Abstract: A terminal 102 creates setting data 400 and inputs setting data 400 into an image output apparatus 101. The image output apparatus 101 sets the initial settings, operation settings, equipment settings, etc. based on the setting data, holds the setting data, and performs various processes based on the set settings and the held setting data. In addition, the image output apparatus 101 performs a media identification process, a media reader switching process, and the like using a media detection means 117, a media reader switching means 118, and the like, and allows only the use of the insertion opening of a predetermined media reader.

Abstract: A concentration detection apparatus includes: a light-emitting element that emits light; a light-emitting-element holding unit that holds the light-emitting element; a light-receiving element that receives light emitted from the light-emitting element; a light-receiving-element holding unit that holds the light-receiving element and is provided opposite to the light-emitting-element holding unit with a gap therebetween; a moving unit that can move through or at the gap between the light-emitting-element holding unit and the light-receiving-element holding unit; and a gap adjusting unit that adjusts a value of the gap as a distance between the light-emitting-element holding unit and the light-receiving-element holding unit.

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: A photographic film with a row of sprocket holes formed on each side thereof includes a sensitometric step wedge of different light intensity values exposed along one side of the film, preferably located between the sprocket holes.

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: A method of density correction in a heat developing apparatus of which photothermographic recording material is thermally developed by light or heat application, comprising the steps of outputting a density correcting chart for setting density correcting conditions, measuring the image densities of the density correcting chart with a densitometer using a monochromatic light source, and correcting density correcting conditions for image recording in the heat developing apparatus based on the measured densities, wherein the density correcting conditions are corrected by using only the densities of low to middle density areas out of the densities of low to high density areas as measured with the built-in densitometer and corrected based on the density correcting chart.

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.

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: 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 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: Device for the self-service collection of photographic material, such as rolls of film, throwaway cameras, negatives for reprinting or otherwise, to be subjected to processing, said photographic material being placed by users in envelopes (13), or in other similar containing means, solidly bearing an identification code and equipped with a corresponding ticket or receipt which can be detached and kept by the customer to collect the processed photographic material, the envelopes (13) being first compiled by the users with their own identification data and with data regarding the processing required and then introduced into collection means (19), such as a sack, a box or similar, equipped with introduction slits (18), said device comprising detection means (26, 27) located upstream of said collection means (19) and suitable to verify at least the validity of said identification code, said detection means (26, 27) governing closing means (20) which can be selectively activated and suitable to prevent the passage

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 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: Before forming a resist pattern, the light reflectivity of the undercoat of the wafer is measured by a reflectivity measuring unit. The conditions are controlled according to the measured reflectivity when forming the resist pattern. The conditions when forming the resist pattern are the rotation speed when supplying the resist solution while rotating the wafer inside the resist coating unit, the exposure time in the exposing unit, the developing time in the developing unit, and so forth. Thus, by controlling the conditions when forming the resist pattern according to the light reflectivity of the wafer's undercoat, a highly fine control of the line width of the resist pattern is made possible.

Abstract: A processed sheet of photographic film is guided into a channel of scanning equipment in which it is subjected to light from an elongate fluorescent tube. Light transmitted through the film is detected by a sensing arrangement in the form of an elongate solar cell strip. The strip is scored so as to divide it into 3 small subsidiary sensors and four longer sensors. All seven sensors form the main light sensor. As the leading edge of the film, which is assumed to be of uniform light density, enters the channel and totally obscures at least one of the subsidiary sensors, that sensor measures the transmittance of the film. This value, together with the reduction in light sensed by the main sensor, is then used to determine the width of the film. The film width is combined with the separately computed film length, to provide a signal used to control the amount of replenishment chemicals to be supplied to a photoprocessor.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising means for processing exposed photographic film and means for digitizing the processed photographic film is disclosed. According to a preferred mode, the apparatus for processing exposed radiographic film and for digitizing the processed film on-line is characterized in that the digitizing section of the apparatus is connected directly to the dryer section and that the length of the digitizing section is not more than 10% of the total length of the processing section of the apparatus. The apparatus is particularly dedicated for the rapid processing and digitizing of medical radiographic film.

Abstract: A container for a system to collect, manage, process and move photographic material, contained in wrappers of a defined form, for example rolls (24) is associated with an automatic device to collect the photographic material to be processed and also with at least a processing machine (13, 14) including its own data processing unit (41). The automatic collection device includes means to recognize the client (28), means (29) to input commands and aperture means (23) for the introduction of the roll (24).

Abstract: A method of developing photoresist films formed on a plurality of substrates utilizes a circulated developing fluid to sequentially develop the photoresist films with developing accuracy and controllability secured. It includes the steps of measuring the conductivity and the absorbance of the developing fluid, calculating the pH value or its equivalence thereof in accordance with the conductivity and absorbance measured in the measuring step; and maintaining the pH value or its equivalence to be in a predetermined range. There are also disclosures as to an apparatus for developing photoresist films, and a color filter and a liquid crystal display device manufactured by the method of developing photoresist films.

Abstract: There is described a photosensitive material processing apparatus which automatically develops pieces of film being longer in the longitudinal direction than in the width direction like a piece of photographic film for consumer use. The photosensitive material processing apparatus, embodied in the present invention, includes an ejecting section to eject a photosensitive material, a storing section to store a plurality of photosensitive materials and a conveyor for moving to the storing section while supporting a leading portion of the photosensitive material.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer processing system having a multi-layered arrangement of wafer processing units included in a spinner to carry out photoresist coating and developing processes for the formation of micro patterns on semiconductor wafers, thereby enabling an easy increase in those processing units coping with an introduction of new processes without increasing the occupying space of the processing units, while being capable of achieving accurate wafer feeding and loading operations, and minimizing the consumption of a chemical solvent coated over wafers. The system includes groups of modules each being selected from first and second modules. The first module includes a plurality of bake units each having bake boxes arranged in a multi-layered fashion, the bake units being arranged adjacent to one another in the wafer feeding direction, and a spin unit, such as a spine coater or a spine developer, fixedly mounted on the bake units.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for controlling the activity of a development composition which comprises, as a developing agent, an organometallic complex. The method includes measuring the variations in optical density difference of the composition that varies with the degree of oxidation of the organometallic complex. The method also makes it possible to regenerate the development composition by means of an electrolysis current. A device for controlling the activity of the development composition includes two light-emitting diodes of different wavelengths, the light beams of which pass through the development composition, and photodiodes to receive transmitted light.

Abstract: Presence or absence of paper is detected by individual sensors and data content stored in a backup RAM is checked out at the time when an external power source begins to supply electric power, and paper feeding operation is automatically performed by a CPU in accordance with detected states and the stored data content.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of testing the state of development of a photographic film in a light-proof cartridge. According to the invention, the leading edge of the film is pulled out of the cartridge, the film is positioned between a light source and a photosensor, and the amount of light passing between the light source and photosensor is measured. The state of the film is recognized as being undeveloped if a small amount of light passes therebetween.

Abstract: A development control method capable of adequately determining exposed frames of a silver halide photosensitive material so as to develop the exposed frames. When a photographing operation is performed by using a predetermined negative film, exposure completion information indicating completion of exposure is recorded at a position corresponding to the position of each frame. When the negative film accommodated in a magazine is drawn out so as to be developed, reading of exposure completion information corresponding to the first frame is tried. If exposure completion information can be read, a determination can be performed that the frame has been exposed. Therefore, reading of exposure completion information corresponding to a next frame is tried. Reading of exposure completion information is sequentially tried for the following frames. When exposure completion information cannot be read, all of the exposed frames are determined to be detected.

Abstract: A method for determining a state of a processing solution in a printer processor which exposes a photosensitive material to a light emitted from a light source and processes the material with processing solution, the printer processor having a function to correct exposure conditions in response to at least the amount of light from the light source, a characteristic of the photosensitive material, and a state of the processing solution by adjusting a plurality of exposure condition correction parameter values, comprising the steps of: (a) storing change history of at least one of the exposure condition correction parameter values; and (b) determining whether or not the state of the processing solution is in a preferable state based on the stored change history of at least one of the correction parameter values. Therefore, the characteristics of the change in the processing solution state appear in the history of change of the exposure condition correction parameter values.

Abstract: A photo filmstrip includes two side portions extending in a longitudinal direction, and has a leader, a trailer, and a series of effective frame regions arranged between the leader and the trailer. A series of bar codes are recorded on one of the side portions optically in a predetermined exposing condition, i.e, with light of an intensity suitable for the film speed. The bar codes are associated with the series of the effective frame regions. A test dot is recorded optically in the predetermined exposing condition, disposed in each of the leader and the trailer, for inspection of the optical recording.

Abstract: A photographic printing and developing apparatus includes an exposure section in which a standard exposure is effected on a photosensitive material under predetermined conditions in a manner similar to that for preparing a conventional control strip. The apparatus further includes a device for measuring the density of the developed photosensitive material, and a device for displaying the condition of the processing solution which is determined based on the measured density. A negative film is prepared for the standard exposure. The apparatus is provided with a control section which selectively uses different light sources for ordinary printing and for the standard exposure. The control section reads in the measured density of the photosensitive material after the developing process, and calculates the condition of the processing solution based on the measured density. It is judged whether or not the condition of the processing solution is within a usable range, and the results of judgment are displayed.

Abstract: A modular photographic processor for processing a photosensitive material. The processor comprising a modular processing section containing at least one removable processing tank for holding a processing solution therein, the at least removable processing tank having an outlet port and an inlet port, and a modular recirculation system having a first end and a second end. The first end being connected to the inlet port by a first fluid connection and the second end being connected to the outlet port by a second fluid connection. The recirculation system including at least one replaceable fluid processing component which is connected to the recirculation system by a fluid connection.

Abstract: A film rewinder for rewinding film from a film cartridge to an intermediate cartridge. Its driving unit for rotating the film cartridge spool is also used to drive a tool for separating the film trailing end from the film cartridge spool. The film cartridge has a tool guide, so that the entire device is sufficiently compact. The film rewinder has a film cartridge receptacle and a winding unit for winding the film fed from the film cartridge into the intermediate cartridge. A film guide is provided between the receptacle and the winding unit. The spools of the two cartridges are driven by separate motors independently of each other. The tool is an arcuate member adapted to be pivoted in a circular path by the motor for the film cartridge. In order to minimize the length of the film guide and thus to minimize the size of the entire film rewinder, the film guide is provided with a release guide.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a silver halide photographic material having an emulsion surface, includes a supply device to supply processing solution from a container to the emulsion surface through a space; a converter to convert one of density level of an image signal and a light amount of a exposure signal into a processing signal representing an amount of the processing solution; a regulating device to regulate an amount of the processing solution in accordance with the processing signal so that the regulated amount of the processing solution is supplied to the emulsion surface of the silver halide photographic material through the space by the supply device.

Abstract: An automatic film processing apparatus includes a detector plate which is projected upward when cartridges are placed in cartridge case in an adverse manner. Limit switches detect the upward displacement of the detector plate and present a warning signal to an operator.

Abstract: To provide a standard for determining an objective level of performance of photographic film developer processes, a production sensitometer, of the type commonly used in the field, is correlated with a high precision, master sensitometer, defined as a standard. Relative exposure values are computed for each step of a step wedge exposed by a production sensitometer with reference to a corresponding step of a step wedge exposed in the master sensitometer. The relative exposure values are recorded and stored in a read-only memory in the production sensitometer. In the field, the steps of a step wedge on a test film strip exposed by the production sensitometer and developed by the developer processor to be tested, are read by a densitometer which uses the stored relative exposure values to compute density values for the test strip correlated to the master sensitometer. The developer processor may then be adjusted such that the developed film will match quality control parameters, e.g.

Abstract: A cartridge (1) for a processing chemical (3), such as a photographic developer or the like, comprises a main body (2) having an outlet (4, 5, 6, 7) by way of which the chemical may be introduced into and removed from the main body. The outlet is adapted for connection to a processing apparatus (8, 9, 10) to permit the chemical to be transferred between the apparatus and the cartridge. The main body of the cartridge incorporates a tube (6), one end of which is located externally of the main body. The tube extends through the interior of the main body so that its other end is disposed adjacent a region of the main body which is opposite that part of the main body where the outlet is formed. The cartridge is designed to be mounted on a processing apparatus with its outlet directed downwardly so that the tube stands substantially vertically. The processing chemical may be pumped out of the cartridge and back into the cartridge via the tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for receiving exposed film, processing the exposed film, printing the processed film so as to produce prints, and dispensing of the prints and processed film to a customer. The apparatus includes a mechanism for delivering to the apparatus an exposed strip of film. The film has a first unexposed area and a second exposed area containing images. A mechanism is also provided for providing a reference exposure onto the first unexposed area. The apparatus also includes a processing section for processing the exposed film so as to develop the images on a second area of the film and the reference exposure on the first area a section for scanning the first and/or second areas so as to obtain information regarding the photometric balance of the film. The apparatus prints the film in accordance with the information data received from the scanner. A storage and dispensing mechanism is provided for each customer order.

Abstract: A photographic processing condition managing method applied to an image forming device equipped with a function for immersing a photosensitive material for photographing into a processing solution for photosensitive materials for photographing so as to process the photosensitive material for photographing.

Abstract: A photosensitive material processing apparatus includes plural processing tanks each to process a photosensitive material; plural cartridges each to fill solid processing agents for replenishment used in each of the plural processing tanks.

Abstract: A magazine having a plurality of cavities, each cavity designed for holding and dispensing a film cartridge. A memory is secured to the magazine for retaining and storing information relating to the magazine, cartridge, and/or photosensitive material.

Abstract: In a photosensitive material processing apparatus, a photosensitive material taking on the form of a long strip is fed into a conveyance mechanism and conveyed in this form along a predetermined conveyance path. An exposure device, a reservoir section, a development processing section, and a cutter are located in the conveyance path. The exposure device carries out scanning exposing operations on the long strip of the photosensitive material and thereby forms latent images on the long strip of the photosensitive material. In the reservoir section, a looped portion for serving as a buffer for conveyance is formed in the long strip of the photosensitive material, on which the latent images have been formed. In the development processing section, development processing is carried out on the long strip of the photosensitive material, which is fed via the reservoir section.

Abstract: An automatic developer for developing a light-sensitive material such as a photographic material.