motors are operable individually, and rotate to transport the first paper sheet through respectively the bath groups G1 and G2 at a speed V1. A controller sets the bath group G1 at a speed V2 according to information of a second photographic paper sheet of a different type for processing next to the first paper sheet. Subsequently, the bath group G2 is set at the speed V2, to transport the second paper sheet through the plural liquid baths at the speed V2.

Abstract: A method of preparing a roll of film for development. The method involves inspecting the film for defects and imperfections as the film is unwound from a magazine. A method of preparing a roll of film for development and developing the film is also disclosed. The development of the film involves conveying the film to a development station and controlling a temperature of the development station.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a processing arrangement that includes a processing section and a scanning section. The scanning section includes a scanner that is adapted to scan processed photographic film. The scanning section also includes a plate member with a guide slot therein and a plurality of film holding casings movably located in the guide slot. The film holding casing are adapted to receive the processed dried film from the processing section and queue the processed dried film for scanning in the scanner. With the arrangement of the present invention, it is possible to collect and queue multiple films to be scanned.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for developing a photoresist pattern. The method consists of mixing a concentrated chemical solution with a solvent to obtain a diluted chemical solution of a predetermined concentration. In this method, the mixing is done in a fabrication facility where the substrates are processed. The diluted chemical solution is then applied onto the photoresist pattern. Analysis of the pattern is then carried out to detect any defects or pattern collapse on the substrate. In the event that defects and/or pattern collapse occur, the predetermined concentration is adjusted to reduce the phenomenon.

Abstract: A processing method has been provided for an exposed silver halide black-and-white negative working sound recording film element, said processing method comprising the steps of processing said sound recording film element in a processing apparatus providing processing ability in a daylight environment, said processing method comprising the steps of developing in a time of less than 20 seconds; fixing in a fixer; rinsing and drying; making use of an automatic processing machine, the mentioned processing steps being followed by a step of controlling black-and-white densitometry, therefor providing the processing machine with a densitometer; further recording in a motion picture color print film and processing therein image area frames originating from an exposed and processed color negative recording film and from (an) optical soundtrack(s) originating from a silver halide black-and-white negative working sound recording film element, wherein said film element has been processed, after having been exposed, by t

Abstract: Sheet media package system includes a cartridge or other packaging for containing a plurality of sheet media; and a radio-frequency identification transponder which stores relevant digital data associated with the cartridge or other packaging.

Abstract: An image processing method to conduct an image processing on image signals indicating an image obtained through photographing by a photographing apparatus for generating image signals for output. The image processing method has a determining process to determine a content of image processing to be conducted on the image signals based on information about environment light in the course of photographing, information about flashlight in the course of photographing, and on at least one of information about zoom magnification in the course of photographing and information about ISO speed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for thermal development having a receiver for receiving an imagewise exposed thermal film, an accumulator for gathering the film, a drive for advancing the film from the receiver to the accumulator, a heater located between the receiver and the accumulator for developing the film, a compound image scanner for scanning the film after it has been thermally developed, the scanner having a first light source and a first sensor placed for forming a first electronic record of the image formed on the developed film by reflection, a second light source and a second sensor placed for forming a second electronic record of the image by an opposing reflection, and a third sensor and a third light source placed for forming a third electronic record of the image formed by transmission, and a lighttight container for the receiver and the heater.

Abstract: An integrated conventional and digital photographic system for processing and printing images, the system comprises (a) a conventional photographic processing control system having a chemical-based operator for developing chemically processed photographic materials which conventional photographic processing system includes a computer-based process control operator for directing chemical adjustments of the chemical-based operator; and (b) a digital processing system having a digital device with computer-implemented color management thereon for managing color operations of the digital device; wherein the computer-based process control operator transmits process information associated with the conventional photographic processing system to the digital device, and the digital device transmits process information to the computer-based process control operator both of which transmissions are used for controlling undesired variations in either system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and use of information exchange between processing solution supply cartridges that are placed on a small processing machine and a controller that is used to operate the machine. In a feature of the present invention, the controller is adapted to control the operation of the processing machine based on the residual volume of processing solution in the cartridge. That is, the controller is adapted to compare the residual volume of processing solution in the supply cartridge to the amount of processing solution needed to process a specific roll of loaded film and control processing accordingly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a camera including a writer adapted to couple information to a film in use in the camera, the information relating to an ISO rating setting for a particular image captured by the camera. The invention also relates to photographic processing system, comprising reading means to identify from magnetic information stored on a film to be processed the ISO rating setting at which images on the film were captured and a developer stage to receive the film to be developed. The photographic processing system also includes a control unit to select a development time for the film in dependence on the identified ISO rating setting. The invention enables optimisation of image quality to be achieved.

Abstract: An image data storage apparatus comprising an image data recording means for retrievably recording a scanned imaged data, and a branch transmission path for transmitting the scanned image data from a film reader to the image processor and/or the image data recording means. The apparatus further comprises means for switching the transmission mode to enable the image processor to receive the scanned image data retrieved from the image data recording means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and use of information exchange between processing solution supply cartridges that are placed on a small processing machine and a controller that is used to operate the machine. In a feature of the present invention, the controller is adapted to control the operation of the processing machine based on the residual volume of processing solution in the cartridge. That is, the controller is adapted to compare the residual volume of processing solution in the supply cartridge to the amount of processing solution needed to process a specific roll of loaded film and control processing accordingly.

Abstract: An image processing method to conduct an image processing on image signals indicating a photographed image for generating image signals for output, having the steps of: detecting an area in the photographed image where the mixed ratio of flashlight to environment light in the course of photographing is greater than a prescribed value, based on respective information including information about environment light in the course of photographing, information about flashlight in the course of photographing, and at least one of information about zoom magnification in the course of photographing, information about ISO speed and information about a subject distance in the course of photographing; and determining a content of image processing in accordance with a ratio of the area detected to the total area of the photographed image.

Abstract: There is described a thermal development apparatus, which makes it possible to prevent generation of density variations caused by changes of the processing temperature during the thermal developing operation when the thermal developing photosensitive material is continuously processed, without increasing the cost of the apparatus so much. The thermal development apparatus includes a thermal developing processor to apply a thermal development processing to the thermal developing photosensitive material, a detector to detect the thermal developing photosensitive material to be conveyed into the thermal developing processor and a controller to control the thermal developing processor in a feed forward controlling mode based on a processing condition of the thermal developing processor. The processing condition is established in advance, corresponding to a load of processing the thermal developing photosensitive material detected in advance by the detector.

Abstract: An automatic photographing film developing and scanning apparatus includes a film developing portion that automatically performs predetermined developing processing of a photographed non-developed film led by a leader, a film scanning portion that scans a processed film developed by the film developing portion to generate a digitalized image and a film guide portion that guides the processed film to the film scanning portion, the film guide portion being disposed on a film transferring path between the film developing portion and the film scanning portion.

Abstract: A photosensitive material processing apparatus includes a printer section for recording an image on photographic paper by exposure. There is a processor section for photographic development of the photographic paper. A drier section dries the photographic paper. A type bar code reader reads and inputs type information of a type of the photographic paper. A condition table memory is used to generate information of a transporting speed of the photographic paper and other processing conditions according to the type information being input, so as to control at least one of the printer section, the processor section and the drier section.

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: A system and method provide reliable and effective notification to customers that film rolls they have deposited with a vendor for processing have been returned and are available for retrieval. The method includes storing customer identification data in a data repository that accompanies a film roll container, reading customer identification data from the data repository after development of the film roll in the film container, and generating a notification message for delivery to the customer corresponding to the customer identification data. The notification message informs the customer that the developed film is available for retrieval from the deposit site. Entry of the data for storage in the data repository may be performed by a customer or deposit site employee through a keypad or through a scanning device that reads a customer token.

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: An automatic processing apparatus is provided which includes a processing station for photographic-processing a film; a scanner for scanning the film during the photographic-processing by the processing station; an image data memory device for storing image data 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: Photo-images are read from film using a digital film processing (DFP) system, and then transmitted for processing, along with any necessary associated information. After processing, the images can be stored in a database or transmitted to an image delivery system, such as a personal computer or kiosk, where a print, negative, computer file, or other representation of the image is prepared for delivery to a customer. All or any part of the image processing, archival, manipulation, retrieval, and delivery systems and associated interfaces may reside on an Internet web site.

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: A method for thermally processing a sheet of a thermographic material provides good flatness and dimensional stability together with a high optical homogeneity. The method incorporates the steps of supplying a sheet of thermographic material m (1) to a thermal processor (10) having a processing chamber (12), heating the processing chamber to a predetermined processing temperature, and transporting the sheet of thermographic material through the processing chamber in a sinuous way (4). This transporting is carried out by a first drivable belt (21), a second drivable belt (22) and backing means (27).

Abstract: A method and system for processing photographic film images, includes the steps of: providing a film processor having a plurality of adjustable parameters for a given process for processing a family of photographic films; defining a plurality of processing profiles having different values of the adjustable parameters for different members of the film family; and chemically processing a photographic film that is a member of the film family using the processing profile for that family member.

Abstract: A method and system for photofinishing, includes generating a unique roll ID number for a roll of photographic film to be finished; recording customer order information for the roll of film; associating the customer order information with the unique roll ID number in a central computer facility; marking the roll of film with a machine readable version of the unique roll ID number; and reading the roll ID number on the roll of film, and accessing the customer order information from the central computer facility to control a photo finishing operation, whereby the roll of film can be transported to a photofinishing laboratory without the use of an envelope bearing customer order information.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a system for processing light sensitive photographic material, comprising the steps of exposing an image onto the photographic material, applying to the material in an imagewise manner at least one developer wherein the amount of developer applied at any point depends on the image density to be produced at that point, wherein the exposure is controlled to account for the response of the photographic material to the amount of developer applied. The invention provides a method and system for processing photographic material that is simple, chemically efficient and produces low or zero-effluent whilst also providing fully satisfactory photographic performance.

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 convert the silver halide and/or metallic silver to a substantially transparent silver complex. 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: The present invention provides lithographic systems and lithographic processes in which conditions affecting critical dimensions are controlled based on a latent image signature. The latent image signature characterizes the latent pattern present in a resist coating after selective exposure of the resist to actinic radiation. The latent image signature is determined from the full latent pattern within a region of the resist. Conditions for subsequent processing steps (feed forward control) and/or prior processing steps (feed back control) to produce desired critical dimensions are determined from the latent image signature. In another aspect of the invention the latent pattern is logically divided into a plurality of regions. Within each region, a characteristic of the latent pattern is analyzed to determine conditions to apply to that region during previous and/or subsequent processing steps.

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: 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: Continuous photo film includes a support of resin film having a back surface. A photosensitive layer of photographic emulsion is disposed on a surface of the support opposite to the back surface. A conveying roller conveys the continuous photo film. The conveying roller includes a roller body of metal. A hardness reinforcer layer is formed on a surface of the roller body by thermal spraying of ceramic or cermet, so that the roller body surface is prevented from being scratched or ground by the back surface of the film.

Abstract: A slot coater device is provided for applying a processing solution, such as developer, to film during film development. The slot coater includes a housing having an opening for dispensing the processing solution, a reservoir within the housing adapted to receive a predetermined amount of the processing solution, and a channel for delivering the processing solution from the reservoir to the opening.

Abstract: A method and system (100) for using reference patches (108) to enhance electronic film processing of a scene image (104) contained on a first area of a film (112) include creating a reference patch (108) on a second area of the film (112); coating the film (112) with a developing solution to form a scene image (104) and a patch image (108); scanning the film (112) coated with the developing solution to generate signals corresponding to digital representations of the scene image (104) and the patch image (108); calculating image processing parameters from the signals associated with the patch image (108); and processing the digital representations of the scene image (104) using the image processing parameters calculated from the patch image (108) to produce color values which more accurately reflect the original scene and which are pleasing to the eye.

Abstract: A photofinishing method, including the steps of: exposing machine readable metadata and a scene image within an entire safe frame area on a filmstrip; processing the filmstrip to produce a visible image including the machine readable metadata and the scene image; scanning the safe frame area to produce a digital image; extracting the machine readable metadata from the digital image; extracting the scene image from the digital image; and processing the scene image according to the extracted machine readable metadata.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a processor or processing arrangement which includes a replenishment system that meters or dispenses an amount of replenishment solution in direct relation to an amount of photosensitive media that passes through the processor or processing arrangement. The replenishment system includes a dispensing chamber and a cam roller that is operationally associated with a conveying roller. The cam roller engages a valve on the dispensing chamber. When the valve is moved to an open position in relation to a rotation of the cam roller, an amount of processing solution is metered out of the chamber in an amount related to the amount of rotation of the conveying roller.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for thermal development having a receiver for receiving an imagewise exposed thermal film, an accumulator for gathering the film, a drive for advancing the film from the receiver to the accumulator, a heater located between the receiver and the accumulator for developing the film, a compound image scanner for scanning the film after it has been thermally developed, the scanner having a first light source and a fist sensor placed for forming a first electronic record of the image formed on the developed firm by reflection, a second light source and a second sensor placed for forming a second electronic record of the image by an opposing reflection, and a third sensor and a third light source placed for forming a third electronic record of the image formed by transmission, and a lighttight container for the receiver and the heater.

Abstract: A cassette includes a photographic element having a predetermined ISO rating suitable for capturing a plurality of images thereon and identification based on an ISO greater than the predetermined ISO rating. The identification specifically indicates that the photographic element is underexposed and, when developed, is to be processed and printed by a digital print station to correct for the underexposure.

Abstract: A film scanner generates and stores data for display on a display monitor of a host Computer. A user can use the film scanner and the host computer to view thumbnail images recorded on a film roll and to verify, create, or adjust information recorded on the film roll. The information recorded on the film roll includes data regarding a) the film roll, b) images on the film roll, and c) parameters for printing the images. In particular, the data includes selections of film image frames for which duplicate prints are desired, as well as information regarding the type and characteristics of the film and shooting conditions for each exposed frame of the film. The film scanner can record data onto, and read is data from, magnetic regions of the film. The film scanner can also read bar code information recorded on the film.

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: An image reading method and an image reading device enable an elongated photographic photosensitive material to always be read well even if the elongated photographic photosensitive material has connected portions or deformed perforations. When a discontinuous portion detecting sensor detects a discontinuous portion such as a connected portion or a deformed perforation, an image frame which will be at a position for reading at a time when the discontinuous portion may interfere with conveying rollers is predicted. While the discontinuous portion is being conveyed between auxiliary conveying rollers and the conveying rollers and after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed before a predicted image frame is read by a CCD line sensor, conveying of the elongated photographic photosensitive material is switched to the auxiliary conveying rollers, and the elongated photographic photosensitive material is read.

Abstract: A system for photographic film processing adapted to access stored information that is related to film processing. An electrically programmable read/write memory contained in a transponder is integrally attached to the film container used at each stage in the film processing chain. The transponder is capable of receiving a first RF frequency electromagnetic field and deriving power and address information from the first frequency, then generating a second RF frequency electromagnetic field in response, where the second electromagnetic field is characteristic of the data stored in memory. A transceiver is disposed within the processing apparatus, connected with an antenna and support components for polling each transponder. As instructed by a control logic processor, the transceiver communicates with the transponder to both read stored data from the transponder, such as manufacturing data for the film, and store usage and processing data to the transponder for storage in memory.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for developing a strip of photosensitive media having image exposure area having an undeveloped exposed portion thereon. The media include heat activated developer thereon. The apparatus includes a transport mechanism for moving the photosensitive media along a processing path; and a mechanism positioned along the processing path for selectively heating the undeveloped exposed portion of the strip of photosensitive media so as to develop the images thereon. The apparatus further includes sensors for determining the location of the undeveloped exposed portion of the image exposure area. A scanner may be provided for scanning the strip of photosensitive media so as to obtain a digital record of the images developed thereon.

Abstract: A digital photofinishing station is capable of being loaded with one or more distinct films in need of photofinishing. The digital photofinishing station has the capability to identify the film and apply a specific correction algorithm based on the identified film. More specifically, the digital photofinishing station is capable of handling films of different density forming properties, process these films using a common developing process, and apply a proper correction algorithm based on the type of film. Further, chemical constituents of the developer solution in the development process can be monitored, and based on known deviations in development caused by specific deviations in the developer solution, a proper correction algorithm is applied. In a further feature of the present invention, film can be developed and scanned at the digital photofinishing station.

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.