Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
131 words
An opaquing method for stopping out extraneous areas other than desired image-constituting areas in a lith type film, photographic printing paper or the like on which an image has been formed, comprising the steps of: detecting optically responsive areas of the film by scanning successive picture elements in the film, photographic printing paper or the like; comparing optical responsivity of each picture element with the optical responsivity of adjacent picture elements in a scan line of the picture element and in adjacent scan lines; determining the presence of an extraneous area having a picture element with optical responsivity different to the optical responsivity of adjacent picture elements; and forming an opaque layer on extraneous areas other than said desired areas in said lith type film, photographic printing paper or the like.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
131 words
An opaquing method for stopping out extraneous areas other than desired image-constituting areas in a lith type film, photographic printing paper or the like on which an image has been formed, comprising the steps of: detecting optically responsive areas of the film by scanning successive picture elements in the film, photographic printing paper or the like; comparing optical responsivity of each picture element with the optical responsivity of adjacent picture elements in a scan line of the picture element and in adjacent scan lines; determining the presence of an extraneous area having a picture element with optical responsivity different to the optical responsivity of adjacent picture elements; and forming an opaque layer on extraneous areas other than said desired areas in said lith type film, photographic printing paper or the like.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
An opaquing method according to claim 1, wherein said forming step is accomplished by use of a thermal transfer recording apparatus.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
An opaquing method according to claim 1, wherein said comparing step is accomplished by providing a two-dimensional array of picture elements about a picture element selected for comparison.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
128 words
An opaquing apparatus for stopping out extraneous areas other than image-constituting light-transmissible or light-reflecting desired areas in a lith type film, photographic printing paper or the like on which an image has been formed, comprising: an exposing means for exposing said lith type film, photographic printing paper or the like to light; a detecting means for detecting said desired areas at a pitch commensurate with picture element unit; an opaque layer means for providing an opaque layer on the extraneous area other than said desired areas; and comparing means operative with an array of picture elements for comparing the picture element of an extraneous area with adjacent picture elements to determine the presence of an extraneous area, said comparing directing said opaquing means to provide the opaque layer.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
128 words
An opaquing apparatus for stopping out extraneous areas other than image-constituting light-transmissible or light-reflecting desired areas in a lith type film, photographic printing paper or the like on which an image has been formed, comprising: an exposing means for exposing said lith type film, photographic printing paper or the like to light; a detecting means for detecting said desired areas at a pitch commensurate with picture element unit; an opaque layer means for providing an opaque layer on the extraneous area other than said desired areas; and comparing means operative with an array of picture elements for comparing the picture element of an extraneous area with adjacent picture elements to determine the presence of an extraneous area, said comparing directing said opaquing means to provide the opaque layer.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
37 words
An opaquing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a conveying means for conveying said lith type film, photographic printing paper or the like to the exposing means, said detecting means and said opaque layer providing means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
39 words
An opaquing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said opaque layer providing means is operative to form on the extraneous areas an opaque layer by adding to an extraneous area a predetermined number of picture elements as an edge.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said detecting means is operative to detect at a preselectable pitch at an intergral number of picture elements.