Photographic reprint system with large print quantity verification

Abstract

A photographic reprint system includes a preparation station at which film segments or strips are attached to an elongated paper tab. Holes are punched in the tab to indicate the location of each film frame to be printed. Information relating to the printing of each film frame, including the desired print quantity, is stored sequentially in a storage medium, such as a floppy disk. In addition, the desired print quantity is printed in human readable form on the tab. After the tab with attached film segments has been prepared, it is taken to a photographic printer, where the tab with the attached film segments is advanced sequentially and the negatives are printed. Prior to the printing of each film frame, the desired print quantity which was stored in the storage means is retrieved and displayed. If the desired print quantity exceeds a predetermined number of prints, the printer waits for verification from the operator before printing. This permits the operator to check the desired print quantity being displayed with the print quantity which has been printed on the tab, to check the desired print quantity with the print quantity indicated on the original order form or order envelope, and to check the film frame to make certain that it is clean and in printable condition. The operator then provides either a signal initiating printing of the desired print quantity, or a signal which causes the printer to pass the film frame without printing. Alternatively, the operator may cause a different quantity to be made.