JPS62153956A - Control method for developing condition of photographic film - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To make accurate measurement of transmission density of a film possible by providing an image sensor that detects transmission density of a film to be tested dividing image information of the film for each picture element. CONSTITUTION:Reference density is made transmission density of a reference film 10 and at the same time, the reference density is made recommended density. A photographic film 20 to be tested has plural different density areas 84-92, and these plural different density areas are arranged in an area that can be detected by an image sensor 43. Accordingly, transmission density of the face of the film can be detected by the image sensor dividing to each picture element, and density of each area can be obtained at a time and independently. Further, the image sensor is made a line sensor which is moved relatively to the film to be tested or a reference film. Thus, accurate measurement of transmission density can be made over whole picture of a photographic film in detail.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (Field of Industrial Application) The present invention relates to a developing condition management method for a developing machine for developing photographic film (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a film developing machine).

(Prior art) A photographic film taken under suitable conditions (1)
A film (sometimes referred to as a film) becomes an original film 1 for obtaining a photograph with reduced image quality only by developing it under suitable IE development conditions corresponding to each film.

Therefore, it is necessary to perform judgment and management so as to always obtain appropriate developing conditions.

Conventionally, the development conditions have been managed by the method described below with reference to drawing F.

For this management, control strips (hereinafter, the developed product is referred to as the test photographic film or test film) are used for processing in the user's film processing machine, and the control strips used by the photo manufacturer or Reference strip lapse (hereinafter referred to as "F") is produced under precisely controlled development conditions and is used to determine the development strip f1 of the user's film processing machine. A reference film (referred to as a reference film) is used. These control strips and reference strips are manufactured by photographic manufacturers using precisely controlled exposure strips and IFs.

First, this control strip is developed with a film developing machine on the user's side to produce a test film 81 shown in FIG. 2. The test film 81 and the reference film 83, which have been produced in a dirty manner, each have nine different density regions, as indicated by 84 to 92 in FIG. Here, the density of the region 84 labeled "rD-min" is equal to the base a degree of the film and is the lowest a degree region among the nine levels.

Region 86 labeled rLDJ is a low concentration region, and region 90 labeled rHDJ is a high concentration region.

Next, such a test film 81 and reference film 8
Cyan (C) at predetermined locations of 3, usually in three areas with different degrees of a, indicated by 84, 86 and 90 in FIG.
Add the transmission density of each color of magenta (M) and yellow (Y) by 11111, and calculate the transmission density II of the test film 81.
Standard confidence 1 for the transmission density Jet of the reference film 83
By determining whether there is a deviation or not,
The film development conditions using the test film 81 and the base film 83 were controlled.

In this case, as mentioned in 14, each area with different density is suitable! In order to perform E development, it is necessary to control various development conditions, such as the temperature and pH value of the developer, and the development time.

In addition, depending on the accuracy required for managing the development conditions, you can select which density range to use from the nine levels of density Iff range. Therefore, all areas of the nine levels of deep IW areas were measured to more accurately manage the developing conditions.

(Problem to be Solved by the Invention) However, in the past, when managing the developing conditions as described above, a separate expensive densitometer was used to measure the transmission density of the film as described above. was. Furthermore, dark W
The work was complicated because the concentration measurements were carried out individually in multiple regions with different concentrations.

By the way, the inventor of this invention has determined the transmission density of the film [11 feet] to control the developing conditions of the film developing machine.
After examining various methods without using a special dedicated expensive densitometer, we found that by using a previously proposed color photoprinting device (hereinafter referred to as photoprinting device), the light source of this device, We discovered that it is possible to measure the transmission density of a film by using the same basic components such as the image sensor and exposure control section.

As this photoprinting +1 apparatus, there is, for example, a photoprinting apparatus as shown in FIG. 3(A) proposed by the applicant of this application.

In FIG. 3(A), 21 is a light source for photo printing;
3 indicates a correction filter, respectively. Reference numeral 25 indicates a table of a photoprinting device, and this table 25 has an opening 27;
A positioning pin 29 is provided around the opening 27.

Reference numeral 31 indicates a negative carrier for placing the original film, and there are usually several types available depending on the size of the original film used as the original for photographic printing. Installation is possible.

Further, the negative carrier 31 is provided with a lens unit 35, a black shutter 37, and an easel (not shown) on which photographic paper 38 is set. Further, near the lens unit 35, an image information detection device 41 having a built-in image sensor 43 facing the negative carrier 31 is installed.
is provided. Further, in front of this image sensor 43, a lens 45 is provided for focusing the image of the negative film on the image sensor 43F.
: CCD (Charge Coupled) as shown
It is a surface scanning type two-dimensional image sensor consisting of
, a holding section 49 for holding the charges transferred from the imaging section 47, and an output register 51 for outputting the charges held in the holding section 48. Furthermore, although not shown, mosaic filters are closely attached to the imaging unit of this two-dimensional image sensor corresponding to each pixel, and photometrically measures R (red), G (green), and B (blue) light. I can do it. According to this image sensor 43, image information can be divided and detected pixel by pixel, so conventional (7) r-A T
D (rea Transmittan to Large
ce Density) Compared to average density photometry, accurate photometry can be performed over the details of the entire screen.

The image detection device 41 also includes a processing circuit 5 as shown in FIG. 3(C) to drive the image sensor and obtain image information.
3 is provided. Reference numeral 54 denotes a drive circuit, which controls the drive signals s, , s2 and S3 to drive the imaging unit 47.
The image information formed on the image is photoelectrically converted, and the output register 51
can be directly output as an analog double-image signal S4. This signal S4 is held by a sample hold circuit 55 at a predetermined sampling period, and the held value is converted into a digital signal S5 by an A/D converter 56.
Next, it is input to a logarithmic conversion circuit 57 and converted into a density signal S6. This concentration signal S6 is written into the memory 58 via the write control circuit 58. Note that the drive circuit 54 drives the two-dimensional image sensor to read the image information at a speed of -1, and sequentially writes the density signal S6 to a predetermined position in the memory 58 according to this speed. A reading speed signal S1 is input to the write control circuit 58.

Further, the processing circuit 53 is connected to an exposure control section 61 shown in FIG. In FIG. 4, 67 indicates a central processing unit (hereinafter sometimes referred to as F, cPU). Also, 68
indicates the first memory, in which photographic printing conditions considered to be appropriate are stored. Reference numeral 71 designates a first memory, which stores a photographic printing program for calculating appropriate exposure results, a program for rewriting printing conditions, etc., and various programs are called up in response to input from the keyboard 73. You can change the work content of the photo printing device. Reference numeral 75 denotes an ltj power device, which is composed of, for example, a nice play, a character printer, and a single-stage alarm, and is capable of outputting density values such as transmission density to a display or a character printer. Reference numeral 73 is a keypad that can instruct the photo printing (changing the work contents of the C1 device (mode switching), changing the photo printing conditions, outputting the photo density value, etc. to the output device, etc.).

When printing a photo using a photo printing device such as a double series, the original film developed by a film developing machine is placed on the negative carrier 31, and the lens of the image information detecting device i41 emits light from the light source 21 to print the original film. The transmitted light...
image on the image sensor 431-. Then, this image is photoelectrically converted into R, G, and B optical properties for each pixel, and then converted into an S original signal (transmission density) by a processing circuit 53. This density signal is arithmetic-processed according to the brightness calculation program stored in the first memory 71 of the exposure control section 61, and appropriate exposure spells are calculated for each color according to the density of the negative film. Print at the correct exposure grade.

In this manner, the photographic printing apparatus described above can detect the degree of transparency of a film such as an original film for each pixel of the image sensor.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to easily and accurately measure the transmission density of a film using a light source, an image information detection device, and an exposure control section of a conventional page printing device. It is an object of the present invention to provide a film development line f1 management device capable of determining the development conditions for a film development machine based on the transmitted density.

(L step for solving the problem) In order to achieve the objective 1), according to the present invention, the transmission density of the test film is compared with the reference density to determine the appropriate film current fIJ condition. In managing the film, the transmission density of the film to be tested is detected using a photographic printing device equipped with an image sensor that divides and detects image information of the film pixel by pixel.

In carrying out the present invention, it is preferable to use the transmission density of the base film as the reference density, and to detect this transmission density using the above-mentioned photoprinting apparatus.

In carrying out this invention, it is preferable to set the reference concentration IW to the recommended 1M degree.

In carrying out the present invention, it is preferable that the photographic film to be tested has a plurality of different density regions, and these plurality of different density regions are arranged within an area that can be detected by the image sensor.

In carrying out the present invention, it is preferable that the basic true filter has a plurality of different density regions, and these plurality of different IW regions are arranged within a region detectable by the image sensor. .

In carrying out the present invention, it is preferable to use a two-dimensional image sensor as the image sensor.

Further, in carrying out the present invention, it is preferable that the image sensor is a line sensor that is used while moving relative to the test film or the reference film.

(Function) According to such a film development condition management method, the basic configuration of a light source, an image sensor of an image information detection device, and an exposure control section, which are normally used for photographic printing, can be used as is. The transmission density of the film developed by the developing machine is measured, and the film development conditions are determined and managed based on the transmission density information. Therefore, there is no need to separately prepare the density W1.

Furthermore, since the image sensor can detect the transmission density of the film surface by dividing it into each pixel, even if multiple different measurement areas are provided on the film surface, the density of each area can be measured at once and independently. You can get it.

(Embodiments) Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that these drawings are merely schematic illustrations for the purpose of understanding the present invention, and the dimensions, shapes, and arrangement relationships of each component are not intended to be based on the illustrated examples. Further, in these figures, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the circuit components.

In addition, the same components as in the prior art are denoted by the same reference numerals.

First, in this invention, the test film 81 and the reference film 83 already explained with reference to FIG.
The test film and reference film shall be as shown in .

In FIG. 1(A), 10 indicates a reference film, which is a film that has been accurately exposed and developed at a photo maker or a similar facility as in the past. Test film 20 exposed only under the same conditions as this reference film IO
is usually provided to the user by a photo maker or the like.

This reference film lO has, for example, an area l having the same size as one frame of a 35 mm size original film.
For example, it has a start mark 13, an end mark 15, and nine density regions 84 to 92 similar to the conventional one.

Note that the reference film IO and the test film 20 have a start mark 13, an end mark 15, and each density region 84.
92 are precisely arranged in a fixed relationship, and an original image produced is photographed and developed. Therefore, the distances between the start mark 13, the end mark 15, and each of the density regions 84 to 82 provided on both films always maintain a constant relationship.

On the other hand, as already explained with reference to FIG. 4, the second memory 71 of the exposure control section 61 of the photoprinting apparatus can store programs for performing various operations. Therefore, in order to efficiently manage the developing conditions of the film developing machine, the first memory 71 stores a programmer 1 (details will be described later) for managing the developing conditions.

Development Condition Management Method υ: The film development condition management method of the present invention will now be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 1(C) to (E).

Pages 9 and 9J An undeveloped test film 20 supplied from a manufacturer or the like is developed by a user-side film developing machine to produce a test film 20.

On the other hand, when a work mode for managing developing conditions is selected using the keyboard 73 (see FIG. 4) of the photo printing device, the program for managing developing conditions stored in the first memory 71 is started (step 1QIJQ3). ，
105). At this time, the question of what the standard concentration should be is ``What is the standard concentration? . . . "Reference film (0), recommended density (1)" is displayed on the display which is the lit power device 75 (step 107). The worker selects “
l" or rOJ, if the input is "l", "
An instruction "Reference Film Set" appears on the display (step 109.ill). Follow the instructions to transfer the reference film 10 to the negative carrier 31 (see Figure 3 (A)).
Place it in the correct position. At this time, the light from the light source of the photoprinting device shown in FIG. − is imaged.

FIG. 1(B) shows an image sensor 43 obtained when the reference film 10 is placed at the position W on the negative carrier 31.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the reference film 10 (or the test film 20) and the reference film 10 (or the test film 20). Although the arrangement state of the pixels 19 is shown using dotted lines in a case f shape, some of the dotted lines are omitted from the illustration. As is clear from FIG. 1(B), the reference film 10 is the measurable range 1 of the image sensor 43.
The direction in which the reference film 10 is dropped is parallel to the scanning line of the image sensor 43.

Next, use the keyboard to instruct the start of concentration measurement (
Step 113). In this case, since the image sensor 43 is a surface scanning type two-dimensional image sensor having a mosaic filter as described above, the reference film 1
The entire surface of pixel 19 of image sensor 43 (Fig. 1 (B)
)) and check the transmission density of each color of R, G, and B corresponding to each color of C, M, and Y for each area.
Do t1. Therefore, each of the nine density regions is divided into a large number of pixels, and the transmission density of each color can be detected in each pixel. In this case, the transmission density test +1-1 is determined by the pixel pH ~ Pin, P shown in FIG.
It is done in the order of al~P1~P mouth.

By the way, the transmission density data of the reference film 10 is sequentially stored in the centipede position of the memory 58 forming a part of this circuit by the processing circuit 53 shown in FIG. 3(C). , data is stored in this memory 58 in the following f order.

First, an instruction to use the density value of the reference film 10 as the reference density is input to the CPU 67 from the keyboard 73. CPU5 depending on this input? outputs a signal to the memory 58 of the processing circuit 53 to initialize a preset memory area for storing the density value of the reference film 10.

On the other hand, the image sensor 43 detects the transmission density of each of the nine density regions provided on the reference film 10.
Until the start mark 13 provided on the reference film IO is detected, the density values of the pixels before that point are not stored in the memory 58, and the density data is omitted (step 115).
]. Here, when the start mark 13 is detected, this signal becomes a read signal, and the density values of each color obtained for each pixel starting from the pixel immediately after the start mark 13 are sequentially stored in a predetermined memory area of the memory 58 (step 115, 11
7, IIQ).

When the end mark 15 is detected, this signal becomes a write end signal, and the density values after this pixel are no longer written to the memory 59 (steps +19, +21).

Further, at the same time as the end mark 15 is detected, scanning of the image sensor is automatically stopped (L), returning to the initial state and entering a standby state.

Next, an instruction to "place test film 20" is displayed in a nice play. The test film 20 is placed on the carrier 3 in the same way as the reference film 10 was placed (steps 123 and 125). Then, when an instruction is given from the keyboard 73 to start the transmission density side of the test film 20, the signal from the pixel immediately after the start mark 13 to the pixel immediately before the end mark 15 is transmitted in the same way as when the reference film 10 is side-stepped. , the density values of each color obtained for each pixel are stored in +1Fi order in a predetermined memory area of the memory 59 (steps 113 to 123).

If the transmission density value data is stored in the memory 59 in the f-order described above, the transmission density of each color in pixel units in the 8 density regions of 9 stages provided on the reference film 10 and the test film 20 can be determined by the specified data in the memory 5S. It can be stored in a pairwise relationship at the address of .

Next, in order to judge whether the development conditions are good or bad, the sound S
A processing mode for processing cost data is selected (step 127). Specifically, the user inputs the density IK value of which of the nine density regions is to be used for data processing as data for managing development conditions. As mentioned above, the number of concentration ranges to be used varies depending on the purpose of management.

In this case, the input mode (steps 128 and 130) allows you to individually specify and use 1 to 9 density regions.
and the aforementioned rD-minJ, rLD, 1 and)
The configuration is such that a standard management mode (step 129) using three density regions of HDJ can be selected.

Hereinafter, a case will be described in which developing conditions are managed using the standard management mode.

First, R, G, and 88 pixels corresponding to C, M, and Y of each pixel of each density region of "LD" and "HD" are stored in a predetermined area of the memory 59. From the color density estimate, the average density value for each color in each density region is determined (step 131). This work is performed by the CPU
For example, the F of the film 20 to be tested is
When the cyan (C) density value of each pixel in the 8 degree region of "D-mir3" is as shown in FIG. It is programmed to remove fIa degree value as a normal cost value and perform statistical calculations such as average concentration and variance. This calculation result is stored at a predetermined location in the first memory 71 shown in FIG. In addition, this calculation result can be printed out as is if necessary, and the result is output as shown in f (step 135, +37.138).
).

Test film [D-minJcga degree value] Dark I cost data: Memo 15 15: Number of pixels 20 16 15: Abnormal value 14 17 shown in
: Number of pixels excluding abnormal If: 189"16:
n=18 15 14: X=15.0615 14
: crn-+=0.8716 15 : 20'' 14 : 15 14 : 16 15 : Next, the average density value is obtained by processing macenta (M) and yellow (Y) in the same way, and the results are stored in the first memory. 7
Store in 1. Furthermore, for the 8 degree region of rLDJ and rHDJ, calculate the f average temperature cost in the same manner as "rD-min" and find the location of the second memory 71? Store in position.

Incidentally, since the instruction to set the density value of the reference film 10 as the reference density has already been given in step 109, the density values of each density and each color of the reference print 10 are also processed in the same way as for the test film 20 described in 1-1. Processing is automatically performed to determine each average density value, and these values are respectively stored in predetermined locations in the second memory 71.

Next, the density difference ΔD between the density average values of each color in each density region of the reference film 10 and the test film 2o is determined (
Steps 135.141). In this case, the determined density differences are density differences ΔD1 to ΔD9 as shown in Table 1.

Table 1 Continuing, the concentration difference ΔDn (ΔD1 to ΔDQ
) and the predetermined standard density difference value Xn to determine whether the developing conditions under which the test film was developed are appropriate or not (step 143).

Incidentally, this standard density difference (IffXn) is the allowable difference of the density value of the test film 20 with respect to the filJt ratio of the reference film 1°, and is stored in the tth memory according to the type N of the film. This (l x n is keyboard 7
3 can be set for each of ΔD1 to ΔD9, and 11 of xn can be rewritten to [1].

In this embodiment, the standard density difference value for ΔD1 to ΔD3 is Xl, the standard density difference value for ΔD4 to ΔD6 is Xl, and the standard density difference value for ΔDI to ΔD9 is x3. Also, development strip! The 1st sentence f of 1 is set to be executed based on the following conditions! (steps 143-159).

In the case of ΔDo≧Xn・・・・・・・・・10NGX
If n >ΔD0≧O...+OKO>ΔDn
If ≧-Xn-----OK If-Xn>ΔDn...
......-NG Furthermore, this determination result is displayed or output on a display or character printer as in the example shown below.

D-mi,n LD HD -OK -NG -OK Diagnose the developing conditions based on the suitability determination result of the developing conditions obtained in this way, and if there is an abnormality in the developing conditions, investigate the cause and take action. . The specific processing is carried out in accordance with the manual supplied with the film developing machine from the photo maker or the like.

If the recommended density is set as the reference density in the selection of the reference density in step 107, an instruction signal S) indicating that the reference density is to be set as the recommended density is output in step 110, and the process jumps to step 123. - On the other hand, this signal SF automatically sets the reference concentration as the recommended concentration in step 149, and the concentration difference between the test concentration and the recommended concentration is obtained in step 111.
10,141).

Further, according to the management method of the present invention, the 41 uniform density values of each density and color obtained by measuring the reference film 10 are used as new recommended density values in place of the recommended density values that were previously stored in the second memory. It is structured so that it can be rewritten (
From steps 181, 163, and 1813), when performing Al1 addition for managing the developing conditions of a plurality of film developing machines, the 411
Omitting the foot comes in 111.

Further, the management method of the present invention is configured such that the density (fi) of each color obtained by measuring the test film can be stored in the first memory as a new recommended density value (step 16). ], 183, 165, 189), the density value of the previous test film is used as the reference density for the next measurement of development condition management, and by sequentially repeating this operation, it is possible to investigate changes in development conditions over time, etc. Furthermore, the concentration value obtained by measurement is compared with the previous concentration (if) or the f average value of the concentration values of the past several days, and the concentration difference is calculated as follows. If this occurs, the worker can be notified.

Furthermore, 1. In the embodiment described above, a method for managing film development conditions was explained using an example using three different density regions, but even when the different density regions are 4 to 1-, in step 127, the method used for data processing is explained. By adding the density regions (steps 129, 130, and 131), film development conditions can be managed according to the purpose using the same f order as in the embodiment.

Further, the reference film and test film suitable for use in the present invention are not limited to the thickness and configuration example shown in FIG. 1(A); , pattern arrangement can be made.

In addition, in the embodiment described in , the density value obtained from the test film or reference film by the image sensor is stored in the memory only after the start mark is detected. However, the measurable range of the image sensor It is also possible to perform data processing by first storing all density values in a memory in a memory, and then detecting a start mark and an end mark in the memory at a subsequent stage of data processing.

In addition, in the embodiment described in 1-1, the mosaic filter was closely attached to the image sensor to detect the density value of each color.
The density values of each color may be detected by inserting M and Y rotary filters corresponding to the required colors in the optical path between the test or reference film and the image information detection device.

Furthermore, the image sensor 43 provided in the photo printing device is limited to a one-dimensional COD image sensor! MOS (Metal Oxide 5eI)
A one-dimensional image sensor (Iliconductor) may also be used. Alternatively, one-dimensional reading may be performed by using a line sensor composed of a CCD, MO3, etc., and relatively moving the line sensor and the film to be inspected.

Further, an image information detection device 1 provided in the photo printing device
The arrangement of 141 is not limited to the embodiment, and the transmitted light from the film may be detected indirectly through a mirror or the like.

(Effects of the Invention) 1-As is clear from the above description, according to the film development condition management method of the present invention, the light source, image sensor, and exposure control section of the photoprinting device can be used as they are. The transmission density of the test film or the test film and reference film is measured, and based on the transmission density, photographic film development conditions are managed and abnormalities are reported.

Furthermore, since the image sensor can detect the transmission density of the test film or the reference film by dividing it into pixels, it is possible to accurately measure the transmission density over the details of the entire screen of these photographic films. Furthermore, even if multiple different photometry areas are provided within the screen, only one measurement is required. Since it is possible to detect the density of each of a plurality of regions, the sound measurement time can be shortened.

Therefore, according to the method for managing photographic film developing conditions of the present invention, it is no longer necessary to separately purchase and prepare a densitometer as in the past, perform complicated density measurements, and adjust developing conditions based on the measurement results. Since there is no such thing, it is possible to significantly reduce the work of the operator and the cost for managing developing conditions.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1(A) is a plan view showing a test film or reference film suitable for use in the photographic film development condition management method of the present invention, and FIG. 1 u3) is a plan view showing the test film or reference film and the image sensor. Diagrams explaining the positional relationships; FIGS. 1(C) to (E) are flowcharts showing the f order of the method of managing photographic film developing conditions of the present invention; FIG. 1(F) is a diagram of the developing condition managing method of the present invention. Diagrams for explanation; Figure 2 is a plan view showing a test film or reference film used in the conventional photographic film development condition management method; Figure 3 (A) is a diagram showing the photographic film development condition management method of the present invention. 3 (CB) and 3 (C) are diagrams illustrating a photographic printing apparatus suitable for use in the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an exposure control section. 10...Reference film 11...Area of one frame of 35mm film 13...
・Start mark, 15...End mark 17
...Measurable area 18 of the image sensor...pixels,
20...Test film 21...Light source,
31... Negative carrier 41... Image information detection device, 43... Image sensor 45... Lens, 53... Processing circuit 61... Exposure control section, 84-82... Density region. Patent applicant: Fujisha Page Film Co., Ltd. Figure 1 Figure 1 Figure 21 Light-/&53 Processing circuit 3f
*qspb41 'h4*・ll@ll'j2H'14
3 Image sensor 45 Lens 47 Image section 4q I

Claims (7)

[Claims] (1) In order to manage the appropriate photographic film development conditions by comparing the transmission density of the photographic film to be tested and the standard density, the transmission density of the photographic film to be tested is divided into image information of the photographic film for each pixel. 1. A method for managing photographic film developing conditions, the method comprising detecting the conditions using a photographic printing apparatus equipped with an image sensor that detects the conditions. (2) A method for managing photographic film developing conditions according to claim 1, characterized in that the reference density is the transmission density of a reference photographic film, and the transmission density is detected using the photographic printing apparatus. (3) A method for managing photographic film developing conditions according to claim 1, characterized in that the reference density is set to a recommended density. (4) The photographic film to be tested has a plurality of different density regions, and the plurality of different density regions are arranged within an area detectable by the image sensor. Described method for managing photographic film development conditions. (5) The reference photographic film has a plurality of different density regions, and the plurality of different density regions are arranged within an area detectable by the image sensor. How to manage photographic film development conditions. (6) A method for managing photographic film developing conditions as set forth in claim 1, wherein the image sensor is a two-dimensional image sensor. (7) A method for managing photographic film developing conditions as set forth in claim 1, wherein the image sensor is a line sensor that is used by moving relative to the test film or the reference film.