GB2299410A - Labelling devices for exposed films - Google Patents

Abstract

It is known to provide data relating to processing of an exposed film strip on an order envelope. This data needs to be transferred from the envelope and may become separated from the film strip to which it relates. Described herein is a labelling device (20) on to which data (23, 24, 26) relating to the processing of a film strip can be entered, the labelling device being attached to the film leader (12) and subsequently being used to guide it through appropriate processing apparatus. The device (20) includes a plurality of data areas (22, 23, 24, 26) on which data relating to processing of that particular film is entered. The label (20) may be attached to a transparent cover (40) which protects the cassette (10) against dust when transported from retailer to photofinisher.

Description

LABELLING DEVICES Field of the Invention The present invention relates to labelling devices, and is more particularly concerned with such devices and their use in photofinishing operations.

Background of the Invention When a customer takes an exposed film into a retailer for processing, the film is normally put into an order envelope on which the customer's details are written. Instructions for processing and printing of the film are also noted on the envelope, for example, the film type, the number of exposures, the type of finish required on the prints, and the number of sets of prints required etc. The order envelope with the exposed film therein is then sent away by the retailer to a photofinishing organisation where the film is processed and printed, the prints and negatives being returned to the customer via the retailer in the same order envelope.

It has been a difficult task to correlate the prints, the film from which the prints were made, and the original order envelope at the end of the photofinishing operation. However, many processes and apparatus have been proposed to carry out this correlation prior to returning the order envelope, containing the processed film and the prints made from that film, to the retailer for subsequent distribution to the customer.

US-A-4 574 692 discloses a process and apparatus for preparing photographic copies from a film strip. A number generator is used to apply a control number to the film strip prior to processing and also to the order envelope in which the film strip was supplied. After the film has been processed and before prints are obtained therefrom, the same control number is printed on the reverse side of the photographic paper on to which the prints are to be made.

At the end of the photo finishing operation, the control numbers are checked on the film and the paper having the prints thereon, prior to the cutting of the film and paper ready for collation in the order envelope. If the control numbers on the film and paper match, they are cut and matched to the order envelope and returned to the customer. If the control numbers do not match, the cutting operation is prevented and an alarm sounded. An operator then checks the progress of the film and paper to obtain the desired match.

In US-A-4 760 574, a method of checking the correlation between identifiers applied to the film, envelope and prints is described. The identifier used in this case is a bar code attached to each of the three components, namely, the film, the envelope and the prints, which are to be collated at the end of the photofinishing operation.

Another method of correlating the film and the paper on to which the prints are to be made is described in US-A-4 800 406. In this case, the film and paper are coded alike and a check is made during the cutting stage to check for correlation of the two codes carried by the paper and film.

US-A-4 821 061 and US-A-5 093 684 relate to pairing of identification codes applied to the film and the prints. A first code on the film is read by a reader/encoder device and is used to generate a second code which is encoded on the prints. Packaging apparatus is then used to compare the two codes and to place the film and prints in a corresponding envelope.

It is also known to take information from an order envelope to generate a code for use on a splice tape to distinguish one film from another in a roll for processing. Such a method is described in US-A-4 823 162. At least a portion of the code on the order envelope is used on the splice tape.

US-A-5 124 742 discloses a method and apparatus for recording customer information magnetically on a film leader of a film to be processed. The customer information is written on a mark sheet which is optically read in the photofinishing lab, the information being converted to magnetic form for recordal on the film leader. The film is sorted with reference to the data read from the mark sheet and then it is processed in accordance with the customer's instructions recorded magnetically thereon.

Problem to be solved by the Invention In all the systems described above, information has to be read from an order envelope so that the film is correctly processed in accordance with the customer's wishes. The film and its order envelope are separated and the processing data given on the envelope may not be used with the correct film unless care is taken.

Summary of the Invention It is an object of the present invention to provide a labelling device for use in photofinishing operations which overcomes the problems associated with the prior art.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method of providing processing instructions for films which will not become separated from the film during processing.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a labelling device for a photographic film cassette having an exposed film strip therein, the device comprising a tag member which is attachable to the exposed film strip at its leading edge, characterised in that the tag member has a plurality of data areas on which data relating to the film strip to be processed is entered.

The tag member may have a shaped leading edge by which the film strip is taken through a film processor, and which includes at least one aperture for attaching the tag member to the film processor for transportation therethrough.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of processing a photographic film strip comprising the steps of: a) attaching a tag member to the leading edge of the film strip; and b) processing the film strip using the tag member to draw the film strip through the processor; characterised in that step a) is carried out at a customer/retailer interface.

Preferably, step a) includes entering data relating to processing of the film strip.

Advantageous Effect of the Invention By this method, a customer can fill in a coded tag, providing all instructions for a photofinisher, which is attached to the film itself at the interface with the retailer. These instructions can be read directly from the tag at the photofinishers and no further conversion of information is required.

Furthermore, the tag can be machine readable so that the processing apparatus can be operated automatically.

The method of the present invention provides the advantage that there is no order envelope which needs to be matched up with the film and prints the end of the photofinishing operation, thereby removing one component which needs to be collated.

Brief Description of the Drawings For a better understanding of the present invention, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawing, the single Figure of which illustrates a tag in accordance with the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention The present invention is directed to a labelling device for photographic films which can be used throughout processing and photofinishing operations. The use of this device allows automatic sorting of photofinishing films. The labelling device is used as a leader for the film as it is passed through processing apparatus, the information recorded thereon being readily utilised by the processing apparatus.

In the Figure, a film cassette 10 which is to be processed is shown. A tag 20 is attached to the leader portion 12 of the film in the cassette 10 by any suitable means at 14. The tag 20 has: a data area 22 on which desired information relating to processing of the film can be recorded; a retailer or dealer number 24 so that the film can be returned to the correct retailer or dealer after photofinishing; an area 26 for the customer's signature; and a shaped leading edge 28.

Information area 22 has a plurality of boxes 23 marked thereon which can be filled in by the customer and/or retailer when the film is handed in for processing. The boxes 23 include film type, number of exposures, print finish required, number of copies of prints etc.

The shaped leading edge 28 of the tag 20 has apertures 30, 32, 34 formed therein by which the tag 20 and film attached thereto is handled during processing. Naturally, any other number of apertures may be employed in accordance with the particular processing apparatus.

A transparent cover 40 is also attached to the tag 20 to provide a dust shield for the film cassette 10 during transportation from the retailer to the photofinisher. It can be easily removed from the tag when it is time to extract the film from the cassette 10 for processing.

The retailer or dealer number 24 may be in bar code form as shown together with the number in a readily decipherable form. Naturally, any other suitable means could be used as a way for identifying a retailer or dealer.

The tag 20 could be made from card or any other suitable material and then laminated to provide a seal which is impervious to the photographic chemicals used during processing of the film.

Alternatively, it could be made from a material which is both impervious to the chemicals and on which it is possible to mark the customer's requirements.

Claims (8)

CLAIMS:

1. A labelling device for a photographic film cassette (10) having an exposed film strip therein, the device comprising a tag member (20) which is attachable to the exposed film strip at its leading edge (12), characterised in that the tag member (20) has a plurality of data areas (22, 23, 24, 26) on which data relating to the film strip to be processed is entered.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein at least one (22, 23) of the data areas (22, 23, 24, 26) relates to processing data for the film strip.

3. A device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tag member (20) has a shaped leading edge (28, 30, 326 34) by which the film strip is taken through a film processor.

4. A device according to claim 3, wherein the shaped leading edge (28, 30, 32, 34) of the tag member (20) includes at least one aperture (30, 32, 34) for attaching the tag member (20) to the film processor for transportation therethrough.

5. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, further including a detachable cover portion (40) for the film cassette (10).

6. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tag member (20) is impervious to processing chemistry used to process photographic film materials.

7. A method of processing a photographic film strip comprising the steps of: a) attaching a tag member (20) to the leading edge (12) of the film strip; and b) processing the film strip using the tag member (20) to draw the film strip through the processor; characterised in that step a) is carried out at a customer/retailer interface.

8. A method according to claim 7, wherein step a) includes entering data relating to processing of the film strip.