Method and apparatus for evaluating developed photographic films prior

Abstract

Successive frames of a web of photographic color film are subjected to objective examination during transport through an automatic evaluating circuit which may constitute a discrete prereader or a prereader which is integrated into a copying machine upstream of the copying station. The prereader furnishes signals which represent color and/or density correction data for reproduction of those film frames which can be properly copied only with a setting of exposure controls which deviates from the average setting for copying of the majority of film frames. The objective examination of all film frames is followed by a subjective examination which is performed by an attendant who inspects at least some of those film frames whose examination by the prereader resulted in the generation of correction signals. The attendant inspects the film frames at the copying station or at a second station which is located immediately downstream of a discrete prereader, and the attendant simultaneously observes the corresponding correction signals which are furnished by the evaluating circuit and are displayed close to the copying station or in register with film frames at the second station. The attendant can approve, modify or cancel the correction signals, and can also initiate the generation of additional signals, e.g., to identify those film frames which are unfit for copying.