JPH0216536A - Method and camera for obtaining color image - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To store an electrical signal in a magnetic disk by spectrally splitting a multicolor light beam to monochromatic light beam components, recording images corresponding to the components at the different parts of black-and-white film, converting the monochromatic image into the electrical signal and forming a color image from the signal obtained by synthesizing the signals. CONSTITUTION: This method is provided with a stage where the multi-color light beam is spectrally split into the monochromatic light beam components by using the camera provided with a beam splitter 16 and the image of the monochromatic light beam component corresponding thereto is recorded at the different part of the black-and-white film 18; a stage where the film 18 is developed; a stage where the monochromatic image is converted into the electrical signal; and a stage where the color image is formed from the signal obtained by synthesizing the signals. The black-and-white film 18 is reliable, has high resolution, is easily developed and provided with a merit that it withstands long-term storage. After viewing the image on a CRT, a user judges whether the image should be printed (for example, by a high resolution thermal transfer printer) or it should be recorded on a VCR tape.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] (Industrial application field) The present invention relates to a camera/image processing device.

(Prior Art) A film camera records images on black and white film or color film. The film is then developed and used to print images, project images, or project a series of images onto a screen as a moving image.

A television camera converts an image into an electrical signal, and this electrical signal is used to create a black and white or color image, which is continuously projected in real time onto a cathode ray tube (CRT) of a television device. The electrical signals can be recorded on magnetic tape for later playback, and with the popularity of home video cassette recorders (VCRs) such cameras and image processing devices are becoming increasingly popular. Recently, new video cameras have been developed that convert color images into electrical signals and store the converted electrical signals on, for example, the camera's magnetic disk.

(Means for Solving the Problems) A method for obtaining a color image according to one aspect of the present invention generally involves splitting a polychromatic light beam into monochromatic light beam components using a camera equipped with a beam spectrometer. recording images of corresponding monochromatic light beam components on different parts of a black and white film; developing said film; converting the monochromatic image into electrical signals; and producing said color image from a composite of said signals. It is characterized by having a step of creating. Black and white films are generally reliable, have high resolution, are easy to develop, and have the advantage of long shelf life. These cameras and image processing devices allow the user to view the image on a CRT and then decide whether to print the image (e.g., with a high-resolution image thermal transfer printer) or record it on VCR tape. can.

In a preferred embodiment, converting the monochrome images into electrical signals comprises scanning across each monochrome image. The electrical signal is a digital pixel data signal representative of the pixel intensity of each monochromatic image. The zero pixel data signal is obtained using a scanner (e.g., a horizontal row of sensing elements) that moves across the monochromatic image. Ru. Prior to scanning, the scanner is angled and scanned to match the recorded monochromatic image. The pixel data is averaged and stored in a frame buffer before the image is displayed on a CRT. One of the monochromatic images is recorded on the film as a symmetrical image with respect to another monochromatic image, and the difference in orientation is electrically corrected before the image is produced. Data (eg, customer, date, shooting location, etc.) is recorded on the film at the processing station as required.

Cameras according to other aspects of the invention generally include a beam spectrometer for splitting a polychromatic light beam into monochromatic light beam components and receiving the split monochromatic light beam components at different portions of the film; In order to accurately determine the position of the monochromatic image, the film is characterized by a marking device capable of attaching alignment marks to portions of the film at fixed positions relative to the recorded monochromatic image. It is said that In this way, when monochromatic image components are combined to obtain a color image, the monochromatic image components on the film can be precisely aligned. For example, when using a scanner, these alignment marks can be used to ,
The angle of the scanner can be adjusted for recorded monochrome images.

In a preferred embodiment, the alignment marks are formed by directing light from a light source to desired locations on the film. Light from a light source is directed to the film through a light guide (eg, a transparent plastic plate or optical fiber). A mask is provided in contact with the film for each monochromatic image. The mask has an aperture through which a monochromatic light beam of a monochromatic image passes and a molded hole through which the light passes to form registration marks on the film. When taking pictures, a pressure plate is provided that presses the film against the mask. The film is elongated and monochromatic images are recorded at different locations along the film. Two alignment marks are provided per monochromatic light beam image. The registration mark varies in width along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the film, and by comparing the width of the mark detected by the linear scanner, the linear scanner and the registration mark (i.e., the monochrome image recorded) can be determined. It is possible to determine the consistency state of

A camera according to another aspect of the invention generally includes a beam splitter that splits a polychromatic light beam into monochromatic light beam components that are directed to different locations on the film, and a beam splitter that splits the polychromatic light beam into monochromatic light beam components that direct the film to the at least one monochromatic light beam component. A blocking mechanism is provided. This configuration allows you to save on film when you want to take black-and-white images.

In a preferred embodiment, the monochromatic light beam can be blocked using an opaque movable blind. A plurality of opaque blinds and a common drive mechanism are provided to simultaneously drive the blinds into position. At least one of the blinds is made from a flexible material. This blind moves along a curved track. The drive mechanism includes spokes that engage the opening of the blind. A film positioning device is also provided. This film positioning device is adjustable so that the amount of film advance is greater each time a photograph is taken in color mode than in black and white mode.

A camera according to another aspect of the invention generally includes a beam spectrometer for splitting a polychromatic light beam into a monochromatic light beam, and also includes a prism and first and second partial reflectors mounted between the prisms. Equipped. A first partial reflector is mounted at an angle to the axis of the incident polychromatic light beam and a second partial reflector is mounted at an opposite angle to the polychromatic light beam. The beam spectrometer is easily and securely held in place and can project monochromatic images of the same size at various locations along the film.

In a preferred embodiment, the partial reflector is mounted on a glass flat located between the prisms. These partial reflectors are reflective dichroic filters. One of these filters is a red light reflective filter and another is a blue light reflective filter. Additionally, complementary red, green, and blue dichroic filters are provided to limit the wavelength of the monochromatic light beam that can be focused onto each portion of the film. One monochromatic image forms a left-right symmetrical image with respect to the other monochromatic image.

Other advantages and features of the invention will be apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments and from the claims.

(Embodiment) A camera/image processing device according to the present invention includes a camera 10 (FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 6) that records a color image on a black and white film, and a camera 10 (FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 6) that records a color image on a black and white film, and a camera 10 that records a color image on a black and white film, and It is equipped with a processor 110 (FIGS. 7 and 8) for hard copying images and displaying them on a television monitor.

Please refer to FIGS. 1 and 2. The camera 10 includes a housing 12 (whole is shown in phantom lines) and a lens device 1.
and a beam spectrometer 16 for splitting the polychromatic light beam received through 4 into red, green, and blue (RGB) monochromatic light beam components. Each of these monochromatic light beam components is located 12 m at three locations along the filmstrip 18.
Frame part 150°152.m x 16mm in size.
154 (FIGS. 3 and 4).

Film strip 18 is a 16 mm wide silver halide emulsifier film for black and white photography. Beam spectrometer 16
comprises prisms 20, 22, 24 and two glass flats 26, 28 arranged between these prisms. The filmstrip 18 is withdrawn from the replaceable cassette 30 and placed between and wrapped around the rollers 32, 34, 36 and onto the prisms 20, 22, .
24 red, green and blue image transmission surfaces 72.74.7
6 and is collected on the take-up reel 38. Three pressure plates 50.52.54 are provided (via means not shown) facing the image transfer surface 72.74.76 and the film frame portion 150.152.15.
4 (FIGS. 3 and 4), these frame portions are held flat along the focal plane. The finder device includes a lens 44 and a mirror 46.
and a movable mirror 48. The camera 10 also includes movable blinds 56 and 58, which can temporarily cover other parts of the film to prevent exposure and save film when taking black and white photos with the camera IO.

As can be seen from the drawings with reference to FIG. 2, the lens arrangement 14 includes an internal focal lens 60 and an external focal lens 62. A diaphragm 64 is located in front of the internal focal lens 60 and a diaphragm 66 is located in front of the incident light transmission surface 70 of the prism 20. A shutter 68 is installed between the inner focus lens 60 and the outer focus lens 62. Apertures 64 and 66 are separated by approximately one focal length. The upper surface of the prism 24 is of sufficient length to accommodate the aperture 6.
The light rays that have passed through the lower region of the aperture 4 and the light rays that have passed through the upper region of the aperture 66 are transmitted to the prism 24.
The reflection off the upper surface 76 of the prism 2
The rear surface 74 of No. 2 will not be displaced from the rear surface 74 of No.

The light transmitting surfaces 70.72.74.76 are coated with an anti-reflection coating. The outer surfaces of the prisms 20, 22, and 24, indicated by the black lines in FIG. 2, are primed and coated with black paint to prevent internal reflections. The glass flats 26 and 28 are each oriented at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the axis 78 of the polychromatic light beam entering from the lens arrangement 14 . The front surface of the glass flat 26 is coated with a covering layer forming a dichroic filter. This dichroic filter reflects red light toward surface 72 and allows green and blue light contained in the polychromatic light beam to pass through. The front surface of the glass flat portion 28 is also coated with a dichroic filter coating layer. The dichroic filter reflects the blue component of the polychromatic light beam toward surface 76 and transmits the green light along axis 78 toward surface 74. Red light transmitting surface 72 of prism 20 is coated with a filter. has been done. This filter limits the wavelengths of red light that pass through. The green light transmitting surface 74 is similarly coated with a filter that limits the wavelength of the green light. Additionally, the blue light transmitting surface 76 is similarly coated with a filter to limit the wavelength of blue light that passes through it. These filters are CorionfH
*B* by Olliston, MA, 8/761
” 74 Jl/Evening guidebook.The red light reflection filter on the glass flat part 26 is CR-
600, and the blue light reflection filter of the glass flat portion 28 is called CR-500. In addition, the red light complementary color filter on the surface 72 is CA-60.
0, and the green light complementary color filter on surface 74 is designated CA-550. Furthermore, the blue light complementary color filter provided on the surface 76 is called CA-500. The red and blue light reflection filters can be easily coated on the glass flats 26, 28, and it is easier to coat the filters on the glass flats than on the prism surfaces.

As can be seen from the drawings with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, a red mask 80, a green mask 82 and a blue mask 84 are provided adjacent each light transmitting surface 72, 74, 76. These masks are provided with apertures 86 through which each component of the color beam is directed to the filmstrip 18.
red, green and blue frame parts 150.152
It will be sent to ゜154. A transparent light guide 88 made of plastic covers most of the prism 20.22.24 and is provided with an extension 90.

These extensions 90 cover the edges of the prism adjacent the respective surfaces 72, 74, 76 and guide light from the light source to the edge portions of the film 18 adjacent each of the frame portions 150, 152, 154. Two triangular alignment marks 1
56. A light source 102 is mounted in a recess 104 in light guide 88 . light guide 88
is the inside of the recess 104 and the triangular light emitting portion 106
The entire surface is covered with an opaque coating except for the Using the light emitting portion 106, a triangular light image is projected onto the edge portion of the film 18.

Masks 80, 82, 84 are provided with triangular apertures 108 aligned with respective light emitting portions 106. Blind 56 is guided by curved guides 92, and blind 58 is similarly guided by straight guides (not shown). The blind 56 can be moved by the action of a sprocket 94 provided on a gear 96. Gears 96 are driven synchronously by gears 98 without sprockets. shaft 100
is connected at one end to a gear 98 and at the other end to an external knob (not shown) such that rotating the shaft can switch the camera 10 from a color mode to a black and white mode. There is.

As can be seen from the drawings with reference to FIG. 7, processor 110 includes a data encoding station 112, a film developing station 114, a data sensing station 116, and a film scanning operation station 118. All these stations are located between the film drive roll 120 and the take-up reel 122 along the path of travel of the filmstrip 18. A data input circuit 124 is connected to provide data to the data encoding processing station 112.

The data sensing station 116 is the film strip 1
8 and sends the read data to scanning station 118. Scanning station 118 and code processing station 112 are connected to buffer 126. A buffer 126 temporarily stores the encoded data and pixel data, and an image processing electronics 128 connected to the image processing electronics 12B for access processing averages the pixel data and stores the averaged pixel data in the frame buffer. 129 is connected to this frame buffer for storage. RG using frame buffer 129
A frame of B pixel data is stored. The RGB pixel data stored in the frame buffer 129 is stored in the image processing electronic device 1
2B to produce the N5TC video image signal. This video image signal is stored in the video cassette recorder 130, 132 or on the TV monitor 1.
It is used to directly display color images on 34 CRTs. The image processing electronics 12B is also connected to a hard copy printer 136, such as a thermal transfer printer, for retrieving unaveraged pixel data.The image processing electronics 128 is connected to a user interface control and data display station 13B. controlled by

Please refer to FIG. Scanner 140 of scanning station 118 is shown traversing the red frame portion of film 18 . Scanner 140 is a linear array discharge pair device (COD) with 6 micron incremental spacing and a 3000 element length (e.g., from the Thoma, New Chassis, USA location).
son-C5FE Electron Tubes and
The scanner 140 can be moved vertically in 6 micron increments and rotated slightly to align the horizontal edges of the image recorded in the frame 150. A light source (not shown) is located at the scanning station 11
8, an element of a scanner 140 can detect light from this light source. As shown in FIG. 9, each triangular mark 156 has a 30 degree angle at the top end and a 45 degree angle at the bottom. This triangular mark is 0.03 from the top corner 162 to the bottom corner 164.
has a length of 0 inches (0,762 mm) and the distance from top corner 162 to right corner 160 along the longitudinal axis is 0.020 inches (0,508 mm);
There are 80 steps (6 microns each) between the top corner 162 and the right corner 160, and 40 steps from the right corner 160 to the bottom corner 164.

Operation: using a camera 10 to separate the color image into monochrome images that are recorded on black and white film; and using a processor 110 to develop the black and white film and converting the monochrome image into electrical signals;
Furthermore, the signal components are used to display a color image on a color television 134 or print out a color image using a printer 136.

Before photographing with camera IO, filmstrip 18 is pulled from cassette 30 and placed between mask 80 and pressure plate 50, then passed between rollers 32 and 34, and then passed between mask 82 and pressure plate 50. It passes between the plates 52 and further between the mask 84 and the pressure plate 54, is hung on the roller 36, and is wound on the take-up reel 38. The fingers 15B are curved to feed the film strip 18 onto the take-up reel 38, and move outward as more film is wound onto the reel 38. Spring loaded. Pressure plate 50.52.54
moves away from each mask when advancing and rewinding the film, and moves towards each mask when scanning the image, leaving the film portions 150, 152, 154 flat along the focal plane and the image I try to receive it.

When taking a photograph, the photographer generally uses a Hudeinda device, and also uses a lens device 14 and a shutter 6.
8 may be operated in the usual manner. Beam spectrometer 16 splits the polychromatic light beam passing through lens arrangement 14 into monochromatic red, green, and blue beam components. These beam components are focused as a monochromatic image onto a monochromatic image or frame portions 150, 152, 154 of filmstrip 18. A red light reflective dichroic filter on glass flat 26 is adapted to reflect the red component downwardly through a red complementary color filter on light transmitting surface 72 and toward film frame section 150. The beam components of blue light and green light are on the glass flat part 2.
6 and the blue light beam component passes through the blue light complementary filter at the transfer surface 76 to the film frame section 154.
It is reflected upwards towards. The green light beam component passes through the glass flat 28 and the green light complementary filter of the transfer surface 74 to the film section 152. The images projected and recorded on the film frame portions 150, 152, 154 all have the same size because they pass through the beam spectrometer 16 the same distance. Since the beam passes only through the glass, it does not shift when passing through the prisms and glass flats that are held fixed together.The filter has a very high transmittance of non-reflected light and a very It has excellent reflected light reflectance.

When taking a photo, when the shutter 68 is activated, the light source 10
2 flashes, forming a triangular registration mark 156 adjacent the frame portions 150, 152, 154 of the filmstrip 18. This alignment mark 15
6 is precisely positioned with respect to the recorded monochromatic images, regardless of whether the filmstrip 18 is accurately positioned at the time of each photograph, and whether the three monochromatic images recorded on the film are equally spaced from each other. The monochromatic images from their respective beam components can be accurately aligned regardless of whether they are located or whether the monochromatic images are aligned. Light sources used 10
2 provides a constant amount of light, exposing all of the registration marks 156 equally, so that the marks are not affected by external light.

During color mode, blinds 56,58 are in the retracted position shown in FIGS. 1 and 5.

Red, green and blue images are recorded in film frame portions 150, 152 and 154, respectively. Each time a color mode is machined, the filmstrip 18 is advanced by the take-up reel 38 and the film immediately behind the red frame portion 150 in the cassette 30 is moved between the blue pressure plate 54 and the light transmitting surface 76. be moved to a certain position. Since the red image and the blue image are reflected and the green image is not reflected, the green image becomes a symmetrical image with respect to the other two images. The three film portions 150, 152, 154 that were exposed to light in one exposure are shown surrounded by a dotted box 160 in FIG. The space between frame portions 152 and 150 in FIG. 3 corresponds to the film portion between light transmitting surfaces 72, 74 in FIG. Since FIGS. 3 and 4 are views of filmstrip 18 from the back, alignment marks 156 are shown located on the underside of the filmstrip (these alignment marks are shown located on the top in FIG. 5). ).

When shooting in black and white mode, the blind 56.58 is
The blinds are moved to a position where they block light from the surface 72.76 passing through the apertures 86 in the red and blue masks 80.84. A blue image recorded on a filmstrip closely resembles a multicolor image recorded on black and white film and can therefore be used in black and white mode.

Film strip 18 for each scene in black and white mode
is advanced as necessary to advance the unexposed portion of the film into position between the green pressure plate 52 and the transfer surface 74. This type of film usage is illustrated by closely spaced film frames 152 in FIG. According to this method, film can be saved when shooting in black and white mode.

The camera IO can be switched to either black and white mode or color mode by turning a knob (not shown) connected to the shaft 100. shaft 1
00 rotates the gear 98, which causes the gear 96 and the sprocket 94 attached to this gear to rotate. The sprockets 94 are adapted to be moved into position between the light transmitting surface and the mask through respective guides of the blinds 56,58.

When the film strip 18 is used up, the pressure plate 5
The film is rewound into the cassette 30 with the 0.52.54 retracted. The cassette 30 is taken out from the camera 10 and processed by the processor 110 (FIG. 7).
Film drive roll 120 is located at station 112.1
Data such as the date and time of supplying the filmstrip 18 to the take-up reel 122 through the 14°ttS, 118 and the customer name may be recorded on the film through the data entry electronics 124 and the encoding station 112, if desired. can. Such data can also be recorded by the camera itself when the photo is taken, or recorded on the film by the film manufacturer prior to sale.

While the film is being moved from the cassette 30 to the take-up reel 122, the image on the film 18 is rapidly processed at the development station 114, and the film is rewound back into the film cassette 30 to create a zero image. The only important information is the relative density of the image, which is first converted into an electrical signal and developed on film. Therefore, the color tone of the recorded image is not important, and the light source and detector do not need to operate in the visible spectrum.
If such a method is adopted, the flexibility of the developing process will be increased and the developing process can be simplified. Also, if a negative is used (the image is converted to a positive by electronics 128), there is no need to print the image.

scanning the recorded monochromatic image at a film scanning station 11B provided in the second path of the film in the apparatus;
It obtains electrical signals that draw monochromatic images. Please refer to FIG. The linear scanner 140 starts scanning from the top edge of the film, detects light with each element of the linear CCD, and moves the scanner downward in steps of 6 microns, increasing the amount of light detected by each element at a new tt (it). is sensed, followed by a stepwise downward movement of the scanner. The light obtained by checking the frame part every 6 microns is called a "pixel" in this specification, and is related to the density of the image at the position of such a pixel. .

The value measured at the top of the film is that the film is unexposed, so the detected density is very low. As the scanner 140 continues to step downward, it reaches the triangular registration mark 156. . As the scanner 140 passes through the alignment mark 156, a number of elements detect strong light, and towards the edges weaker light is recorded, and the mark 156 on the left is compared with the mark 156 on the right. If not, a slight angular adjustment of the scanner is made in a direction that corrects the misalignment before stepping the scanner 140 vertically. This angle adjustment is performed during stepwise movements until the detection width of the right and left marks falls within the acceptable alignment range, i.e., until the height difference between the right and left sides of the scanner 140 is less than 6 microns. It will be done. The angle adjustment is made until the right corner 160 of mark 156 is reached. The width of the mark is continuously monitored to accurately locate the bottom corner 164 and to accurately position each portion of the recorded monochromatic image. Scanning station 11B outputs pixel data in the form of an 8-bit language representing density (250 levels) for each pixel. Zero pixel data is temporarily stored in buffer 126. In either case, when reading data from scanner 140 or storing it in buffer 126, the pixel data for the green image is read and stored in the reverse order of the blue and red images and recorded on filmstrip 18. The system is designed to correct left-right symmetrical images.

The film is pre-scanned on a TV monitor to determine whether a color print can be obtained, and pixel data for three monochrome images are detected and averaged to the frame buffer 129.
This creates 512 scanning lines that are stored in the memory. This is because the resolution of the TV monitor is lower than the resolution of the scanner 140. The pixels of three images for color photography are combined and T
It is displayed on the V monitor 34.

When printing color images with hardcopy printer 136, high resolution images can be obtained using unaveraged pixel data. Colors are printed individually, so you can print out this data as you get it. There is no need to scan and store pixel data for all three colors before printing.

In this way, these three types of frames can be positioned and aligned with each other within 6 microns and are visually distinguishable even at 16x magnification (e.g., 16 mm film up to 10 inches). You can get higher resolution than normal.

Other embodiments of the invention are within the scope of the following claims. For example, other types of printers may be used. Optical fibers can also be used to guide the alignment mark light to predetermined positions on the guide plate. Other types of scanners can also be used to convert monochromatic images into electrical signals. Or individual masks 8
A light source (e.g. LED) can be provided every 0.82.84 to avoid the need for a light guide, or aperture 108
It is also possible to construct a structure in which there is no need to install blinds 56, 58 to block the view.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the components of a camera according to the present invention. 2 is a schematic front view of the optical elements of the camera of FIG. 1; FIG. FIGS. 3 and 4 are schematic plan views showing portions of the film used in the camera of FIG. 1 in different modes. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the alignment marking device and blinding element of the camera of FIG. 1; FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6AI of FIG. 5, illustrating the components of the camera registration marking apparatus shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a processor that processes film exposed by the camera of FIG. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing how the scanner of the processor shown in FIG. 7 is used. FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view showing a portion of alignment marks made on the film. 10-...Camera 14...Lens device 16...Beam spectrometer 18 that separates the light into monochromatic light components...
・Black and white film strip 20. 26. 30 ・ 32. 38・50. 64. 68 ・70°80. 86 ・ 90 ・ 22.24... Prism 28... Glass flat part... Film cassette 34.36... Feed roller... Take-up reel for photographed film 52.54... Pressure plate for film 66...Aperture...Shutter 72.74.76...Light transmission surface 82.84...Mask for each monochromatic light component...Mask aperture...Light guide...Light guide extension... Light source...Light emitting portion...Triangular opening provided in the mask...Processor for image processing...Data encoding processing station...Film development station...Data detection station 118, 120, 140... 150. 160,...Film scanning station...Film supply drive roller...Scanner 152.154...Frame portion 162.164...Each corner of the mark (excluding 1,000 names) Engraving of the drawing (no change in content) Procedure amendment Document 1, Indication of the case (V 1999 Patent Application No. 113572 2, Name of the invention, Method for obtaining color images and camera 3, Person making the amendment Relationship with the case Patent applicant Address Name Title Erlichman O Camera Italy System Subone Incorporated 4, Agent Address: Shin-Otemachi Building, 2-2-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 206-ku 5, Subject of amendment

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A method for obtaining a color image, comprising: splitting a polychromatic light beam into monochromatic light beam components using a camera equipped with a beam spectrometer; recording on different parts of a black and white film; developing the film; converting the monochromatic image recorded on the part of the film into an electrical signal; and producing a color image. 2. A method of obtaining a color image according to claim 1, wherein said step of converting comprises the step of using a scanner to scan across said monochromatic image. 3. A method of obtaining a color image as claimed in claim 1, wherein said step of converting comprises the step of obtaining a digital pixel data signal representing the intensity of each monochromatic image pixel. 4. A method of obtaining a color image as claimed in claim 3, wherein said step of obtaining pixel data comprises using a scanner to scan across said monochromatic image. 5. A method of obtaining a color image according to claim 4, wherein the scanner has a horizontal row of sensing elements moved across the monochromatic image. 6. A method for obtaining a color image according to claim 5, wherein the scanner is angularly adjusted before scanning the monochromatic image. 7. A method for obtaining a color image as claimed in claim 3, wherein said step of converting comprises the step of averaging said pixel data and storing the result in a frame buffer. 8. The method for obtaining a color image according to claim 1, further comprising aligning the film in the vicinity of the recorded monochrome image in order to accurately determine the position of the recorded monochrome image when the film is in a camera. A method for obtaining a color image, comprising the step of making marks. 9. A method for obtaining a color image as claimed in claim 6, further comprising: when the film is in a camera, the scanner is scanned in the vicinity of the recorded monochrome image so that the scanner can be aligned with the recorded monochrome image; A method for obtaining a color image, the method comprising the step of placing registration marks on a color image. 10. A method for obtaining a color image according to claim 1, wherein the film is elongated along a longitudinal axis and a recorded monochromatic image is located at each section along the longitudinal axis. How to get. 11. A method for obtaining a color image according to claim 10, wherein the marks vary in width along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis. 12. A method for obtaining a color image according to claim 11, wherein the mark comprises two converging portions along the transverse axis. 13. A method for obtaining a color image according to claim 12, wherein two marks are provided per monochromatic light beam image. 14. The method for obtaining a color image according to claim 1,
The method for obtaining a color image, wherein the monochrome image is recorded as a symmetrical image with respect to another monochrome image on the film, and the step of creating the color image comprises the step of correcting for orientation differences. 15. The method of obtaining a color image according to claim 14, wherein the beam spectrometer comprises a prism and first and second partial reflectors mounted between the prisms. . 16. A method of obtaining a color image according to claim 15, wherein the partial reflector comprises first and second dichroic filters. 17. The method for obtaining a color image according to claim 1,
A method for obtaining a color image, further comprising using an opaque blind to block at least one of the monochromatic light beam components from exposing the film. 18. The method for obtaining a color image according to claim 4,
A method of obtaining a color image, wherein said step of creating a color image comprises creating a color image on a CRT. 19. The method for obtaining a color image according to claim 1,
A method of obtaining a color image, wherein the step of creating the color image comprises printing a hard copy of the image. 20. The method for obtaining a color image according to claim 1,
A method for obtaining a color image, in which the film is encoded with optical data at the same time as or prior to the processing of the film by a processor. 21. The method of claim 20, further comprising the step of sensing encoded data on the film. 22. A camera, comprising: a housing; a lens arrangement supported by the housing for transmitting a polychromatic light beam into the housing; and a lens arrangement in position within the housing for receiving the polychromatic light beam and transmitting the polychromatic light beam; a beam spectrometer for separating the monochromatic light beam components into monochromatic light beam components; a film positioning device for positioning the film so that different parts of the film receive the monochromatic light beam components sent from the beam spectrometer; In order to be able to accurately determine the position of monochromatic images,
and a marking device capable of applying alignment marks to said portions of film at fixed positions relative to the recorded monochromatic image. 23. The camera of claim 22, wherein the marking device includes a light source for directing light to a fixed location on the film. 24. The camera of claim 23, wherein the marking device comprises a light guide for directing light from the light source to the fixed location. 25. The camera of claim 24, wherein the light guide is a transparent plastic plate partially surrounding the light source and adjacent the fixed location on the film. 26. The camera of claim 24, wherein the light guide comprises an optical fiber. 27. The camera of claim 24, wherein the marking device includes an aperture through which each of the monochromatic light beam components passes toward the film, and a molding hole through which the light passes to form a mark of a desired shape on the film. A camera equipped with a mask. 28. The camera of claim 27, further comprising a pressure plate attached to press the film portion against the mask when taking a photograph. 29. The camera of claim 22, wherein said film is elongated along a longitudinal axis and said portions are located along said longitudinal axis. 30. A camera according to claim 29, wherein two said marks are provided per monochromatic light beam image. 31. The camera according to claim 30, wherein the mark varies in width along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis, and the alignment state of the linear scanner and the alignment mark is determined by comparing widths of detected portions of the mark. A camera that can make decisions. 32. The camera of claim 30, wherein the mark comprises a converging portion along a lateral axis. 33. The camera of claim 23, wherein the marking device comprises a plurality of light sources providing light to each of the fixed positions on the film. 34. A camera, comprising: a housing; a lens arrangement supported by the housing for directing a polychromatic light beam into the housing; and a lens arrangement in place within the housing for receiving the polychromatic light beam and transmitting the polychromatic light beam. a beam spectrometer for separating the monochromatic light beam components into monochromatic light beam components; a film positioning device for positioning the film so that different parts of the film receive the monochromatic light beam components sent from the beam spectrometer; at least one of said monochromatic light beam components. A camera having blocking means for preventing exposure of the film to allow switching between black and white mode and color mode. 35. A camera according to claim 34, wherein said blocking means comprises an opaque movable blind. 36. The camera according to claim 35, wherein two of the blinds are provided to block the two monochromatic light beam components, and further comprising a drive mechanism for simultaneously moving both blinds into a predetermined position. camera. 37. The camera of claim 35, wherein the blind is made of flexible material and moves in a curved track. 38. The camera of claim 36, wherein the drive mechanism includes spokes that engage with openings in the blind. 39. The camera according to claim 35, wherein the film positioning device is adjustable so that the amount of film advance is greater each time a photograph is taken in the color mode than in the monochrome mode. A camera. 40. A camera, comprising: a housing; a lens arrangement supported by the housing for axially directing a polychromatic light beam into the housing; and a lens arrangement in position within the housing for receiving the polychromatic light beam; This polychromatic light beam is
a beam spectrometer for separating the monochromatic light beam components into monochromatic light beam components; and a film positioning device for positioning the film so that different parts of the film receive the monochromatic light beam components sent from the beam spectrometer. The beam spectrometer has a prism, first and second partial reflectors attached between the prisms, and a filter that passes the monochromatic light beam component, and the first The partial reflector is mounted at an angle to the axis so as to reflect a portion of the polychromatic light beam away from the axis and pass another portion of the polychromatic light beam along the axis. the second partial reflector is mounted in position at an angle opposite to the angle of the first reflector with respect to the axis and receives the other portion of the beam and transmits the polychromatic light beam. a camera adapted to reflect a second portion of the polychromatic light beam away from the axis and to pass a third portion of the polychromatic light beam along the axis. 41. The camera of claim 40, wherein the beam spectrometer comprises a glass flat between the prisms, and the partial reflector is mounted on the glass flat. 42. The camera of claim 40, wherein the first and second partial reflectors and the filter include first and second
dichroic filters are provided, the first dichroic filter reflecting the first monochromatic light beam component and the second dichroic filter reflecting the second monochromatic light beam component.
a camera that reflects a monochromatic light beam component and transmits a third monochromatic light beam component. 43. The camera according to claim 42, wherein the second
The partial reflector of is at said ta with respect to said axis, and another of the dichroic filters is a blue reflective filter. 44. The camera according to claim 43, further comprising a red light complementary color filter, a green light complementary color filter, and a blue light complementary color filter. 45. The camera of claim 40, wherein the filter comprises first, second and third filters receiving the first, second and third portions, respectively; A camera adapted to pass first, second and third monochromatic light beam components. 46. The camera of claim 40, wherein one of the monochromatic light beam components is received by the film as a symmetrical image with respect to another of the monochromatic light beam components.