CH648133A5 - Method and device for producing photographic copies - Google Patents

Abstract

The negative roll (1) is automatically copied in a printer (2) which is fed roll identification data etc. on a basic data carrier (5). Each image location is counted when passing through the printer, and an address consisting of the count result and the roll identification data is applied to the copy (7). After visual assessment of these first copies (7), a correction program strip (11) with addresses and correction data of the defectively copied image locations is produced, and these image locations are then automatically copied once more by means of this program strip (11). This operation is repeated, as the case may be. The program strip (11) and the film roll (1) are then archived, and the first and repeat copies are sent to the customer. The latter makes his repeat orders on the basis of the addresses visible on the copies. On the basis of the repeat order, the archived program strip (11) and the order information is used in the laboratory to produce a new program strip with the aid of which the printer is controlled in order to execute the repeat order. The originally archived strip (11) and the film roll (1) then go back into the archive (A) again, and the program strip specific to the order is destroyed. <IMAGE>

Description

** WARNING ** beginning of DESC field could overlap end of CLMS **.

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Process for the production of photographic copies from a film roll composed of individual films, whereby an initial copy of all images worthy of copying is made in an automatic printer, this is visually inspected and, with the creation of a program carrier provided with correction data, controlled by the unsatisfactory copies of a repetitive copy generated, characterized in that an address information is formed during the run through the printer and this is applied to the first and repeat copies, so that a clear assignment between each image and its copy is obtained that the film roll as a whole archives together with the program carrier and that for the creation of follow-up copies from the additional information contained in the program carrier, regarding the addresses and quantities as well as any corrections of the desired follow-up copies, a further, order-specific program holder is created and attached nd this program carrier, the subsequent copies are automatically generated in the printer.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that before the production of the first copies, a basic data carrier is created, which contains the role identification code and, if applicable, information relating to the orders and film material types present on the role, that a program carrier is also created during each production run of repeat copies, which takes over the information from the basic data carrier or that of the program carrier created last and combines it with the new information relating to the exposure corrections, so that after the last repeat copy run, there is a definite program carrier which contains the information from the basic data carrier and all the necessary correction data for producing satisfactory copies contains of all images.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the separating points between individual orders are marked and at least the copyable images on the film tape are mechanically scanned marks, preferably in the form of edge notches or perforation holes, and that the images are created when the first copies are made are counted starting from at least one reference point on the film strip and the address information is formed from the position of the respective image in relation to the reference point.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that no addresses are applied to the subsequent copies.

5. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that the address is applied to each subsequent order for one subsequent copy per image, of which one is desired.

6. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that the address is exposed on the image side of the copies.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that the address is exposed on an edge strip of the copies lying within the original copy format.

8. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that the copy format is enlarged over the original format and the address is exposed on an edge strip of the copies created by this enlargement.

9. The method according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that the images are counted away from the separation points between the individual orders on the film tape, that the orders or their separation points are also counted and that the addresses from the results of these two counts be formed.

10. The method according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that the basic information of the first data carrier is formed from an identification code for the respective film reel, from the number of the first order on the reel and, if appropriate, from a film type identification code.

11. Device for carrying out the method Claim 1 with an input terminal for generating a Data or program carrier and an automatic Printer which can be controlled via this program carrier and which has the means for counting the image to be copied to it, characterized in that the printer can be controlled by the counting means and the program carrier Means for applying address information to the receiver material onto which the images are imaged.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the means for applying the address information expose it on the receiver material.

I. The invention relates to a method and a device for the production of photographic copies according to the preamble of claims 1 and 11. In particular, the invention relates to the production of so-called reorder copies.

Contracts are orders that a customer places after having already received photographic copies, in contrast to the usual first orders, where the amateur usually blindly orders a copy of every copy worthy of a negative.

Subsequent orders are generally processed in such a way that the amateur receives his first order together with the ordered copies of his film from the processing laboratory, with the film usually being cut into short film strips that contain 4 to 6 negatives. For a reorder, he notes the number of the negative from which he wishes to receive further copies and the number of such copies, along with the desired format, on an order slip or on an order bag. With the reordering order, he also sends the film strips back to the processing laboratory. The orders are arranged in the laboratory and are usually copied manually by a trained operator. In contrast to the automated first pass, this process is slow and labor-intensive and therefore complex.

In addition to these purely private orders, there is in practice a category of orders with an expanded group of interested parties, which are to be referred to as collective or collective orders for distinction. Among them are such Understand jobs where multiple people are interested in copies of the same negative. Such situations exist, for example, in connection with photos of memories of public events, company celebrations, jubilees, inaugurations, family events, graduation ceremonies Schools and courses and the like. In such cases, who the recordings are usually made by a professional photographer or a competent amateur who as First order has sample images created, which he then exhibits or circulates and for which he receives repeat orders from the participants of the event and other interested parties, which he has carried out as an intermediary. It is characteristic that the films remain in the property of the agent and that larger numbers of copies are usually to be made per template. For the processing laboratory, such an order is handled like a private individual order.

For the more efficient processing of reordering

Sluggishly, systems have been developed that simplify the handling of the film strips sent in in the laboratory.

In a simple version, the film strips of an order are fastened to the side on a long carrier tape made of paper in an arbitrary order. For each template, of which copies are desired, the number of pieces ordered is noted on the carrier tape next to the template. In this way, a larger number of orders can be combined into a longer belt and formed into a roll. The copying process is then limited to passing this roll through a printer and positioning those templates in the exposure station that copies are required to be read, as well as reading the associated number of pieces from the carrier tape and transferring them to the printer. The exposure data for each template is determined by the printer's measuring system itself. In an extended version of this system, it is possible to enter information about density and color corrections in addition to the number of copies.

In another system, the film strips of an order are laterally attached to a long plastic carrier tape in an arbitrary order. The first negative number of each film strip and the number of negatives contained in the strip are entered on the keyboard of a screen terminal, whereupon all negative numbers of the film strip in question appear on the screen in ascending order. The required number of pieces can be assigned to each negative using the input keyboard. Negatives, of which no copies are required, are assigned the number of pieces 0. This process is repeated for all film strips of an order. At the end of the order, the information is transferred from the screen to a punched tape, whereby the negative numbers are not transferred, but only the number of pieces in the sequence assigned to each negative of the order, like the negatives within the Orders appear. In an expanded version of the system, additional information such as density and color corrections can be entered in addition to the number of pieces and transferred to the paper tape. The copying process takes place fully automatically after the punched tape as control element and the roll have been synchronized with the film sections or the individual orders.

The reorder systems mentioned contribute to the rationalization of the processes in the processing laboratory. However, they do not exploit further rationalization options and advantages, especially for collective orders. In the case of such orders, the film roll must be cut into strips after the first pass, the strips must be returned to the customer together with the copies, the delivery to the processing laboratory with each reordering order, the tape must be glued together in accordance with one of the methods mentioned, and the subsequent cutting are rated as useless operations, which are therefore uneconomical and also hinder a possible more efficient processing of reorder orders.

The known reorder systems do not solve a problem that arises in connection with the use of 35 mm film. As is well known, there is no clear correlation between the film perforation and the position of the individual image fields, since the film transport length depends on the camera and its correct operation. As a precaution, the film manufacturer applies a field numbering to the film during film production, which is based on the standardized division of 8 perforation holes per small picture (24 x 36 mm) and takes the half format (24 x 18 mm) into account by additionally dividing the picture field into dividing an A and a B half so that the numbering on the film is 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, etc. When using cameras with a feed that deviates from the norm, there are shifts between the Location of image fields and the associated numbering. Amateurs are therefore often unsure which number on the edge of the film can be assigned to a certain negative when reordering.

It is an object of the present invention to simplify, accelerate, and thus make the processing of reorder orders more economical. In particular, original films are to be protected from unnecessary handling and the associated risk of damage or loss, and the client is easier to formulate a reordering order by clearly assigning a single order number to each copy without reference to the marginal numbering of the film, while at the same time also staggering the time for reordering orders be given for the same template, to ensure consistent results.

The method according to the invention is described in claim 1. Preferred design variants result from the dependent claims. The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing: The two figures each show a schematic flow chart of the individual method steps for the production of first copies (FIG. 1) and of re-copies (FIG. 2).

The negative films sent in by the customers are first spliced and rolled up in the usual way. The separation points between the individual orders are marked appropriately and e.g. provided with serial numbers. The film roll 1 is then, unless it is an Instamatic film or the like, fed to a notching machine which provides each image point with a lateral position notch.

Before the film roll is fed to an automatic printer 2, a so-called basic data carrier 5 in the form of a punched tape or magnetic tape or the like is created by means of a suitable data terminal 3 (with punched tape punch 4). This basic data carrier contains an identification number of the film reel in question, the serial number of the first order occurring on the reel and information about the film material type of the reel. This basic information is now supplied to the automatic printer 2, together with the negative film roll 1, by means of the basic data carrier 5, which can be the color printer 3140 of the applicant, for example.

In the printer 2, the individual image points of the film roll 1 are photoelectrically analyzed step by step to determine their worthiness of copying and, if appropriate, the correct exposure data, and, if worth copying, copied. At the same time, the individual image locations are counted from any reference location. The reference point is the beginning of the film, i.e. the first image position of the first order, or preferably the beginning of each order. The printer is now equipped with means which form a numerical or alphanumeric address from the position number of each image position within the film roll resulting from the counting of the picture positions and the roll identification contained in the basic information (reader 6) and expose this address on the copy of the respective picture position (provided that the counting takes place from each order separation point, the orders must also be counted and included in the address formation). You can form the address and the exposure, e.g. like in the US PS Nos.

3,454,336 and 3,576,369 are described and are therefore not detailed here.

The first copies 7 made during this first pass through the printer 2 are now visually assessed after development. For satisfactory copies, the usual finishing 12 is fed.

If there are first copies in need of improvement, a program carrier 11 is generated by means of a data terminal 8 with reader 9 and punch 10. On the one hand, this program carrier takes over the basic data of the basic data carrier 5 and, on the other hand, contains the addresses of those image locations whose first copy 7 was deemed to be in need of improvement, as well as the associated exposure corrections. The transfer of the basic data takes place automatically at the terminal 8 in a known manner, the addresses and the correction data are entered manually.

The basic data carrier is now superfluous and will be destroyed.

Now the film roll 1 is fed to the same printer a second time or to a second printer 13 with reader 14.

The program carrier 11 is also fed to the printer and now controls the printer in such a way that each image point whose first copy 7 was defective is automatically positioned and copied taking into account the exposure corrections entered. The addresses of the relevant image points are also exposed on the repeat copies.

The unsatisfactory first copies 7 are then replaced by the finished, better repeat copies, so that a complete set of copies is available.

If the repeat copies are still not completely satisfactory, the whole process can be repeated. A new program carrier 11 is then created, which combines the information from the first program carrier 11 and the addresses and corrections to be added during the new inspection (lines 15 and 16).

This process of inspecting the repetitive copies, creating a new program carrier and making new repetitive copies can be repeated until a satisfactory copy of each copy-worthy image is available; however, one or two repetitions are usually sufficient. At the end there is then a program carrier which, in addition to the basic information already described with regard to the film roll, contains the addresses and definitive correction data of all image points which were not copied satisfactorily during the first pass. With this program carrier 11, which is referred to below as the prototype, the printer can then be controlled in such a way that all image points are copied satisfactorily right away.

This original strip 11 is now archived together with the associated film roll 1 (archive A). The role thus remains in the processing laboratory and, unlike most systems known to date, is not cut up and is not returned to the client or clients.

The copies will be given to the client. For repeat orders, the client gives the processing laboratory the numbers or imprinted on the copies.

Addresses, the desired quantities and any correction requests.

In the laboratory, the reordering order is sorted according to ascending numbers (addresses) and entered into a data terminal 17 with reader 18 and punch 19 (FIG. 2).

The data of the original strip 11 (which contains addresses and correction values of the repetitive copies) are also input to the same terminal, whereupon the terminal 17 produces a further, order-specific data carrier 20 which contains the combined data of the reorder order and the original strip.

The film roll 1 and the order-specific data carrier 20 are fed to an automatic printer 21 with a reader 22, which positions the programmed image locations on the basis of the data and exposes the required number of copies, taking into account any correction data (density and / or color) determined by the laboratory or client the finishing 23 feeds. (In this run, the transfer of any address information to the copies is usually not done.) After completion of the copying process, the film roll 1 goes back together with the original strip 11 into the archive A, the order-specific data carrier is destroyed or its data deleted, the pictures go to the client. If necessary, the latter can place additional reorder orders in exactly the same way, which are processed analogously.

The advantages of the method according to the invention are obvious: The repeat copies can already be created with reduced effort, in that necessary corrections can be programmed in a simple manner by transferring the address from the copy and specifying the correction data.

In contrast to conventional methods, the film roll does not need to be taken at all.

The films are optimally protected because they remain on the roll and are therefore not exposed to the usual risks of loss, damage or contamination.

After the generation of satisfactory repeat copies, the corresponding optimal correction data are stored together with the film roll for further use. This means that good copies can be expected straight away with repeat orders, without the need for repetitions, which is attractive both from the point of view of the reduction in rejects and the speedy completion of orders, and thus in terms of competitiveness.

The copying process can be carried out on automatic high-performance printers similar to a first pass, whereby the advantages of modern image analysis, high stability and fast processing come into play. It is not necessary to examine all image areas of a film roll beforehand when copying them for their ability to be copied or worthy of being copied, and to mark them with appropriate markings. This worry can be left to the copying machine, which also counts the non-copyable image areas based on their position markings, but does not copy them. The corresponding addresses are simply missing on the scroll. So you can never become a problem.

The identification of each copy by a single number (address) eliminates any doubts in the amateur customer, which number can be assigned to a certain picture.

For the client, the placing of repeat orders is limited to the transmission of characters and numbers, which can easily be done by phone or telex. This saves time and effort for the dispatch of film sections - apart from the necessary preparation in the laboratory for automatic processing.

Finally, the reassurance for the client is that orders that are staggered over time are delivered in consistently consistent quality.

The basic concept of the invention allows a number of variants which may be of interest depending on the application.

Different media can be used as data carriers. In the foreground are punched tapes and magnetic tape cassettes. Technically, magnetic disks (diskettes) could be used just as well. Even core storage areas of a large computer would be conceivable, although archiving would then be divided into two, namely a film reel archive and a data archive.

There are various options for address marking of the individual image locations. The simplest is to count all the frames from the beginning of the film roll and to number them consecutively. It has the disadvantage that a possible counting error propagates over all subsequent image points.

A more expedient method is to record the glue points between two jobs and the image locations per job separately, so that the address of each image location is primarily related to the distance to the next previous glue location and secondly to the number of previous glue locations up to the start of the film roll . A counting error within an order is corrected on the next order.

Because usually shorter and longer orders occur in an arbitrary mixture, the latter system is more likely to detect an error. Backups can be installed, for example, by recording the length (number of images) of each order on the original strip and order-specific data carrier and checking the correspondence of this number with the number of processed image points per order when copying.

Additional control options include inserting blank orders in the film roll and similar measures.

The addresses can be applied to the copies in various ways. Exposure on the image side is very useful, namely on an edge strip. This can e.g. are within the usual copy format.

The paper format can also be enlarged somewhat to create an additional margin outside the image format.

Furthermore, for organizational or other reasons, it can be advantageous to provide at least one copy per image field with the associated address, even for repeat orders. This would create certain simplifications or simplifications, for example in the final processing (sorting, packaging, etc.) of the copies.

Claims (12)

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Process for the production of photographic copies from a film roll composed of individual films, whereby an initial copy of all images worthy of copying is made in an automatic printer, this is visually inspected and, with the creation of a program carrier provided with correction data, controlled by the unsatisfactory copies of a repetitive copy generated, characterized in that an address information is formed during the run through the printer and this is applied to the first and repeat copies, so that a clear assignment between each image and its copy is obtained that the film roll as a whole archives together with the program carrier and that for the creation of follow-up copies from the additional information contained in the program carrier, regarding the addresses and quantities as well as any corrections of the desired follow-up copies, a further, order-specific program holder is created and attached nd this program carrier, the subsequent copies are automatically generated in the printer. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that before the production of the first copies, a basic data carrier is created, which contains the role identification code and, if applicable, information relating to the orders and film material types present on the role, that a program carrier is also created during each production run of repeat copies, which takes over the information from the basic data carrier or that of the program carrier created last and combines it with the new information relating to the exposure corrections, so that after the last repeat copy run, there is a definite program carrier which contains the information from the basic data carrier and all the necessary correction data for producing satisfactory copies contains of all images. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the separating points between individual orders are marked and at least the copyable images on the film tape are mechanically scanned marks, preferably in the form of edge notches or perforation holes, and that the images are created when the first copies are made are counted starting from at least one reference point on the film strip and the address information is formed from the position of the respective image in relation to the reference point. 4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that no addresses are applied to the subsequent copies. 5. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that the address is applied to each subsequent order for one subsequent copy per image, of which one is desired. 6. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that the address is exposed on the image side of the copies. 7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that the address is exposed on an edge strip of the copies lying within the original copy format. 8. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that the copy format is enlarged over the original format and the address is exposed on an edge strip of the copies created by this enlargement. 9. The method according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that the images are counted away from the separation points between the individual orders on the film tape, that the orders or their separation points are also counted and that the addresses from the results of these two counts be formed. 10. The method according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that the basic information of the first data carrier is formed from an identification code for the respective film reel, from the number of the first order on the reel and, if appropriate, from a film type identification code. 11. Device for carrying out the method Claim 1 with an input terminal for generating a Data or program carrier and an automatic Printer which can be controlled via this program carrier and which has the means for counting the images to be copied to it, characterized in that the printer can be controlled by the counting means and the program carrier Means for applying address information to the receiver material onto which the images are imaged. 12. The apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the means for applying the address information expose it on the receiver material. I. The invention relates to a method and a device for the production of photographic copies according to the preamble of claims 1 and 11. In particular, the invention relates to the production of so-called reorder copies. Contracts are orders that a customer places after having already received photographic copies, in contrast to the usual first orders, where the amateur usually blindly orders a copy of every copy worthy of a negative. Subsequent orders are generally processed in such a way that the amateur receives his first order together with the ordered copies of his film from the processing laboratory, with the film usually being cut into short film strips that contain 4 to 6 negatives. For a reorder, he notes the number of the negative from which he wishes to receive further copies and the number of such copies, along with the desired format, on an order slip or on an order bag. With the reordering order, he also sends the film strips back to the processing laboratory. The orders are arranged in the laboratory and are usually copied manually by a trained operator. In contrast to the automated first pass, this process is slow and labor-intensive and therefore complex. In addition to these purely private orders, there is in practice a category of orders with an expanded group of interested parties, which are to be referred to as collective or collective orders for distinction. Among them are such Understand jobs where multiple people are interested in copies of the same negative. Such situations exist, for example, in connection with photos of memories of public events, company celebrations, jubilees, inaugurations, family events, graduation ceremonies Schools and courses and the like. In such cases, who the recordings are usually made by a professional photographer or a competent amateur who as First order has sample images created, which he then exhibits or circulates and for which he receives repeat orders from the participants of the event and other interested parties, which he has carried out as an intermediary. It is characteristic that the films remain in the property of the agent and that larger numbers of copies are usually to be made per template. For the processing laboratory, such an order is handled like a private individual order. ** WARNING ** End of CLMS field could overlap beginning of DESC **.