JPH09171243A - Photographic developing device, film deck assembly and photographic developing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it possible to house films of different kinds. SOLUTION: This photographic developing device 10 includes a work station 10 which develops the photographic films of different types and a first film deck 18 which houses the photographic film of the first type in this work station 16 and processes the film while the film of the first type is held in the prescribed direction with the work station 16. The first film deck 18 is so formed that the deck can be released from the work station 16 and is exchangeable with the second film deck 18 housing the photographic film of the second type. When the photographic films of respectively separate types are changed from the first type to the second type, the photographic film of the second type is processed while the film is maintained in the prescribed direction with the work station 16.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to photographic developing apparatus. More particularly, but not exclusively, it relates to the particular embodiment described below as the best mode of implementation, and the invention is capable of accurately positioning each separate film track. The present invention relates to a photographic developing device having a plurality of replaceable film decks.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Techniques relating to image processing have dramatically improved in the last few years. Recently, image processing has been explicitly divided into two general areas. The first and oldest of these two areas contains photographic technology.
It generally includes a camera with an objective lens and a photosensitive film that is moved within the camera, a portion of which is exposed to the image information carried by the reflected light. The photosensitive film is then developed by chemical processing to produce a fixed image on the film. The film is typically photographic film commonly used to make photographic prints, or motion picture film that can be projected to make moving images on a screen.

Recent advances in electronic technology have led to advances in a second area of image processing, including electronic or video images. This type of image processing uses charge coupled devices or CCD scanner arrays to convert reflected light information into electronic signals. This electronic signal is in a form that can be processed by processing circuitry and displayed on a CRT monitor or used for other purposes.

Mechanical processing equipment designed to process exposed photographic film and light-sensitive paper has evolved with the technological advances made in cameras used in the photographic art. For example, November 1, 1964
W. on the 0th day The photographic printing apparatus disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,156,172 to W. Baasner includes a housing for storing replenishing photographic print paper located next to an exposure station. There is. The paper is fed through an exposure station and then cut into separate photographs to produce multiple photographs with systematic specifications. R.J. on July 17, 1979.
D. U.S. Pat. No. 4,161,365 to RD Anderson et al. Discloses a negative (negative) holding device for use in photographic printers. The negative retainers of Anderson et al. Each have a hinged connection with a hole in the register with the other.
Includes two plates. The negative film is placed between both plates with the desired frame placed in the aperture. The device is then inserted into the print gate of the printer.

Moving the film through the apparatus of Anderson et al. Requires manual lever manipulation and again manual repositioning of the film from frame (one frame in the picture) to frame. Therefore, this device is inevitably limited in printing speed. T.J., June 12, 1990. US Pat. No. 4,9,9 to T. Imamura et al.
The negative film carrier disclosed in No. 33,716 is
A drive means is included for automatically feeding the exposed film through the carrier so that each frame of the film can be moved to the print position.

However, the film carrier of Imamura et al. Is limited to one type of film and is not devised to be easily released from its associated printer. T.F. US Pat. No. 4,994 granted to T. Imamura et al.
No. 4,850, another negative film processing apparatus is disclosed. This film processor is limited to short photographic films of a particular size that are operated for printing purposes only.

Extensive research into the mechanisms combined with software and microprocessors has resulted in today's common, fully automated developing and printing machines. Thus, there is a cost advantage for small specialty stores that meet the demands for developing and printing photographs while only investing in one or two devices. Various such developing devices or printing devices have been proposed. These devices can have both film and paper processing capabilities, or can be specifically designed for either film processing or photographic printing. This type of device was described by B.W. Illustrated by the photographic processor disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,853,742 to B. Payrhammer et al. This device is a photographic printer or processor containing a station for processing photographic material. The device for Pailhammer et al. Includes a large number of moveable cartridge supply and removal cassettes that allow the device to function in a continuous, automated manner.

Francis C. Long (Francis C. Lon
g), Walta C. Slater (Walter C. Slater),
Thomas J. Murray, Bradley C. Bradley C. DeCook and Howard C. In the name of Howard C. Bozenhard, the name of "film processing system" is 19
In commonly assigned, co-pending application, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/171582, filed December 22, 1994, a high speed development system for exposed photographic film is disclosed. The system includes a high speed printer manufactured by Eastman Kodak Company and used in conjunction with a film preparation workstation. The high speed printer produces photographic prints. The film preparation workstation additionally combines electronic scanning capabilities with exposed photographic film. The workstation includes a CCD array located above the film track. A roll of exposed film, typically a negative film, is wound end-to-end on a first reel. First
The free end of the film on the reel is fed through a film track and passed onto a second reel. As the film is moved through the film track, light is transmitted through the film. The resulting image is then C
Received by the CD array, converted into electronic signals,
It is then transferred to a circuit for electronic processing and storage. This signal is then sent to the digital printer device to produce the index print. In addition, the electronically stored image information can be transferred to a high speed optical printer to set printing variables such as exposure.

[0009]

The above system provides flexibility in producing high quality photographic prints through the use of associated electronic images that are easily manipulated and indexed by application software. In either the high speed printer or the film preparation workstation, the 35 mm exposed film serves as the primary image source. It is desired that these be able to use other types of films. To do so, it is necessary that some parts of the device be modified to accept different types of film. This effectively considers time and labor. This is a problem in high production labs as orders received on one day are often required to be processed and sent back on the same day. Prior art devices are not easily converted to selectively process different types of film. As used herein, format usually means film sizes of 35 mm film, 110 format, or an intermediate format, or other different, such as is typically used by professional photographers. Means size film.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to improve film developing equipment. Another object of the present invention is to connect a film moving at high speed to a developing device. Yet another object of the present invention is to enable certain parts of the photographic processing apparatus to accommodate different size or type of film. Yet another object of the present invention is to allow the change of film format in a particular part of the film processor with minimal replacement time. Yet another object of the present invention is to reduce the number of film processor components required to handle various film types and sizes.

[0011]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION These and other objects are achieved by the present invention. According to the present invention, there is provided a photographic processor for processing different sizes and types of photographic film. The photographic processor includes a film deck assembly utilized to receive each of the different types of photographic film. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a photographic processing apparatus is provided with a first film deck interface utilized to contain a first type of photographic film for processing within the photographic processing apparatus. There is. According to another aspect of the present invention, the first film deck interface is replaced with a second film deck interface that is releasable in the photographic processor and capable of containing a second type of photographic film. It is possible to install. According to this specification, when the photographic film in the apparatus is changed from the first format to the second format, the film deck is rapidly changed so that the photographic film of the second format is changed to the photographic processing apparatus. Can be processed by. Each of the film decks includes an upper plate hinged to the lower plate with film tracks extending along at least one of the plates. The tracks within each deck are sized for a particular type of film. Each film deck has a locking mechanism or positioning mechanism,
Retained selectively within the device. One particular embodiment of the positioning mechanism includes a spring-biased retaining arm having a tip extending into the workstation. The leading end is provided with a roller ring for coupling a ramp member formed on the lower plate of each film deck. The film deck is selectively insertable into and removable from the workstation.

Thus, in particular, the present invention is a photographic processing apparatus adapted to process different types of photographic film, comprising a workstation for developing different types of photographic film, and Means for moving another type of photographic film along said workstation and said workstation containing a first type of photographic film whereby said first type of photographic film is directed to said workstation. And a first storage means adapted to be processed while being held in a predetermined orientation, the first storage means being releasable from the workstation and at the workstation. The second type of photographic film is exchangeably attached to the second receiving means for receiving the second type of photographic film. When the first format is changed to the second format, the second format photographic film is processed while being held in a predetermined orientation with respect to the workstation. A photographic developing device characterized by the above.

The present invention also provides a film deck assembly used in a photographic developing apparatus capable of processing different types of photographic film, the workstation for developing different types of photographic film, and A workstation receives a first type of photographic film such that the first type of photographic film is developed while held in a predetermined orientation relative to the workstation. 1 accommodating means, releasably attached to the workstation,
Second storage means for storing a second type of photographic film at the workstation, releasably attached to the workstation and replaceable with the first storage means, whereby the individual storage means When the photographic film of the second type is changed from the first type to the second type, the photographic film of the second type is developed while being held in a predetermined orientation with respect to the workstation. Also provided is a film deck assembly characterized in that it includes:

Furthermore, the present invention is a photographic developing method in which different types of films are continuously developed in a photographic developing apparatus, and a work for processing photographic films of different types in the photographic developing apparatus. A station is provided, a first type of photographic film is loaded into the photographic processing apparatus, a first film deck is inserted into the workstation,
This places the first film deck in position relative to the photographic developing element provided in the workstation to allow the first type of photographic film to pass through the first film deck. , Processing the first type of photographic film such that it is moved through the first film deck and held therein in a predetermined orientation relative to the photographic developing element of the workstation. Removing the first type of photographic film from the photographic developing apparatus, removing the first film deck from the workstation, loading the second type of film into the photographic developing apparatus, and loading the second film deck Is inserted in the workstation, and the second film deck is installed in the workstation. Arranged in a predetermined position with respect to the image element, the second type of photographic film is passed through the second film deck, and the second type of photographic film is inserted into the second film deck. There is also provided a photographic development method characterized in that it is moved through and processed such that it is held in a predetermined orientation with respect to the photographic development element of the workstation.

Also, the present invention is a photographic developing apparatus adapted to process different types of photographic film,
A workstation for developing each different type of photographic film and a first type of photographic film housed in said workstation so that said first type of photographic film is held in a predetermined orientation relative to said workstation. A first receiving means adapted to be processed while being processed, wherein said first receiving means is releasable from said workstation and replaceable with said second receiving means for receiving a second type of photographic film. When mounted, and thus the different types of photographic film are converted from the first type to the second type, the second type of photographic film is oriented in a predetermined direction relative to the workstation. There is also provided a photographic developing device characterized in that the photographic developing device includes a device to be developed while being held.

[0016]

1 shows a high speed printer 11 according to the prior art. This type of printer is known as the CLA S35 printer and is commercially available through Eastman Kodak Company of Rochester, NY. The printer 11 includes a supply reel 13 and a take-up reel 15. Several rolls of exposed 35 mm film are spliced end to end and loaded into printer 11 as shown. This type of printer can print up to 7 frames (7 frames) per second. The printer 11 includes a lap joint print counting reader 17, a peep window 19, a film code reader 21, an FCR track loop 23, a scan gate 25, a scan tension loop 27, a film cleaner brush 29, and Print gate 31, integrator bar 33, and print weighing track loop 35
And the drive roller 43 is mounted.

As shown in FIG. 1, the spliced long film is forced through a fixed film track 37. A description will be given below of what happens in each area of the film track 37 while the CLAS 35 is printing the customer's negative. For the purposes of this description, it is assumed that the film has already been skimmed past track 37.
The photo development process is performed in the pre-scan area A (pre-scan area).
Starts with As the film flows down its path from the supply reel 13 to the take-up reel 15 (from left to right), it first passes through the splice print count reader 17. This station can read the code on the splice that tells how many prints the printer should make from each of the good negatives ordered. If the features are changed, the code is read as the splice passes and the data is recorded for use when the print is made a few seconds later. Following the pause of the printer 11, the peep window 19
Provides a illuminated area at the particular negative of the film in track 37 that allows resumption of the automatic printing function. The printing operation resumes at the negative located in the viewing window 19.

The film code reader 21 reads the bar code information written on the edge of the film. Printer 11 uses the data to determine what type of film is being printed. The film must always be fed in the same direction, last-frame-first order (LFF) or first-frame-first order (FFF), thus the edge of the bar code is the film code reader 21. Can be read by. The FCR track loop 23 helps ensure that the film code reader 21 can reliably read most film edge bar codes. The track loops 23 are automatically formed and kept the same size throughout the printing operation.

Next, as shown in FIG. 1, each other negative enters the scanning area B (scan area). The scan gate 25 is formed by a slot in the film track 37. The film is scanned as it moves from left to right across the slot of scan gate 25. For each color (red, green and blue), there are 864 (36 × 24) pixels (image elements) created during the scanning of each negative, giving a total of 2592. As the frame is scanned, it must move across the scan gate 25 at a constant speed. However, each frame must stop at print gate 31 to be exposed. The size of the scan tension loop 27 is such that the frame has a print gate 31.
To allow it to stop, while the other frames are moving at a steady pace across scan gate 25.

Finally, each other negative is printed area C
Enter the (print area). The print gate 31 is an opening above a lens (not shown) on which the negative is exposed. The integrator bar 33 transmits the light for exposure coming from an illumination chamber (not shown) so as to come directly above the surface of the film in the track 37. Whenever the printer 11 advances the film, ionized air flows across the bottom of the integrator bar 33 and the film cleaner brush 29 in the scan area rotates to help clean the film. The film cleaner brush 29 is continuously cleaned by the vacuum system. The printer metering track loop 35 includes a film wrap around a portion of the drive roller 43 to help ensure reliable film transfer at the print gate 31. The track loops 35 are automatically formed and kept the same size throughout the printing operation.

Within the film track, there are three more film detection sensors (not shown). One is located immediately in front of the viewing window 19, the other is located immediately after the scan gate 25, and the last one is located between the print gate 31 and the print metering track loop 35. These sensors have a film track 37
It is continuously monitored whenever it is passed through, which allows the printer 11 to indicate when the film supply reel 13 is finished or if a film break has occurred.

Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown a photofinishing apparatus 10 including a film deck assembly 12 according to the present invention. The special photofinishing apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 2 is configured as a film preparation workstation for the purposes of illustration only. Here, the film deck assembly 12 can be used in any type of photofinishing device, such as a printer, such as the CLAS35 high speed printer shown in FIG. 1, or any other part of a photofinishing machine. It is understood that.

The photofinishing apparatus 10 includes a console area 14 having a workstation 16. The film deck 18 can be inserted into the workstation 16 in a manner as described in more detail below. The photographic developing device 10 is further provided with a film supply reel 20A and a film take-out reel 20B. The film supply reel 20A is loaded with an exposed film 22 that typically includes a plurality of film rolls spliced end to end. The film 22 is a standard 35 mm film,
It may be 110 film or any other size, format or format of photographic film that is currently popular or will become popular in the future. A pair of drive rollers 24 working in conjunction with reels 20 move film 22 along console area 14 and through film deck 18 so that image information and other information on the film is available for use by the processing lab. Can be scanned. Movement of the film 22 through the film deck 18 is controlled by a conventional microprocessor (not shown) within the photofinishing apparatus 10. The keyboard 26 is used in cooperation with the microprocessor to control the photofinishing apparatus 10.

As shown in FIG. 2, the film 22
Will enter the film deck 18 on the left side, so the LED
The photocell 28 (photodetector) is used to detect notches formed along the edges of the film 22. Monitor 3
Reference numeral 4 is provided to display information relating to the operation of the device 10. As shown in FIG. 9, an infrared sensor 39 is utilized to detect splices between individual film rolls, which are standard 36 or 24 film. Film code reader assembly 3
0 is provided to read the bar code information written on the edge of each film roll. The film code reader assembly 30 typically includes a plurality of CCD arrays 45a, 45b (FIG. 3) for reading such information.
Reference) is included. The CCD scanner assembly 32 containing the CCD array 41, shown in phantom, is used to scan the visual information contained in each frame of film 22. The visual information is then electronically processed and stored in the microprocessor.
Electronic circuitry coupled to the microprocessor indexes each image in each frame on film 22 by co-processing the associated splice and bar code information. This gives every frame of film 22 a unique index.

As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 6, 7 and 9, the film deck 18 includes an upper plate 36, a lower plate 38, and a handle 40 preferably attached to the lower plate 38. There is. 3 shows the film deck 18 in a closed position, completely located within the workstation 16, while FIG. 4 shows the film deck 18 in a closed state, removed from the workstation 16. There is. Upper plate 36
The lower plate 38 and the lower plate 38 are hinged to each other by a pair of hinges 42 (hinges). In this specification, as shown in FIG.
The plate 38 can be in a closed or open position relative to each other. Again, as shown in FIG. 4, the workstation 16 is provided with a rear wall 44,
On the other hand, the film code reader assembly 30 and the CCD scanner assembly 32 are pivotally mounted by corresponding pivot rods 46, respectively. FIG. 4 shows the film code reader assembly 30 and the CCD scanner assembly 3 in the open position.
2 is shown.

As can be seen in FIG. 4, the film code reader assembly 30 is provided with a detection window 48 for accessing an LED (light emitting diode), not shown, while the CCD scanner assembly 32 is similar. Scanning window 5
0 is provided so that the light can be transmitted directly through the film 22 into the CCD array 41. The upper plate 36 of the film deck 18 is provided with a pair of holes 52, 52 (see FIGS. 4 and 7), each of which defines a film 22 as the film 22 moves through the film deck 18. Straddle either edge. When the film deck 18 is inserted into the workstation 16, the film code reader assembly 30 comes up onto and is adjacent to the upper plate 36, which places the detection window 48 on top of the aperture 52. It

As best shown in FIGS. 4, 6 and 9, the lower plate 38 is provided with a film track 54 which includes a scanning area 56. As shown, a slit 58 is provided across the scan area 56. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, as best seen in FIG. 7, the upper plate 36 of the film deck 18 is provided with corresponding film tracks 55. In this specification, the film tracks 54 and 55 are located in a register when the plates 36 and 38 are closed together and a suitable track for movement of the film 22 therethrough.
I will provide a. There are preferably two film tracks 54 and 55, but upper plate 36 and lower plate 3
It is contemplated that having only a single film track in either one of 8 will be sufficient for the practice of the invention.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 4, the light source 62 is disposed below the level (height) of the lower plate 38 in the workstation 16, while the upper plate 36 includes the plate 36 and the plate 38. Include openings 64 that expose the scan area 56 when they are closed together. Film deck 18 is workstation 1
When it is inserted in 6 and is closed,
The CCD scanner assembly 32 can access the top of the upper plate 36. In this position, the CCD scanner assembly 32 is located within the opening 64 and the scanning window 50 is located above the slit 58. Thus, in this specification, when the film 22 is moved above the slit 58 while being illuminated by the light source 62, the image on the film 22 passes through the scanning window 50 and CCs.
It is transferred by the light received by the D array 41.

FIGS. 4, 5 and 8 show the film deck 1
8 shows a retaining arm assembly 66 used to exert a downward force on the lower plate 38 when the 8 is inserted into the workstation 16. Holding arm assembly 6
6 is attached to the rear wall 44 of the workstation 16. As shown in FIG. 5, the lower plate 3
8 is provided with an inclined member 68 having an inclined portion 70 and a lock surface 72. As shown in FIG. 8, the holding arm assembly 66 includes a rocker arm 74 with a tip 76, a roller ring 78, a mounting bracket 80, a spring 82 and a spring post 84. The roller ring 78 is rotatably attached to the tip portion 76 of the rocker arm 74 by a lock screw 86. The rocker arm 74 has the specifications as shown in FIG.
And bracket 80 by a pair of E-rings 90, 90
It is rotatably attached to the pivot. The mounting bracket 80 includes a face plate 92 (abutment plate) that is attached to the rear side of the rear wall 44 by suitable fastening members such as screws or bolts.

The spring struts 84 are, as shown,
It is screwed into the rear side of the rear wall 44. Rocker arm 7
4 is provided with a notch 94 (cut) that extends through the mounting bracket 80 and the rear wall 44. Spring 82
Is wound between the notch 94 above the rocker arm 74 and the spring post 84 to bias the roller ring 78 downward. As best shown in FIG. 4, the tip 76 of the rocker arm 74 is
6 so that when the film deck 18 is inserted into the workstation 16, the roller ring 7
8 is aligned with the inclined member 68.

Referring again to FIG. 4, the workstation 16 includes a pair of guide rails 96 and the lower plate 38 has a pair of corresponding channel portions 98,9.
8 (groove portion) is provided. In this specification, the film deck 18 can be slidably inserted into the workstation 16 when each guide rail 96 engages a corresponding channel 98. As shown in FIG. 4, the holding block 1 is provided with slots (grooves) on both ends of the workstation 16.
02 is provided. When the film deck 18 is inserted into the workstation 16, the outer edge 104 of the lower plate 38 will engage the slotted retaining block 102. This will prevent the lower plate 38 from displacing upwards. As shown in FIG. 3, the rear wall 44 of the workstation 16 further includes a pair of stoppers 106 (stop bumpers) that prevent the film deck 18 from moving forward when the film deck 18 is once completely in the insertion position. ) Is provided. When inserting the film deck 18 into the workstation 16, the operator first sets the handle 4
With 0, the channel portion 98 is aligned with the corresponding guide rail 96. This work step can be performed by keeping the film deck 18 at an angle that is slightly inclined upwards relative to the horizontal direction of the workstation 16.

The film deck 18 is then rotated slightly upward so that the film deck 18 is positioned parallel to the horizontal plane of the workstation 16. The film deck 18 is slid into the workstation 16 until its outer edge 104 engages the slotted retaining block 102. Film deck 18
Is further moved towards the rear wall 44 so that a short slot 67 in the bottom of the lower plate 38 (see FIG. 6).
Will engage the locating pins 108.

Next, the roller ring 78 is attached to the tilt member 68.
Of the inclined portion 70 (see FIG. 5), and as the lower plate 38 then engages the stopper 106,
It falls on the lock surface 72. The film deck 18 includes a guide rail 96 and a holding block 1 provided with a slot.
02 and the locating pin 108, the deck is placed in an acceptable position after being inserted deep enough to engage the electrical pin connector 110 into the connecting plug socket 112. Is inserted. At this point, the roller ring 78 is engaged against the locking surface 72 while ensuring proper electrical connection between the electrical pin connector 110 and the connecting plug socket 112. In this specification, the LED photocell and all other components on the film deck 18 that require power for its function are powered. Finally, the mounting pad 114 determines the exact height between the lower plate 38 of the film deck 18 and the workstation 16.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 9, when the film deck 18 is completely inserted into the workstation 16, the lower plate 38 includes a slotted holding block 102, a stopper 106, and Mounting pad 114, rocker arm 74 and roller ring 78
Due to the combined restraining effect exerted by the locking force exerted on the locking surface 72 of the tilting member 68 by means of movement in all directions. In this condition, the film deck 18 is in the fully inserted, loaded and locked position within the workstation 16. The upper plate 36 is further provided with an opening 116 with a notch formed around the tilting member 68 of the lower plate 38 so that the film deck 18 is located in a fully inserted and loaded position. Sometimes the lower plate 38 is hinged 4 as described above.
2, the upper plate 36 can be opened relative to the lower plate 38 as shown in FIG. In this state,
The film deck 18 is in the fully inserted, loaded and locked position, but in the open position.

In this locked and open position, the film track 54 is easily accessed for cleaning and cleaning the film path. Once the film 22 is placed in the film track 54 and passed through the drive roller 24, the upper plate 36 can be closed against the lower plate 38. In this condition, the film code reader assembly 30 and CCD array 32, respectively, rotate downward about their respective pivot rods 46 to position the film deck assembly in the operating position shown in FIG. Can be made to. This is the detection window 48
Are arranged above the pair of holes 52, 52, and similarly the CCD scanner assembly 32 is provided with an opening 64 with the scanning window 5 and the CCD array 41 arranged on the slit 58.
Will be placed inside. The film 22 can be automatically passed through the deck.

For the film deck 18 to be removed from the workstation 16, the film code reader assembly 30 and the CCD scanner assembly 32 position them in the positions shown in FIGS. 4 and 9, respectively. And is rotated upward about each pivot rod 46. The rocker arm 74 and the roller ring 7 together with the upper plate 36 in the closed position.
With 8, a sufficiently strong pulling force is exerted on the handle 40 so as to overcome the restraining force exerted on the locking surface 72 of the tilting member 68. Thus, as shown in FIG. 4, the film deck 18 is easily removed from the workstation 16. It should be understood that the present invention contemplates the use of at least two film decks 18 for one particular photofinishing device 10. FIG. 10 illustrates the use of two such film decks 18. Each film deck 1
8 would be of substantially identical construction and would be loaded into photographic processor 10 as described above.

The first difference between the two film decks 10 is
To the width of the film tracks 54 and 55. If the photographic processor 10 is designed to accommodate two different sizes or formats of film, such as 35 mm and 110 format films, then two film decks 18 would be provided. The first film deck 18 has film tracks 54 and 55 sized for one format film, and the second film deck 18 is adapted to accommodate the other format film. Will have film tracks 54 and 55 sized to. As mentioned above, each film deck 18 and film tracks 54 and 55 are designed to accommodate a particular type of photographic film 22 at the workstation 16 so that the major type of photographic film will pass through the device. Can be processed.

According to this specification, when the film format is changed from the first format to the second format on the photographic developing device 10, the first and second film decks 18 are provided.
Are exchanged so that a second type of photographic film can be processed by the apparatus. Photo developing device 1
The 0 need not be limited to containing two different types of film 22, but can include any number in addition to this. In any event, the number of different types of film that can be accommodated by the photofinishing apparatus 10 determines the number of film decks 18 provided in that particular apparatus. The film decks 18 would be substantially identical except for the particular size of each film track 54 and 55 and / or the characteristics monitored by the device.

Although the present invention has been described in detail with respect to certain preferred embodiments illustrated with respect to particular photographic developing apparatus, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to such embodiments. Is. further,
The present invention is not limited to use with any particular photofinishing equipment and can be readily incorporated into any film processor or photofinishing equipment used to process or develop films of different format types. It can be used. Thus, in light of this disclosure, which describes the best mode presently for carrying out the invention, numerous modifications and variations depart from the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth in the claims below. Without doing so, will occur to those skilled in the art.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a high-speed printer according to a conventional technique.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a film deck and assembly shown to illustrate an object associated with a photofinishing apparatus in accordance with a principal aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an isolated perspective view of a film deck assembly according to the present invention, showing the film deck loaded and closed in the workstation of the photographic processor.

FIG. 4 is an isolated perspective view of a film deck assembly according to the present invention, showing the film deck in a closed condition removed from the workstation of the photographic processor.

5 is a simplified schematic diagram of the area marked by circle 5 in FIG. 4, showing the operation of the roller arm when used to hold a film deck within a workstation.

FIG. 6 is a plan view seen from the upper side of the lower plate of the film deck according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a plan view similar to FIG. 6, showing a plan view of the upper side plate of the film deck according to the present invention as viewed from below.

FIG. 8 is an exploded exploded perspective view of a roller arm assembly for use in holding a film deck within a workstation of a photographic processor according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 3, showing the film deck attached to the workstation of the photographic processor in the open position.

FIG. 10 is a schematic side view showing a first film deck exchange including a second film deck according to another main aspect of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 photo developing device, 11 high speed printer, 12 film deck assembly, 13 supply reel, 14 console area, 15 take-up reel, 16 workstation, 17 counting reader, 18 film deck,
19 Peephole, 20A Film supply reel, 20B
Film take-up reel, 21 film code reader, 22 exposed film, 23 FCR
Track loop, 24 drive wheel, 25 scan gate, 26 keyboard, 27 scan tension loop, 28 LED photocell, 29 film cleaner brush, 30 film code reader assembly, 31 print gate, 32 CCD scanner assembly, 33 integrator bar, 34 Monitor, 35 track loop, 36 upper plate, 37 fixed film track, 38 lower plate, 40 handle, 41 CC
D array, 42 hinges, 43 drive rollers, 44
Rear wall, 45a-45b CCD array, 46 pivot rod, 48 detection window, 50 scanning window, 52 holes, 5
4 film tracks, 55 corresponding film tracks, 56 scanning areas, 58 slits, 62 light sources, 6
4 openings, 66 holding arm assembly, 67 short slot, 68 tilting member, 70 tilting part, 72 locking surface, 74 rocker arm, 76 tip, 78 roller ring, 80 mounting bracket, 82 spring strut,
86 lock screw, 88 slotted nail, 90 E
Ring, 92 face plate, 94 notch, 96
Guide rail, 98 Corresponding channel part, 102
Slotted holding block, 104 outer edge, 10
6 stop bumpers, 108 positioning pins, 110
Electrical pin, 112 connection plug socket, 114 mounting pad, 116 notched opening.

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued Front Page (72) Inventor Kenneth Raymond Canis No. 306 Philon Avenue, Rochester, New York, USA 14622 (72) Inventor Joan Em Dobles, USA 14559 Bloom Road 1482, Spencerport, NY No. (72) Inventor James A. Schmeeder 8100 Glues Road, New York, USA 14572 No. 72100 Inventor Frank John Leitano United States 14624 Chestnut Ridge Road 631 Rochester, NY

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A photographic processing device adapted to process different types of photographic film, comprising a workstation for developing each different type of photographic film, Means for moving along the workstation, and wherein the workstation contains a first type of photographic film so that the first type of photographic film is maintained in a predetermined orientation with respect to the workstation. A first receiving means adapted to be processed between the first receiving means and the first receiving means for releasable from the workstation and receiving a second type of photographic film at the workstation. The second accommodating means is replaceably attached, whereby each of the different types of photographic film described above is
When the first format is changed to the second format, the second format photographic film is processed while being maintained in a predetermined orientation with respect to the workstation. A photographic developing device characterized in that 2. A film deck assembly for use in a photographic processing apparatus capable of processing different types of photographic film, the workstation for developing different types of photographic film, the workstation comprising: A first receiving means adapted to receive a photographic film of the first type such that the photographic film of the first type is developed while held in a predetermined orientation relative to the workstation. A releasably attached to the workstation, and a second receiving means for receiving a second type of photographic film in the workstation, the second receiving means being releasable to the workstation, and It is replaceably attached to the first receiving means so that each of the different types of photographic film is removed from the first type. And when adapted to the second format, the second format photographic film is adapted to be developed while maintained in a predetermined orientation relative to the workstation. A film deck assembly characterized in that 3. A photographic developing method in which different types of films are continuously developed in a photographic developing apparatus, and a workstation is provided in the photographic developing apparatus for processing photographic films of different types. A photographic film of the first type is loaded into the photographic processing apparatus, and the first film deck is inserted into the workstation, whereby the first film deck is installed in the workstation. Placed in position with respect to the element, allowing the first type of photographic film to pass through the first film deck, the first type of photographic film passing through the first film deck. The photographic developing device in such a manner that the photographic developing device is moved so that it is maintained in a predetermined orientation with respect to the photographic developing element of the workstation. Remove the first type photographic film from the workstation, remove the first film deck from the workstation, load the second type film into the photographic processor, and attach the second film deck to the workstation. And then placing the second film deck in position with respect to the photographic developing element provided in the workstation, the second type photographic film being inserted into the second film deck. Through the second type photographic film, which is moved through the second film deck and maintained therein in a predetermined orientation relative to the photographic developing element of the workstation. A photographic developing method characterized in that it is processed as described above. 4. A photographic processing apparatus adapted to process different types of photographic film, the workstation for developing different types of photographic film, and the workstation of the first type of photographic film. A first storage means for receiving and storing the first type photographic film while the photographic film is held in a predetermined direction with respect to the workstation and is releasable from the workstation. A second housing for storing a second type of photographic film at the workstation
When the photographic film of each of the other types is exchangeably attached to the accommodating means so that the second type of photographic film is changed from the first type to the second type, the second type of photographic film is attached to the workstation. In contrast, a photographic developing device, which is developed while being maintained in a predetermined direction.