Agfa-gevaert Ag

Agfa-fevaert Aktiengesellschaft

Agfa-gevaert Aktiengesellchaft

Friedrich Jacob

Gunter Findeis

Wolfgang Zahn

Helmut Treiber

Knut Oberhardt

Gudrun Taresch

Eberhard Schulz

Eduard Wagensonner

Wolfgang Ruf

Bernhard Lorenz

Tobias Damm

Manfred Fuersich

Matthias Mandl

Lothar Prause

Peter Czekal

Wolfgang Keupp

Markus Fuessel

Markus Fussel

A device and method are disclosed for exposing a digital image onto light-sensitive material. The device includes an image generation device that is controlled by a control device according to image data. In addition, the device has an optical system for reproducing the image onto light-sensitive material that is supported by a stage. A beam splitter, located in the exposure beam path, directs a portion of the light emitted by the image generation device onto a light sensor that has at least one sensor line.

Apparatus and method for exposing a digital image onto a light-sensitive material

Apparatus for imaging photographic negatives onto light-sensitive photoprint material includes a platform ( ) for the print material; a digital image projection system ( ) with an electronic image generation unit; and an integrated analog image projection system ( ) with an light source and a negative holder. The image generator of the digital image projection system is disposed outside the light ray path of the analog image projection system. The projection systems are so constructed and arranged that the photoprint material on the platform ( ) can receive images from both projection systems simultaneously or consecutively. When a change is made for the projection of images by one projection system to the other, the two light ray paths remain unchanged.

Method and apparatus for printing photographs from developed film onto light-sensitive photoprint material

A negative to be printed is masked. The mask, or an image of the mask in the plane of the negative, or both the mask and the image, have a low resolution of 0.1 to 2 line pairs per millimeter.

Method of and apparatus for masking a master for reproduction

A method and a device for reproducing originals onto light-sensitive materials is described where unsharp masks for changing the reproduction process or the density values to be reproduced are determined from the density values of the original and from pre-specified gradation factors. Several different gradation factors are used to determine the mask of an original.

Device and method for reproducing originals onto light-sensitive material

Film frames are scanned preparatory to copying and a set of density values is generated for each frame. When a frame exhibits excessive contrast, a mask is calculated using the respective set of density values. The calculated mask is formed on an LCD or LED matrix which is in register with the frame. An image of the masked frame is then projected onto copy paper by a zoom objective. The mask has a size which is a function of the magnification factor and/or the mask-to-frame distance.

Method of copying transparent originals and photographic copier

A copying apparatus is adjusted in order to produce high-quality copies of transparent negatives or diapositives having excessive variations in brightness. The adjustment is performed using a reference master. The apparatus is properly adjusted when a copy of the reference master meets specific criteria.

Reproduction of transparent masters

A master to be copied has a picture in which a dark region and a light region are located one behind the other. The two regions are separated by a light/dark transition where a halo can develop on copies of the master. Prior to copying, the master is scanned and the resulting data used to produce a mask for the master. The mask has a light/dark transition corresponding to the light/dark transition of the master. However, the light/dark transition of the mask is shifted relative to the light/dark transition of the master. The shift is such that, when the mask is superimposed on the master, the light/dark transition of the mask is superimposed on a region of the master which reduces the visibility of the halo. The master is copied following masking.

Method of reproducing transparent masters

A transparency to be reproduced is positioned in register with copy material having respective sensitivity maxima in the blue, green and red wavelength ranges of the spectrum. An illuminating unit for exposing the copy material includes an array of cells such as an LCD. The density of each cell can be varied individually to thereby change the illumination intensity, and the densities are adjustable in such a manner that, in the spectral ranges corresponding to the neighborhoods of the sensitivity maxima, the density of each cell changes by approximately the same factor.

Masking of transparencies for copying

The frames of a film are scanned and exposure data, as well as masking data, are calculated for each frame from the resulting measurements. Following scanning, the frames are successively transported to a printing station. As a frame approaches the printing station, a mask is generated for the frame based on the respective masking data. The mask is produced by selectively roughening the surface of a transparent endless band or selectively applying a dye or pigment to the surface of the band. The band travels along an endless path which passes through the printing station, and movement of a mask and its corresponding frame are coordinated so that the frame is properly masked in the printing station. The masked frame is printed, and mask and frame are then withdrawn from the printing station while a succeeding frame and mask enter the printing station. If a dye or pigment is used for mask formation, the band can be conducted through a cleaning station where masks are removed after printing. The band can then be reused.

Masking of photographs for reproduction

A transparent master is mechanically sensed to detect the emulsion. The master is then advanced into a projection arrangement where a scanner scans the master point-by-point and line-by-line to generate signals containing data on the master. The signals are entered in a memory and electronically enhanced. The enhanced signals are sent to a cathode ray tube which produces a printing beam responsive to the signals. The printing beam prints an image of the master on copy material. If sensing of the emulsion indicates that the master is inverted, the image of the master is electronically inverted in the projection arrangement to thereby obtain a normal copy. The electronic inversion can be accomplished in any one of several ways as follows: (i) reversing the order in which the signals are generated by the scanner; (ii) reversing the order in which the signals are entered in the memory; (iii) reversing the order in which the signals are retrieved from the memory; or (iv) reversing the direction of movement of the printing beam.

Production of properly oriented copies of transparent masters

A photographic scanner has a light source for illuminating a photographic original to be scanned and a sensor for detecting light which has passed through the original. The sensor has a single row of sensing cells, and the original is scanned by moving the sensor and the original relative to one another in a direction perpendicular to the row. An objective serves to focus light from the original on the sensing cells. Between the objective and the sensor is a protective glass sheet which overlies the sensor. A mask is interposed between the protective sheet and the sensor and has a slit in register with the row of sensing cells. The mask reduces the amount of scattered light reaching the sensing cells.

Photographic scanner with reduced susceptibility to scattering

Light is passed through a negative located in a primary optical path and towards a band of copy material disposed in the path. A reflector is movable into the primary path so as to deflect the light into a secondary optical path. A mat, transparent plate is situated in the secondary path. The plate is situated in a plane which is a conjugate of the plane of the copy material with reference to the reflector when the latter is in the primary path. A sharp image of the negative is formed on the plate. Light passing through the plate is deflected into a tertiary optical path by a second reflector. The light entering the tertiary path is sensed by a video camera which then causes the image on the plate to be reproduced on a monitor for evaluation prior to copying.

Apparatus and method for copying photographic masters at variable

An apparatus for making copies of a colored master has a color monitor which can produce a color image of the master. The monitor is provided with a circuit for turning a portion of the monitor screen black-and-white and adjusting the size and/or position of the black-and-white portion of the screen. The black-and-white portion of the screen is positioned adjacent to a critical area of the color image so that the density and color of the image can be evaluated. The monitor further includes a circuit for adjusting the density and color of the image.

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Munich, Germany

Friedrich Jacob