US3944362A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for determining the time intensity integral of the exposure of a negative onto photographic paper
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1974-09-24
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Granted: 1976-03-16
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Expires: 1994-09-24
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus is described for determining the time intensity integral of the exposure of a negative in additive primary colors onto photographic paper. A plurality of discrete areas of a negative are scanned and the light transmitted through these areas is directed onto photosensitive devices each appropriately filtered to be responsive to a different one of the primary additive colors. The electric signals derived from the photoelectric device are applied to fulcrum circuits, one for each of the additive colors; the fulcrum circuits each form an analog voltage linearly corresponding in their respective colors to the fraction of the total area of the negative which has a transmissivity greater than the mean transmissivity of the whole. The analog voltages thus derived, one for each of the primary colors, are applied to control circuits that produce electrical signals to terminate the exposure in the corresponding primary color in accordance with the amplitude of the analog voltage. Alternatively, the analog voltage is utilized to derive an indication to instruct the operator of a typical printing machine to make appropriate adjustments to produce desirable color intensity characteristics in the print.
Inventors
- 👤 John L. Dailey
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 15:17
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03B; G03B27/00; G03B27/72; G03B27/73; G03B27/735
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 34
Claim 1
Independent Claim
127 words
The method of forming a color print from a color negative by controlling the time intensity integral of the exposure comprising the steps of: a. scanning said negative by directing light therethrough at a plurality of discrete areas; b. detecting the light transmitted through said discrete areas of said negative in each of the colors red, green and blue; c. determining for each of said colors the fraction of the total area of the negative to be printed which has a transmissivity on a linear scale greater than the mean transmissivity of the same area; and d. setting the time intensity integral of the exposure in each of said colors proportional to the fraction of area having a transmissivity greater than the mean transmissivity for that color.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
127 words
The method of forming a color print from a color negative by controlling the time intensity integral of the exposure comprising the steps of: a. scanning said negative by directing light therethrough at a plurality of discrete areas; b. detecting the light transmitted through said discrete areas of said negative in each of the colors red, green and blue; c. determining for each of said colors the fraction of the total area of the negative to be printed which has a transmissivity on a linear scale greater than the mean transmissivity of the same area; and d. setting the time intensity integral of the exposure in each of said colors proportional to the fraction of area having a transmissivity greater than the mean transmissivity for that color.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
115 words
The method of forming a color print from a color negative by controlling the time intensity integral of the exposure comprising the steps of: a. scanning said negative by transmitting light sequentially through predetermined sampling areas of said negative; b. detecting the light transmitted through said negative in each of the colors, red, green and blue; c. generating an electric signal for each of the primary additive colors, linearly proportional to the fraction of the total area of the negative having a transmissivity greater than the mean transmissivity of the area; and d. setting the time intensity integral of the exposure in each of said colors proportional to the electric signal generated for that color.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
115 words
The method of forming a color print from a color negative by controlling the time intensity integral of the exposure comprising the steps of: a. scanning said negative by transmitting light sequentially through predetermined sampling areas of said negative; b. detecting the light transmitted through said negative in each of the colors, red, green and blue; c. generating an electric signal for each of the primary additive colors, linearly proportional to the fraction of the total area of the negative having a transmissivity greater than the mean transmissivity of the area; and d. setting the time intensity integral of the exposure in each of said colors proportional to the electric signal generated for that color.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
117 words
The method of forming a color print from a color negative by controlling the time intensity integral of the exposure comprising the steps of: a. scanning said negative by transmitting light sequentially through predetermined sampling areas of said negative; b. detecting the light transmitted through said negative in each of the colors, red, green and blue; c. generating an electric analog voltage for each of the primary additive colors, linearly rotational to the fraction of the total area of the negative having a transmissivity greater than the mean transmissivity of the area; and d. setting the time intensity integral of the exposure in each of said colors proportional to the electric analog voltage generated for that color.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
117 words
The method of forming a color print from a color negative by controlling the time intensity integral of the exposure comprising the steps of: a. scanning said negative by transmitting light sequentially through predetermined sampling areas of said negative; b. detecting the light transmitted through said negative in each of the colors, red, green and blue; c. generating an electric analog voltage for each of the primary additive colors, linearly rotational to the fraction of the total area of the negative having a transmissivity greater than the mean transmissivity of the area; and d. setting the time intensity integral of the exposure in each of said colors proportional to the electric analog voltage generated for that color.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
151 words
The method of forming a color print from a color negative by controlling the time intensity integral of the exposure comprising the steps of: a. scanning said negative by transmitting light sequentially through predetermined sampling area of said negative; d. detecting the light transmitted through said predetermined sampling areas of said negative in each of the primary additive colors, red, green and blue; c. generating a group of three analog voltages each corresponding linearly to a different one of said primary additive colors, each voltage proportional to the percentage of the total area of the negative having a transmissivity greater than the mean transmissivity of the whole area of the negative in that color; and d. controlling the exposure of said color negative onto said color print by setting the time intensity integral of the exposure in each of said colors proportional to the electric analog voltage generated for that color.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
151 words
The method of forming a color print from a color negative by controlling the time intensity integral of the exposure comprising the steps of: a. scanning said negative by transmitting light sequentially through predetermined sampling area of said negative; d. detecting the light transmitted through said predetermined sampling areas of said negative in each of the primary additive colors, red, green and blue; c. generating a group of three analog voltages each corresponding linearly to a different one of said primary additive colors, each voltage proportional to the percentage of the total area of the negative having a transmissivity greater than the mean transmissivity of the whole area of the negative in that color; and d. controlling the exposure of said color negative onto said color print by setting the time intensity integral of the exposure in each of said colors proportional to the electric analog voltage generated for that color.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
179 words
Apparatus for determining the time intensity integral of the exposure of a negative onto photographic paper comprising: a light source; means directing light from said light source through said negative through a plurality of predetermined discrete areas in said negative; a plurality of photodetecting means, each responsive to a different primary additive color, and each positioned to receive the light transmitted through said negative for generating electric signals linearly proportional to the intensity of light incident thereupon; a plurality of electric circuit means, each connected to a different one of said photodetecting means, and each responsive to the electric signals generated by a photodetecting means connected thereto for generating an analog voltage proportional to the fraction of the total number of said discrete areas having light transmission higher than the mean light transmission of all of said areas; and timing means connected to said electric circuit means responsive to the amplitude of each of said analog voltages for terminating the exposures of said negative in the color corresponding to each of said analog voltages in accordance with said amplitude.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
179 words
Apparatus for determining the time intensity integral of the exposure of a negative onto photographic paper comprising: a light source; means directing light from said light source through said negative through a plurality of predetermined discrete areas in said negative; a plurality of photodetecting means, each responsive to a different primary additive color, and each positioned to receive the light transmitted through said negative for generating electric signals linearly proportional to the intensity of light incident thereupon; a plurality of electric circuit means, each connected to a different one of said photodetecting means, and each responsive to the electric signals generated by a photodetecting means connected thereto for generating an analog voltage proportional to the fraction of the total number of said discrete areas having light transmission higher than the mean light transmission of all of said areas; and timing means connected to said electric circuit means responsive to the amplitude of each of said analog voltages for terminating the exposures of said negative in the color corresponding to each of said analog voltages in accordance with said amplitude.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
168 words
Apparatus for determining the time intensity integral of the exposure of a negative onto photographic paper comprising: a light source; means directing light from said light source through said negative through a plurality of predetermined discrete areas in said negative; a plurality of photodetecting means, each responsive to a different primary additive color, and each positioned to receive the light transmitted through said negative for generating electric signals linearly proportional to the intensity of light incident thereupon; a plurality of electric circuit means, each connected to a different one of said photodetecting means, and each responsive to the electric signals generated by a photodetecting means connected thereto for generating an analog voltage proportional to the fraction of the total number of said discrete areas having light transmission higher than the mean light transmission of all of said areas; and means connected to said electric circuit responsive to the amplitude of each of said amplitude voltages for presenting an indication of the amplitude of each of said analog voltages.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
168 words
Apparatus for determining the time intensity integral of the exposure of a negative onto photographic paper comprising: a light source; means directing light from said light source through said negative through a plurality of predetermined discrete areas in said negative; a plurality of photodetecting means, each responsive to a different primary additive color, and each positioned to receive the light transmitted through said negative for generating electric signals linearly proportional to the intensity of light incident thereupon; a plurality of electric circuit means, each connected to a different one of said photodetecting means, and each responsive to the electric signals generated by a photodetecting means connected thereto for generating an analog voltage proportional to the fraction of the total number of said discrete areas having light transmission higher than the mean light transmission of all of said areas; and means connected to said electric circuit responsive to the amplitude of each of said amplitude voltages for presenting an indication of the amplitude of each of said analog voltages.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
135 words
The combination set forth in claim 5 wherein said plurality of electric circuit means comprises a plurality of circuits each connected to a different one of said photodetecting means, each circuit responsive to electric signals received from the photodetecting means connected thereto for integrating said signals to obtain a voltage proportional to the mean light transmission of the corresponding negative, a voltage comparator connected to receive said proportional voltage and said electric signals and to generate an output signal when said electric signals have a greater voltage than said proportional voltage, means connected to said comparator for integrating said signals to thereby provide an analog voltage proportional to the fraction of the total of said areas of the negative which have a light transmission greater than the mean light transmission of all of said areas.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
135 words
The combination set forth in claim 6 wherein said plurality of electric circuit means comprises a plurality of circuits each connected to a different one of said photodetecting means, each circuit responsive to electric signals received from the photodetecting means connected thereto for integrating said signals to obtain a voltage proportional to the mean light transmission of the corresponding negative, a voltage comparator connected to receive said proportional voltage and said electric signals and to generate an output signal when said electric signals have a greater voltage than said proportional voltage, means connected to said comparator for integrating said signals to thereby provide an analog voltage proportional to the fraction of the total of said areas of the negative which have a light transmission greater than the mean light transmission of all of said areas.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
83 words
The combination set forth in claim 5 wherein said means responsive to each of said analog voltages includes a capacitor to be charged to said analog voltage, a phototube responsive to one of said primary additive colors, means connecting said capacitor to said phototube for discharging said capacitor through said phototube as light from said light source impinges thereon, and means responsive to the complete discharge of said capacitor for terminating the exposure of said negative to said one of said primary colors.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
82 words
Combination set forth in claim 7 wherein said means responsive to each of said analog voltages include a capacitor to be charged to said analog voltage, a phototube responsive to one of said primary additive colors, means connecting said capacitor to said phototube for discharging said capacitor through said phototube as light from said light source impinges thereon, and means responsive to the complete discharge of said capacitor for terminating the exposure of said negative to said one of said primary colors.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
176 words
The combination set forth in claim 6 wherein said means responsive to the amplitude of each of said analog voltages comprises: three gain controlled amplifiers each connected to receive the analog voltage corresponding to a different one of said primary additive colors; means connected to said amplifiers for summing the outputs thereof; a reference voltage source; a differential amplifier connected to receive said summed outputs and connected to receive said reference voltage to provide an error voltage to be fed back to said gain controlled amplifiers; output amplifying means connected to the output of the gain controlled amplifiers corresponding to the primary additive colors of red and green; a cathode ray tube; means connecting said output amplifying means to the horizontal and vertical controls of said cathode ray tube; and a mask secured to the face of said cathode ray tube divided into zones corresponding to color corrections required for the negative being examined, whereby the cathode ray tube beam will illuminate a zone indicating the proper color correction to be used in printing the negative.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
176 words
The combination set forth in claim 8 wherein said means responsive to the amplitude of each of said analog voltages comprises: three gain controlled amplifiers each connected to receive the analog voltage corresponding to a different one of said primary additive colors; means connected to said amplifiers for summing the outputs thereof; a reference voltage source; a differential amplifier connected to receive said summed outputs and connected to receive said reference voltage to provide an error voltage to be fed back to said gain controlled amplifiers; output amplifying means connected to the output of the gain controlled amplifiers corresponding to the primary additive colors of red and green; a cathode ray tube; means connecting said output amplifying means to the horizontal and vertical controls of said cathode ray tube; and a mask secured to the face of said cathode ray tube divided into zones corresponding to color corrections required for the negative being examined, whereby the cathode ray tube beam will illuminate a zone indicating the proper color correction to be used in printing the negative.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
158 words
Combination set forth in claim 5 including a raster plate having a plurality of openings therein positioned adjacent said negative, said openings receiving light from said light source passing through said negative and defining said predetermined discrete areas; a plurality of light transmitting optical fibers each having one end thereof secured in one of said openings in said raster plate; and a second plate having a plurality of openings therein, the opposite end of each of said optical fibers imbedded in said openings of said second plate; a rotating disc mounted adjacent said second plate and having an opening extending therethrough to sequentially expose the openings in said second plate and the ends of the optic fibers secured thereto; a light tight enclosure enclosing said second plate and rotating disc; said plurality of photodetecting means mounted in said enclosure to receive light from said light source directed through said negative, optic fibers. and opening in said rotating disc.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
158 words
Combinations set forth in claim 6 including a raster plate having a plurality of openings therein positioned adjacent said negative, said openings receiving light from said light source passing through said negative and defining said predetermined discrete areas; a plurality of light transmitting optical fibers each having one end thereof secured in one of said openings in said raster plate; and a second plate having a plurality of openings therein, the opposite end of each of said optical fibers imbedded in said openings of said second plate; a rotating disc mounted adjacent said second plate and having an opening extending therethrough to sequentially expose the openings in said second plate and the ends of the optic fibers secured thereto; a light tight enclosure enclosing said second plate and rotating disc; said plurality of photodetecting means mounted in said enclosure to receive light from said light source directed through said negative, optic fibers, and opening in said rotating disc.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
158 words
Combination set forth in claim 7 including a raster plate having a plurality of openings therein positioned adjacent said negative, said openings receiving light from said light source passing through said negative and defining said predetermined discrete areas; a plurality of light transmitting optical fibers each having one end thereof secured in one of said openings in said raster plate; and a second plate having a plurality of openings therein, the opposite end of each of said optical fibers imbedded in said openings of said second plate; a rotating disc mounted adjacent said second plate and having an opening extending therethrough to sequentially expose the openings in said second plate and the ends of the optic fibers secured thereto; a light tight enclosure enclosing said second plate and rotating disc; said plurality of photodetecting means mounted in said enclosure to receive light from said light source directed through said negative, optic fibers, and opening in said rotating disc.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
158 words
Combination set forth in claim 8 including a raster plate having a plurality of openings therein positioned adjacent said negative, said openings receiving light from said light source passing through said negative and defining said predetermined discrete areas; a plurality of light transmitting optical fibers each having one end thereof secured in one of said openings in said raster plate; and a second plate having a plurality of openings therein, the opposite end of each of said optical fibers imbedded in said openings of said second plate; a rotating disc mounted adjacent said second plate and having an opening extending therethrough to sequentially expose the openings in said second plate and the ends of the optic fibers secured thereto; a light tight enclosure enclosing said second plate and rotating disc; said plurality of photodetecting means mounted in said enclosure to receive light from said light source directed through said negative, optic fibers, and opening in said rotating disc.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
43 words
Combination set forth in claim 13 wherein one end of each of said optic fibers is imbedded in said raster plate and wherein the opposite ends of each of said optic fibers is imbedded in said second plate in a randomly distributed fashion.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
43 words
Combination set forth in claim 14 wherein one end of each of said optic fibers is imbedded in said raster plate and wherein the opposite ends of each of said optic fibers is imbedded in said second plate in a randomly distributed fashion.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
43 words
Combination set forth in claim 15 wherein one end of each of said optic fibers is imbedded in said raster plate and wherein the opposite ends of each of said optic fibers is imbedded in said second plate in a randomly distributed fashion.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
158 words
Combination set forth in claim 16 including a raster plate having a plurality of openings therein positioned adjacent said negative, said openings receiving light from said light source passing through said negative and defining said predetermined discrete areas; a plurality of light transmitting optical fibers each having one end thereof secured in one of said openings in said raster plate; and a second plate having a plurality of openings therein, the opposite end of each of said optical fibers imbedded in said openings of said second plate; a rotating disc mounted adjacent said second plate and having an opening extending therethrough to sequentially expose the openings in said second plate and the ends of the optic fibers secured thereto; a light tight enclosure enclosing said second plate and rotating disc; said plurality of photodetecting means mounted in said enclosure to receive light from said light source directed through said negative, optic fibers, and opening in said rotating disc.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
107 words
The method of forming a color print from a color negative by controlling the time intensity integral of the exposure comprising the steps of: a. scanning said negative by transmitting light through it and detecting said light separately for a plurality of individual illuminated areas of said negative; b. generating an electric signal for each of the primary additive colors, linearly proportional to the fraction of the total area of the negative having a transmissivity greater than the mean transmissivity of the area; and c. setting the time intensity integral of the exposure in each of said colors proportional to the electric signal generated for that color.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
107 words
The method of forming a color print from a color negative by controlling the time intensity integral of the exposure comprising the steps of: a. scanning said negative by transmitting light through it and detecting said light separately for a plurality of individual illuminated areas of said negative; b. generating an electric signal for each of the primary additive colors, linearly proportional to the fraction of the total area of the negative having a transmissivity greater than the mean transmissivity of the area; and c. setting the time intensity integral of the exposure in each of said colors proportional to the electric signal generated for that color.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
123 words
In combination, a light source; means directing light from said light source through a negative through a plurality of predetermined discrete areas in said negative; a plurality of photodetecting means, each responsive to a different additive primary color, and each positioned to receive the light transmitted through said negative for generating electric signals linearly proportional to the intensity of light incident thereupon; a plurality of electric circuit means, each connected to a different one of said photodetecting means, and each responsive to the electric signals generated by a photodetecting means connected thereto for generating an analog voltage proportional to the fraction of the total number of said discrete areas having light transmission higher than the mean light transmission of all of said areas.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
123 words
In combination, a light source; means directing light from said light source through a negative through a plurality of predetermined discrete areas in said negative; a plurality of photodetecting means, each responsive to a different additive primary color, and each positioned to receive the light transmitted through said negative for generating electric signals linearly proportional to the intensity of light incident thereupon; a plurality of electric circuit means, each connected to a different one of said photodetecting means, and each responsive to the electric signals generated by a photodetecting means connected thereto for generating an analog voltage proportional to the fraction of the total number of said discrete areas having light transmission higher than the mean light transmission of all of said areas.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
104 words
Apparatus for generating an analog voltage in response to light transmitted through a negative comprising: a. a light source; b. means for scanning said negative at a plurality of discrete areas; c. a plurality of photodetecting means each responsive to a different additive primary color and each positioned to receive the light transmitted through said discrete areas for generating electric signals linearly proportional to the intensity of the light in an additive primary color incident thereupon; d. a plurality of circuit means each connected to a different one of said photodetectors for receiving one of said electric signals, each of said circuit means including:
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
104 words
Apparatus for generating an analog voltage in response to light transmitted through a negative comprising: a. a light source; b. means for scanning said negative at a plurality of discrete areas; c. a plurality of photodetecting means each responsive to a different additive primary color and each positioned to receive the light transmitted through said discrete areas for generating electric signals linearly proportional to the intensity of the light in an additive primary color incident thereupon; d. a plurality of circuit means each connected to a different one of said photodetectors for receiving one of said electric signals, each of said circuit means including:
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
131 words
dividing means for receiving and dividing said electric signal into first and second signals; 2. integrating means connected to said dividing means for receiving and integrating said first signal; 3. a voltage comparator connected to said dividing means and to said integrating means for receiving said second signal and the integrated first signal and for generating a train square wave pulses of predetermined amplitude having a duty cycle proportional to the time that said second signal is higher than said integrated first signal; and 4. second integrating means connected to said comparator for receiving and integrating said train of square wave pulses to form an analog voltage linearly proportional to the fraction of the total area of said negative having light transmissivity higher than the mean transmissivity of said total area.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
131 words
dividing means for receiving and dividing said electric signal into first and second signals; 2. integrating means connected to said dividing means for receiving and integrating said first signal; 3. a voltage comparator connected to said dividing means and to said integrating means for receiving said second signal and the integrated first signal and for generating a train square wave pulses of predetermined amplitude having a duty cycle proportional to the time that said second signal is higher than said integrated first signal; and 4. second integrating means connected to said comparator for receiving and integrating said train of square wave pulses to form an analog voltage linearly proportional to the fraction of the total area of said negative having light transmissivity higher than the mean transmissivity of said total area.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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Cited
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-03-16 | 1979-09-15 | 1980-03-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-03-16 | 1983-09-15 | 1984-03-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-03-16 | 1987-09-15 | 1988-03-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |