GB2311871A

GB2311871A - Negative frame identification

Info

Publication number: GB2311871A
Application number: GB9607038A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul John Fowler
Original assignee: SCHOOL PICTURES INTERNATIONAL
Current assignee: SCHOOL PICTURES INTERNATIONAL
Priority date: 1996-04-03
Filing date: 1996-04-03
Publication date: 1997-10-08
Anticipated expiration: 2016-04-03
Also published as: GB9607038D0; GB2311871B

Abstract

When a film reel 1 has been developed, the presence of each negative frame 2 is marked by a notch 3, offset from the centre of the frame 2. The film reel 1 is passed through a film deck 4, forming part of a photographic processing system. The film deck 4 comprises a microswitch notch detector 5 and an encoder 6. The notch detector 5 locates each frame 2 and sends a signal of the position of the frame 2 to a printer controller 7, which is part of a computer system 70. The encoder 6 includes a sensing means (not shown) which digitizes the film length and produces a series of pulses as the film 1 moves past the encoder 6. The data relating to the number of pulses produced is relayed to the controller 7. A negative frame 2c is placed in a print gate 8 ready for automatic printing. Data from the notch detector 5 and the film encoder 6 is converted by software in the controller 7 to identify which frame 2 has been placed in the print gate 8. The converted data information is stored as a film identification (ID) file. The ID file can also be amended by an operator to include information on printing such as colour requirements, density, package selection and reprint information. This information is used to automatically print each frame.

Description

NEGATIVE FRAME IDENTIFICATION AND LOCATION The invention relates to negative frame identification and location in batches of photographic films, particularly, but not exclusively, in batches of films of photographs of a series of individuals or groups such as in schools, playgroups, clubs, companies etc.

This type of series of photographs taken by a photographer will be referred to herein as school photographs, but is not limited to schools.

In the school photograph market, the photographer goes to the school and takes the photographs of the pupils. The photographer is either part of an organisation that processes the films itself or he sends the films to an independent processor. The processor develops the films and prints a sample to be sent to the subjects for them to select the prints they wish to purchase. This is done in one of two ways: either a "speculation" pack is printed where a selected number of prints are sent out and the customer may purchase the package or part of it; or a single "preview" proof print is sent and the customer selects the print package that they require, which is then printed and dispatched to the customer.

The "speculation" system has the advantage that it has a high take up rate of purchase. The "preview" system has a lower rate of sales, but this is offset by the lower cost of sales, as every pack produced is pre-sold, and it has a lower level of administration required by the school itself.

The processing of the films is identical for both systems but in the "speculation" system a set package is produced for each selected negative and in the "preview" system a proof card with a passport sized portrait is produced of each selected negative.

In the present "preview" system, the films are exposed and then processed in the usual way. The photographic images are then selected for their suitability during a course editing stage. Once the frame has been selected a notch is punched into the film edge to give a position and location point for the frame.

Proof cards for the marked negative frames are made in the same way as normal photographic prints and sent out to either the photographer or the parents. The parents can then choose one or more selections from a leaflet provided. They simply mark the selection they require and return the card with the correct remittance. The photographer collects the cards and returns them to the laboratory for printing. When the proof cards are received back in the laboratory, the proof cards and the negatives are matched manually and a further set of notches is punched into the frame edge or rebate. These combinations of notches are automatically detected by infra-red sensors on the printers and will subsequently produce the individual portraits.

The holes punched in the film provide a binary code which identifies the frame and can include package information and printing details.

However, the system has many disadvantages. A manual hole punch is required to notch the films and once the notch combinations have been punched into the frame edge the film becomes brittle and liable to damage.

The notch combinations are used to identify the packages required for printing but once the film has been notched for even the smallest number of packages, further orders cannot be printed automatically from additional notches as the printer will also print the original packages. Therefore, secondary or late orders have to be produced manually.

The notches identify the frame for printing and do not allow further codings for multiple choices and no other production information can be stored on the film. For example, if the film needs editing to adjust the printing, such as colour balance, darkness of print etc, the film is notched to show that it needs adjustment, the machine stops at that frame, the operator adjusts the printing parameters, the print is produced and the operator resets the machine for the next negative frame. This is very time consuming.

The object of the invention is to provide improved negative frame identification and selection in reels of film. Further objects of the invention are to provide more flexible order production and to improve production efficiency and reduce film handling.

The invention provides negative frame identifying means to identify a negative frame on a reel of film comprising: means to identify the presence of each negative frame on the reel of film; means to digitize the length of the reel of film into a series of pulses; means to code the position of each negative frame as a function of the number of pulses along the reel of film relative to a reference point; and means to store the coded position of each frame.

Preferably the means to identify the presence of each negative frame on the reel of film comprises a notch in the edge of the film at a predetermined position relative to the frame. This is a conventional technique for marking negative frame positions and can be carried out manually or automatically. Preferably the invention further includes means to compare the position of a notch with the position of a frame identified by the means of the invention. This is advantageously used to check that the frame is in the correct position as determined by the frame identifying means.

Alternative means for identifying the presence of each frame are also possible, for example by detecting the rebates between each frame.

Preferably the means to digitize the length of film into a series of pulses comprises an encoder and pulse generating means such as a sprocket wheel or friction wheel. Advantageously the sprocket wheel or friction wheel turns as the film is moved through the encoder to generate a series of pulses directly related to the length of film that has moved past the encoder. The number of pulses between frames varies depending on the frame position but is preferably of the order of several hundred. Every point along the film is a known number of pulses from the reference point and therefore every point can be given a digital position code. Each frame number is coded by the number of pulses from the reference point.

Preferably the means to code the position of each negative frame as a function of the number of pulses along the reel of film relative to a reference point and the means to store the coded position of each frame comprise computer means.

Preferably the film is encoded as it is processed. Advantageously the film is passed through a frame detector, such as a notch detector and through an encoder, such that when a frame is detected the frame detector signals the presence of a frame and the number of pulses is recorded to identify the frame. The data relating to each frame is relayed to computer means and the data is stored. Advantageously the data is stored on a disk which is given a reference number to correlate it to a particular film. Alternatively, all the information may be networked on a computer system.

Preferably the computer means converts the data from the frame detector and the encoder to identify which frame is present. An identification (ID) file is kept for each film reel with position data relating to each frame.

Advantageously further information is included with the ID file, which may relate to printing details such as colour, density, packages to be printed and reprint details.

Once the frame positions are recorded, any particular frame can be found and further information can be used to produce the required printing details, packages etc.

The negative frame positioning of each film is individual, due to how the film is loaded, slippage in winding and the length of film exposed, and therefore the chance of two films having the same frame position coding is very small. If the wrong ID file is matched to a film the frame positions indicated by the frame detecting means will not match with the frame positions stored on the data file and an error will be indicated.

Advantageously the negative frame identifying means of the invention is used for automatic printing of required frames in a processing system.

The invention further provides a film processing system comprising negative frame identifying means to identify a negative frame on a reel of film, means to store coded information relating to each identified negative frame and processing means to produce photographic prints from the identified negative frames, wherein the negative frame identifying means comprises: means to identify the presence of each negative frame on the reel of film; means to digitize the length of the reel of film into a series of pulses; means to code the position of each negative frame as a function of the number of pulses along the reel of film relative to a reference point; and means to store the coded position of each frame.

Preferably the means to store the coded information comprises computer means.

Preferably the processing means comprises a film deck through which the film is passed for processing and printing means to produce the required prints. Advantageously the film deck comprises a print gate, where the negative frame is placed for printing, and a bidirectional film drive and take-up to move the film through the film deck. In the processing of school photographs, a series of individual films. are conveniently spliced together to form a reel of film which is then automatically passed through the film deck and continuously processed. Preferably the printing means prints a proof print for each negative frame.

Preferably the coded information is stored in an identification (ID) file for each negative frame. Advantageously the coded information is printed on each proof print as it is produced. The coded information comprises the negative frame position code and may advantageously include further information such as customer identification number and printing information. Advantageously the coded information is printed as an alphanumerical reference on each print but it may also be printed as a bar code or in any convenient form.

Preferably the computer means that stores the coded information includes editing means which enables an operator to amend the printing data stored with respect to each negative frame to enable corrections for position, colour, density, package requirements and reprint data to be made.

The film processing means according to the invention has a particular advantage in that there is no need for handling of the film reel by an operator at any time during editing of the printing.

Advantageously, when the proof prints have been produced, they are checked by an operator for any printing corrections that may be necessary and the editing means is used to amend the ID file relating to the negative frame. The film is then passed through the processing means again and the printing means preferably produces corrected proof prints for those negative frames where the ID file was amended.

The proof prints are sent to the customer for the customer to select the package of photographs required. The proof print is then returned and the editing means is used to amend the ID file to include coded information on the printing requirements for the selected package. When the encoding of the information for a film is complete the film and the ID files are returned to the processing means for automatic printing of the customers' orders.

The encoded film reels are automatically passed through the film deck and the printing information and package selection is read from the ID file.

From this information the printing means selects the required negative frame and automatically produces the encoded package. If corrections are required, the ID file is edited and the film reel is returned to the printing means with the amended ID file for automatic reprinting. At no time is there any need for an operator to have contact with the film reel.

After editing, the completed packages are printed, finished and packed.

The ID file and the film reels may then be stored for future orders.

The invention further provides a method of identifying a negative frame on a reel of film comprising the steps of: identifying the presence of each negative frame on the reel of film; digitizing the length of the reel of film into a series of pulses; coding the position of each negative frame as a function of the number of pulses along the reel of film relative to a reference point; and storing the coded position of each frame.

The invention also further provides a method of film processing comprising the steps of identifying a negative frame on a reel of film, storing coded information relating to each identified negative frame and producing photographic prints from the identified negative frames, wherein the step of identifying a negative frame comprises the steps of: identifying the presence of each negative frame on the reel of film; digitizing the length of the reel of film into a series of pulses; coding the position of each negative frame as a function of the number of pulses along the reel of film relative to a reference point; and storing the coded position of each frame.

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings, of which: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a negative frame identifying means according to the invention; Figure 2 is a diagrammatic representation of a part of a film processing system according to the invention for producing photographic proof prints from a film reel; Figure 3 is a diagrammatic representation of a further part of the film processing system shown in Figure 2 for encoding and editing information relating to the film reel; and Figure 4 is a diagrammatic representation of a further part of the film processing system shown in Figures 2 and 3 for printing selected packages and reprints from the film reel.

As shown in Figure 1, a film reel 1 comprises a series of individual films spliced together to form one continuous film length which is then photographically developed. The film reel 1 consists of a number of negative frames 2a,2b etc. When the film reel 1 has been developed, the presence of each negative frame 2 is marked by a notch 3, offset from the centre of the frame 2. The notch 3 may be made manually or automatically. The film reel 1 is passed through a film deck 4, forming part of a photographic processing system. The film deck 4 comprises a microswitch notch detector 5 and an encoder 6. The notch detector 5 locates each frame 2 and sends a signal of the position of the frame 2 to a printer controller 7, which is part of a computer system 70. The encoder 6 includes a sensing means (not shown) which digitizes the film length and produces a series of pulses as the film 1 moves past the encoder 6. Hundreds of pulses are produced per frame, typically 2000 from one frame to the next. The data relating to the number of pulses produced is relayed to the controller 7. A negative frame 2c is placed in a print gate 8 ready for automatic printing. Data from the notch detector 5 and the film encoder 6 is converted by software in the controller 7 to identify which frame 2 has been placed in the print gate 8. The converted data information is stored as a film identification (ID) file on the computer 70 or on a separate ID disk 9. The ID file can also be amended by an operator to include information on printing such as colour requirements, density, package selection and reprint information. This information is used to automatically print each frame. A bi-directional film drive 10 advances each frame into the print gate 8 for frame identification and position checking. If the presence of a frame 2 as indicated by the notch detector 5 does not correspond, within preset tolerances, with the position of a frame as encoded on the ID file by the encoder 6, then an error message is produced by the computer 70.

The negative frame identifying means shown in Figure 1 forms part of a film processing system as shown in Figure 2. When the film 1 is developed and conventionally notched, ready for printing, it is passed through a film deck 4 (as shown in Figure 1). Each frame is identified and coded information relating to the position of the frame 2 is stored in the film ID file on disk 9. The film 1 is passed through film deck 4 and the printer 80 assembles a proof print 11 for each negative frame 2. The film 1 is automatically advanced through the film deck 4 and the position, colour, density, package capability and reprint information relating to each negative frame is recorded on the ID file on the ID disk 9. Each proof print 11 is printed with the photographic image 1 la and coded information 1 lib relating to the order, customer, frame ID number, package selection and printer information, as required. This may be printed as an alphanumeric code or barcode. Each ID disk 9 contains all the information for each frame 2 on the film reel 1. When the proof prints 11 have been printed, they are examined by an operator and the information relating to the printing can be amended on the ID file in an editing unit 71. This may be part of the computer system 70 or may be a separate unit. In this way, every print can be examined, desired prints can be selected, printing parameters such as colour and density can be set and the package printing requirements can be selected without the film itself having to be handled by the operator. When the editing of the ID file is completed, the film 1 is returned to the printer 80 and the edited ID file 9a, on the ID disk 9, is returned to the printer controller 7 with the reprint information for edited frames, for automatic printing of those frames where the ID file has been amended by the operator. The completed proof prints are sent 12 to the customer for package selection.

While waiting for the order to be returned, the film 1 and the ID disk 9 are placed in storage 13.

Referring now to Figure 3, the encoding of the. information from the returned order is shown. The proof prints 11 are returned 14 from the customer with information on the required package selection. School photographs are produced in a variety of packages for the schools' market, depending on the customer's requirements. The ID disk 9 is retrieved from storage 13 and is encoded using the editing unit 71 with the package selection information from the returned proof prints 11. The film 1 and the encoded ID file 9b are then returned 15 to the printer 80 for automatic package printing.

Figure 4 shows the photographic reprint system. The film 1 and the encoded disk file 9 are returned 15 from encoding for automatic package printing. The printer controller 70 and printer 80 assemble a package 16 for each selected negative frame 2. As the film 1 is automatically advanced through the film deck 4, the position, colour, density, package and reprint information is read from the ID file 9. Each package 16 displays the pupil/frame ID number, school/order number, reprint information, printing information and package selection information.

Each ID file 9 contains all the above information for each selected frame 2 on the film reel 1. If necessary, the editing unit 71 enables the printing parameters, such as colour, density etc, and the package selection or reprint information to be amended by an operator at any time, without any contact with the film 1, itself. The completed packages 16 are sent 17 to the school and the ID disk 9 and film 1 are placed in storage for future reprints. If reprints are required, the edited ID file 9b is returned to the printer with the film 1 with reprint information for automatic printing.

An advantage of the negative frame identifying means of the invention is that it enables the data relating to a negative frame to be kept for each frame, enabling automatic printing to be carried out even when there are different requirements for different frames. Automatic printing of subsequent orders is possible and corrections of printing parameters can also be carried out automatically. The invention has the added advantage that handling of the film reel itself is kept to a minimum, with a corresponding possible increase in print quality over the prior art systems.

Claims

1. Negative frame identifying means to identify a negative frame on a reel of film comprising: means to identify the presence of each negative frame on the reel of film; means to digitize the length of the reel of film into a series of pulses; means to code the position of each negative frame as a function of the number of pulses along the reel of film relative to a reference point; and means to store the coded position of each frame.

2. Negative frame identifying means according to claim 1 wherein the means to identify the presence of each negative frame on the reel of film comprises a notch in the edge of the film at a predetermined position relative to the frame.

3. Negative frame identifying means according to claim 2 further comprising means to compare the position of a notch with the position of a frame identified by the negative frame identifying means.

4. Negative frame identifying means according to claim 1 wherein the means to identify the presence of each frame comprises means to detect the rebates between each frame.

5. Negative frame identifying means according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the means to digitize the length of film into a series of pulses comprises an encoder and pulse generating means.

6. Negative frame identifying means according to claim 5 wherein the pulse generating means comprises a sprocket wheel or friction wheel.

7. Negative frame identifying means according to claim 6 wherein the sprocket wheel or friction wheel turns as the film is moved through the encoder to generate a series of pulses directly related to the length of film that has moved past the encoder.

8. Negative frame identifying means according to any one of claims 5 to 7 wherein each frame number is coded by the number of pulses from the reference point.

9. Negative frame identifying means according to claim 7 wherein the means to code the position of each negative frame as a function of the number of pulses along the reel of film relative to a reference point and the means to store the coded position of each frame comprise computer means.

10. Negative frame identifying means according to claim 9 wherein the means to identify the presence of a negative frame provides a signal of the presence of a frame and the means to code the position of each negative frame provides a signal of the number of pulses relative to a reference point and the data relating to each frame is relayed to the computer means and the data is stored.

11. Negative frame identifying means according to claim 10 wherein the computer means stores the position data relating to each frame as an identification (ID) file.

12. Negative frame identifying means according to claim 12 wherein further information relating to printing parameters or requirements is included with the ID file.

13. Negative frame identifying means according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the negative frame identifying means is used for automatic printing of required frames in a processing system.

14. A film processing system comprising negative frame identifying means to identify a negative frame on a reel of film, means to store coded information relating to each identified negative frame and processing means to produce photographic prints from the identified negative frames, wherein the negative frame identifying means comprises: means to identify the presence of each negative frame on the reel of film; means to digitize the length of the reel of film into a series of pulses; means to code the position of each negative frame as a function of the number of pulses along the reel of film relative to a reference point; and means to store the coded position of each frame.

15. A film processing system according to claim 14 wherein the means to store the coded information comprises computer means.

16. A film processing system according to claim 15 wherein the coded information is stored in an identification (ID) file for each negative frame.

17. A film processing system according to any one of claims 14 to 16 wherein the processing means comprises a film deck through which the film is passed for processing and printing means.

18. A film processing system according to claim 17 wherein the film deck comprises a print gate, where the negative frame is placed for printing, and a bidirectional film drive and take-up to move the film through the film deck.

19. A film processing system according to claim 17 or 18 wherein the printing means prints a proof print for each negative frame.

20. A film processing system according to claim 19 wherein the coded information is printed on each proof print as it is produced.

21. A film processing system according to claim 20 wherein the coded information comprises the negative frame position code and may include further information such as customer identification number and printing information.

22. A film processing system according to any one of claims 15 to 21 wherein the computer means that stores the coded information includes editing means which enables an operator to amend the printing data stored in the ID file for each negative frame to enable corrections for position, colour, density, package requirements and reprint data to be made.

23. A film processing system according to claim 22 wherein the editing means is used to amend the ID file relating to the negative frame and the film is passed through the processing means again for automatic reprinting.

24. A method of identifying a negative frame on a reel of film comprising the steps of: identifying the presence of each negative frame on the reel of film; digitizing the length of the reel of film into a series of pulses; coding the position of each negative frame as a function of the number of pulses along the reel of film relative to a reference point; and storing the coded position of each frame.

25. A method of film processing comprising the steps of identifying a negative frame on a reel of film, storing coded information relating to each identified negative frame and producing photographic prints from the identified negative frames, wherein the step of identifying a negative frame comprises the steps of: identifying the presence of each negative frame on the reel of film; digitizing the length of the reel of film into a series of pulses; coding the position of each negative frame as a function of the number of pulses along the reel of film relative to a reference point; and storing the coded position of each frame.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1. Negative frame identifying means to identify a negative frame on a reel of film comprising: means to identify the presence of each negative frame on the reel of film; means to digitize the length of the reel of film into a series of pulses; means to code the position of each negative frame as a function of the number of pulses along the reel of film relative to a reference point; and means to store the coded position of each frame.

26. Negative frame identifying means as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 1 of the drawings.

27. A film processing system as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 2 to 4 of the drawings.