Photofinishing device with interchangeable film decks

Abstract

A photofinishing device for handling different format types of photographic film includes a work station with a film interface for photofinishing a respective format type of photographic film. The photofinishing device is provided With a first film deck interface utilized for containing a first format type of photographic film at the work station so that the first format type of photographic film may be photofinished while it is maintained in a specified orientation relative to the work station. The first film deck interface is releasably secured to the work station and replaceable with a second film deck interface capable of containing a second format type of photographic film at the work station. In this manner, when the photographic film in the device is changed from the first format type to the second format, the film decks may be quickly changed so that the second format type of photographic film is maintained in a specified orientation relative to work station for photofinishing.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates in general to photofinishing equipment. More specifically, but without restriction to the particular embodiment hereinafter described in accordance with the best mode of practice, this invention relates to a photofinishing device having interchangeable film decks each capable of accurately positioning a respective film track.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

The art of image processing has developed dramatically over the last several years. In the recent past, image processing was clearly divided into two general areas. The first and oldest of these two areas includes picture photograph . This generally involves a camera having an objective lens and a photosensitive film moved within the camera to expose parts of the film to reflected light-carrying visual information. The photosensitive film is then developed in a chemical process to create fixed images on the film. The film is typically picture film which is usually employed to make photographic prints, or movie film that can be projected onto screen for motion picture viewing.

Recent advances in the electronic arts have lead to the development of a second area of image processing which includes electronic or video imaging. This type of imaging may involve use of a charge coupled device or CCD scanner array to transform reflected light information to an electronic signal. This electronic signal is processed by processing circuitry to a form that can be displayed on a CRT monitor or employed for other purposes.

Mechanical processing equipment designed for handling exposed photographic film and photosensitive paper, has experienced a concomitant development along with the technical advancements achieved in the cameras used in picture photography. For example, the photographic printing apparatus illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 3,156,172, which issued Nov. 10, 1964 to W. Baasner, includes a housing for storing a supply of photographic printing paper which is positioned adjacent an exposure station. The paper is fed through the exposure station and then cut into separate photographs so as to produce a plurality of photographs in a systematic manner. U.S. Pat. No. 4,161,365, issued Jul. 17, 1979 to R. D. Anderson et al shows a negative holding device for use in a photographic printer. The Anderson et al negative holding device includes two hinged plates each having an aperture in register with the other. A negative film is placed between the plates with the desired frame situated within the aperture. The device is then inserted into the print gate of a printer. To move the film through the Anderson et al device, it is necessary to manually operate a lever and reposition the film, again by hand, frame by frame. This device is, therefore, necessarily limited to a relatively slow print speed. The negative film carrier described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,933,716, issued Jun. 12, 1990 of T. Imamura et al includes driving means for automatically feeding the exposed processed film through the carrier so that each frame of the film can be moved to a printing position. The Imamura et al film carrier, however, is limited to one type of film and is not adapted to be readily released from its associated printer. Another negative film handling apparatus is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,994,850 of T. Imamura et al, which issued Feb. 19, 1991. This film handling apparatus is restricted to short photographic film of a specific size that is manipulated for printing purposes only.

The increased sophistication in mechanics combined with software and microprocessors, has resulted in the now common fully automated developing and printing apparatus. It has thus become cost effective for small boutiques to service the demand for developing and printing photograph, by having to invest in only one or two pieces of equipment. A variety of such developing or printing apparatus have been proposed. These apparatus may have both film and paper processing capabilities, or be designed for either specifically processing film or printing photographs. This type of apparatus is exemplified by the photographic processing apparatus illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 4,853,742, which issue Aug. 1, 1989 to B. Payrhammer et al. This apparatus is a photographic printer or developing machine that includes a station for processing photographic material. The Payrhammer et al apparatus includes a number of mobile carriage supply and take-up cassettes that allow the apparatus to function in a continuous automated manner.

In commonly assigned copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/171,582 filed Dec. 22, 1994 in the name of Francis C. Long, Walter C. Slater, Thomas J. Murray, Bradley C. DeCook and Howard C. Bozenhard, entitled "Film Processing System", a system for high speed photofinishing of exposed processed photographic film is disclosed. The system includes a high speed printer manufactured by Eastman Kodak Company, and employed in conjunction with a film preparation work station. The high speed printer produces photographic prints. The film preparation work station, in addition thereto combines electronic scanning capabilities with exposed processed photographic film. The work station includes a CCD array positioned over a film track. Rolls of exposed processed film, typically negative film, are spliced end-to-end and wound on a first reel. The free end of the film on the first reel is channeled through a film track and threaded on to a second reel. As the film is moved through the film track, light is passed through the film. The resulting image is then received by the CCD array, converted to an electronic signal, and transmitted to circuitry for electronic processing and storage. This signal is then sent to an apparatus digital printer for producing index prints. In addition, the electronically store image information may be forwarded to a high speed optical printer for setting printing variables such as light exposure. The above system gives the flexibility of producing high quality photographic prints by use of related electronic images easily manipulated and indexed by applications software. In either the high speed printer or film preparation work station, 35 mm exposed processed film serves as the primary source for the images. It is desired that these be capable of using other format films. In order to do so, it is required that certain parts of the equipment be changed so as to accept different format film. This takes substantial amounts of time and labor. This be comes critical in high production labs as orders received that day are often required to be processed and sent back out that same day. Prior art equipment is not easily converted for alternating processing different format film. As used herein, format means the size of film which might commonly be 35 mm film, 110 format, or median format, as typically used by professional photographers, or other differently sized film.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to improve film photofinishing equipment.

Another object of this invention is to interface fast moving film with photofinishing equipment.

Still a further object of the present invention is to enable a particular piece of photofinishing equipment to accommodate film of different sizes or formats.

Yet another object of the present invention is to allow a change of film format in a specific piece of film photofinishing equipment with minimum change-over time.

An additional object of the present invention is to reduce the number of pieces of film processing equipment required to process a variety of film formats and sizes.

These and other objects are attained in accordance with the present invention wherein there is provided a photofinishing device for processing different size and type photographic films. The photofinishing device includes a film deck assembly utilized for receiving a respective format type of photographic film. In accordance with one aspect of this invention, the photofinishing device is provided with a first film deck interface utilized for containing a first format type of photographic film for processing in the photofinishing device. According to another aspect of this invention, the first film deck interface is releasably secured to the photofinishing device and replaceable with a second film deck interface capable containing a second format type of photographic film. In this manner, when the photographic film in the device is changed from the first format to the second, the film decks may be quickly changed so that the second format type of photographic film can be processes by the photofinishing device.

Each of the film decks include an upper plate hinged to a lower plate with a film track extending along at least one of the plates. The track in each deck is sized for a particular format of film. Each film deck is alternately retainable within the device by a locking or positioning mechanism. One specific embodiment of the positioning mechanism includes a spring biased retaining arm having a distal end extending into the work station. The distal end is provided with a roller ring that engages a ramp member formed on the lower plate of each film deck. The film decks are alternately insertable and removable form the work station.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further objects of the present invention, together with additional features contributing thereto and advantages accruing therefrom, will be apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention which is shown in the accompanying drawings, with like reference numerals indicating like components throughout, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a prior art high speed printer;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a film deck and assembly shown for illustrative purposes in conjunction with a photofinishing device in accordance with a principle aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an isolated perspective view of the film deck assembly according to this invention, showing the film deck loaded,and closed in a work station of a photofinishing device;

FIG. 4 is an isolated perspective view of the film deck assembly in accordance with the present invention, illustrating the film deck in a closed condition and removed from the work station of a photofinishing device;

FIG. 5 is a simplified schematic representation of the area inscribed by circle 5 of FIG. 4, showing operation of a roller arm as employed to retain the film deck in the work station;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the lower plate of the film deck of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6, showing a bottom plan view of the upper plate of the film deck of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an isolated exploded perspective view of a roller arm assembly for use in retaining the film deck in the work station of a photofinishing device according to the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 3, showing the film deck mounted at a work station of a photofinishing device in an open condition; and

FIG. 10 is a side view schematic representation illustrating the interchange of a first film deck with a second film deck in accordance with another principle aspect of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a prior art high speed printer 11. This type of printer is known as a CLAS 35 printer and is commercially available through Eastman Kodak Company of Rochester, N.Y. The printer 11 includes a supply reel 13 and a take-up reel 15. Several rolls of exposed processed 35 mm film are spliced end-to-end and loaded through the printer 11 as illustrated. This type of printer is capable of printing up to seven frames per second. The printer 11 is equipped with a splice print count reader 17, a view window 19, a film code reader 21, an FCR tracking loop 23, a scan gate 25, a scan tension loop 27, film cleaner brushes 29, a print gate 31, an integrator bar 33 and a print metering tracking loop 35. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the spliced length of film is threaded through a stationary film track 37. Discussion of what happens in each area of the film track 37 while the CLAS 35 is printing customer negatives will now be presented. For the purpose of this discussion, the film is assumed to be already threaded and running through the track 37. The photofinishing process commences at a pre-scan area A. As the film makes its way from the supply reel 13 to the take-up reel 15 (left to right), it first passes through the splice print count reader 17. This station can read a code on the splice which tells the printer how many prints to make of each good negative in the order. If the feature is turned on, the code is read as the splice goes by and the date is recorded for use when the prints are made a few seconds later. Following a shutdown of the printer 11, the view window 19 provides a lighted area that a lows restart of an autoprint function at a specific negative of the film in the track 37. Printing will restart at the negative placed into the view window 19.

The film code reader 21 reads the bar code information encoded on the film edge. The printer 11 uses the data to determine what film type is being printed. The film must always be delivered with the same orientation, last-frame-first (LFF) or first-frame-first (FFF), so that the bar code edge can be read by the film code reader 21. The FCR tracking loop 23 helps ensure that the film code reader 21 can reliably read the bar code on the edge of most films. The tracking loop 23 is formed automatically and stays the same size throughout printing.

Next, a respective negative enters a scan area B as indicated in FIG. 1. The scan gate 25 is formed by a slot in the film track 37. The film is scanned as it moves across the slot of the scan gate 25 from left to right. For each color (red, green, and blue), there are 864 (36.times.24) pixels (picture elements) generated during the scan of each negative, for a total of 2592. When a frame is scanned, it must move across the scan gate 25 at a constant speed. Each frame, however, must stop at the print gate 31 for the exposure to be made. The size of the scan tension loop 27 changes to allow a frame to stop at the print gate 31 while another frame is moving at a steady pace across the scan gate 25.

Finally, a respective negative enters a print area C. The print gate 31 is the opening above a lens (not shown) where the negative is exposed. The integrator bar 33 transmits the exposing light down from a lamphouse (not shown) to just above the film surface in the track 37. Whenever the printer 11 advances film, ionized air blows across the bottom of the integrator bar 33, and the film cleaner brushes 29 in the scanning area rotate to assist in cleaning the film. The film cleaner brushes 29 are continuously cleaned by a vacuum system. The print metering tracking loop 35 helps ensure reliable film movement at the print gate 31 by having the film wrap around a portion of a drive roller 43. The tracking loop 35 is formed automatically and stays the same size throughout printing.

There are also three film presence sensors (not shown) in the film track. One is located just before the view window 19, another right after the scan gate 25, and the last between the print gate 31 and the print metering tracking loop 35. These sensors are monitored continuously whenever film is threaded in the track 37 so that the printer 11 can tell when the film supply reel 13 runs out or if a film break occurs.

With reference to FIG. 2, there is shown a photofinishing device 10, including a film deck assembly 12 in accordance with the present invention. The particular photofinishing device 10 shown in FIG. 2 is configured as a film preparation work station for illustrative purposes only, it being understood that the film deck assembly 12 may be employed in any type of photofinishing device, for example, a printer such as the CLAS 35 high speed printer shown in FIG. 1, or any other piece of photofinishing equipment.

The photofinishing device 10 includes a console area 14 having a work station 16. A film deck 18 is insertable into the work station 16 in a manner that will be described below in further detail. The photofinishing device 10 is further provided with a supply film reel 20A and a take-up film reel 20B. The supply film reel 20A is loaded with exposed processed film 22 which typically comprises a plurality of rolls of film spliced end-to-end. The film 22 may be standard 35 mm film, 110 film, or any other size, format, or type of photographic film that is currently available or that may become available in the future. A pair of drive rollers 24 working in tandem with the reel 20 moves the film 22 along the console area 14 and through the film deck 18 so that the image information and other information on the film may be scanned for utilization by a processing lab. Movement of the film 22 through the film deck 18 is controlled by a conventional microprocessor (not shown) provided within the photofinishing device 10. A keyboard 26 is used to interact with the microprocessor for controlling the photofinishing device 10. As the film 22 enters the film deck 18 on the left side thereof, as viewed in FIG. 2, an LED photodetector 28 is employed to detect notches which may be formed along the edge of the film 22. A monitor 34 is provided for displaying information regarding the operation of the device 10. An infrared sensor 39, shown in FIG. 9, is utilized to detect splices between the individual rolls of film which may be standard thirty-six (36) or twenty-four (24) exposure film. A film code reader assembly 30 is provided for reading the bar code information contained on the edge of each roll of film. Film code reader assembly 30 typically comprises a plurality of CCD arrays 45a, 45b (see FIG. 3) for reading such information. A CCD scanner assembly 32 containing a CCD array 41, also shown in phantom, is next employed to scan the visual information contained in each frame of the film 22. The visual information is then electronically processed and stored in the microprocessor. Electronic circuitry associated with the microprocessor indexes each image of each frame on the film 22 by co-processing relevant splice and bar code information. Any frame on the film 22 is thereby given a unique index.

With reference now to FIGS. 3, 4, 6, 7, and 9, it is shown that the film deck 18 includes an upper plate 36, a lower plate 38, and a handle 40, which is preferably secured to the lower plate 38. FIG. 3 shows the film deck 18 in a closed condition fully installed into the work station 16, while FIG. 4 illustrates the closed film deck 18 removed from the work station 16. The upper plate 36 and the lower plate 38 are hinged together by a pair of hinges 42. In this manner, the plates 36 and 38 may be in the closed or opened position relative to each other as illustrated in FIG. 9. Referring again to FIG. 4, it is shown that the work station 16 is provided with a back wall 44 to which the film code reader assembly 30 and the CCD scanner assembly 32 are each pivot ally mounted by a corresponding pivot rod 46. FIG. 4 shows the film code reader assembly 30 and the CCD scanner assembly 32 in an open position. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the film code reader assembly 30 is provided with a detection window 48 for access to the LED (light emitting diode), (not shown), while the CCD scanner assembly 32 similarly includes a scanning window 50 so that light may be directly transmitted through the film 22 into the CCD array 41. The upper plate 36 of the film deck 18 is provided with a pair of apertures 52--52, (see FIGS. 4 and 7), which each straddle either edge of the film 22 as it moves through the film deck 18. When the film deck 18 is inserted into the work station 16, the film code reader assembly 30 may be closed down onto the upper plate 36 so that the detecting window 48 is aligned on top of the apertures 52. As best shown in FIGS. 4, 6, and 9, the lower plate 38 is provided with a film track 54 which includes a scanning area 56. A slit 58 is provided across the scanning area 56 as illustrated. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the upper plate 36 of the film deck 18 is provided with a corresponding film track 55, as best illustrated in FIG. 7. In this manner, when the plates 36 and 38 are closed against each other, the film tracks 54 and 55 are placed in register and provide a suitable track for movement of the film 22 therethrough. Notwithstanding the preferred two film tracks 54 and 55, it is contemplated that a single film track in either the upper plate 36 or lower plate 38 would be sufficient for practicing the present invention.

With continuing reference now to FIG. 4, a light source 62 is positioned in the work station 16 below the level of the lower plate 8 while the upper plate 36 includes an opening 64 which exposes the scanning area 56 when the plates 36 and 38 are closed against each other. When the film deck 18 is inserted into the work station 16 and placed in its closed condition, the CCD scanner assembly 32 may be closed on top of the upper plate 36. In this position, the CCD scanner assembly 32 is seated within the opening 64 and the scanning window 50 is aligned above the slit 58. Thus, in this manner, when the film 22 is moved over the slit 58 with the light source 62 illuminated, images on the film 22 will be transferred by light received by the CCD array 41 through the scanning window 50.

FIGS. 4, 5, and 8 illustrate a retaining arm assembly 66 used to apply a downward force on the lower plate 38 when the film deck 18 is inserted into the work station 16. The retaining arm assembly 66 is secured to the back wall 44 of the work station 16. As represented in FIG. 5, the lower plate 38 is provided with a ramp member 68 having a ramp segment 70 and a locking face 72. FIG. 8 shows that the retaining arm assembly 66 includes a rocker arm 74 with a distal end 76, a roller ring 78, a mounting bracket 80, a spring 82, and spring posts 84. The roller ring 78 is rotatably secured on the distal end 76 of the rocker arm 74 by a locking screw 86. The rocker arm 74 is pivotally secured to the mounting bracket 80 by a grooved dowel 88 and a pair of E-rings 90--90 in the manner illustrated in FIG. 8. The mounting bracket 80 includes a face plate 92 which is secured to the rear side of the back wall 44 by a suit able fastener such as a screw or bolt. The spring post is screwed into the rear side of the back wall 44 as shown. The rocker arm 74 is provided with a notch 94 which extends through the mounting bracket 80 and the back wall 44. The spring 82 is looped between the notch 94 on the rocker arm 74 and the spring post 84 to bias the roller ring 78 downwardly. As best shown in FIG. 4, the distal end 76 of the rocker arm 74 extends into the work station 16 so that the roller ring 78 is aligned with the ramp member 68 when the film deck 18 is inserted into the work station 16.

With reference once again to FIG. 4, it is shown that work station 16 includes a pair of guide rails 96 and the lower plate 38 is provided with a pair of corresponding channels 98--98. In this manner, the film deck 18 may be slidably inserted into the work station 16 when each guide rail 96 engages a corresponding channel 98. A slotted retainer block 102 is provided on both ends of the work station 16 as illustrated in FIG. 4. When the film deck 18 is inserted into the work station 16, an outside edge 104 of the lower plate 38 will engage the slotted retainer block 102. This will keep the lower plate 38 from being displaced upwardly. The back wall 44 of the work station 16 is further provided with a pair of stops 106 which prevent the film deck 18 from further forward movement once the film deck 18 is in its fully inserted position as shown in FIG. 3. Upon insertion of the film deck 18 into the work station 16, an operator first holds the handle 40 and aligns the channels 98 with their corresponding guide rails 96. This step may be performed with the film deck 18 at a slight upwardly inclined angle relative to the horizontal of the work station 16. The film deck 18 is then rotated slightly upwardly to position the film deck 18 in a parallel relationship with the horizontal of the work station 16. The film deck 18 is slid into the work station 16 until the outside edge 104 of the deck engages the slotted retainer block 102. As the film deck 18 is further moved toward the back wall 44, a short slot 67 (see FIG. 6) in the bottom of the lower plate 38 will engage a locating pin 108. Next, the roller ring 78 will engage the ramp segment 70 of the ramp member 68, (see FIG. 5), and then fall against the locking face 72 as the lower plate 38 engages the stops 106. After the film deck 18 is inserted far enough to engage the guide rails 96, the slotted retaining block 102, and the locating pin 108, the deck is positioned within tolerances so that an electrical pin connector 110 is readily inserted into a mating plug socket 112. At this point, the roller ring 78 is engaged against locking face 72 ensuring adequate electrical contact between the electrical pin connector 110 and the mating plug socket 112. In this manner, an electric supply is provided to the LEDs photodetectors, and any other components on the film deck 18 that may require electric power to function. Finally, mounting pads 114 provide an accurate height determination between the lower plate 38 of the film deck 18 and the work station 16.

When the film deck 18 is fully inserted into the work station 16, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 9, the lower plate 38 is restrained against movement in all directions by the combined restraining effects of the slotted retaining block 102, the stops 106, the mounting pads 114, and the locking force applied by the rocker arm 74 and the roller ring 78 against the locking face 72 of the ramp member 68. In this condition, the film deck 18 is placed in a fully inserted loaded and locked position within the work station 16. The upper plate 36 is further provided with a notched opening 116 around the ramp member 68 of the lower plate 38 so that when the film deck 18 is placed in the fully inserted loader position, the lower plate 38 is secured within the work station 16 as described above and, by virtue of the hinges 42, the upper plate 36 is openable relative to the lower plate 38 as illustrated in FIG. 9. In this condition, the film deck 18 is in a fully inserted, loaded and locked position, but in the open position In this locked and opened position, the film track 54 is readily accessed for cleaning and clearing the film path. Once the film 22 is placed within the film track 54 and threaded through the drive rollers 24, the upper plate 36 may be closed against the lower plate 38. In this condition, the film code reader assembly 30 and the CCD array 32 may each be rotated downwardly about their respective pivot rods 46 to place the film deck assembly in the operation position shown in FIG. 3. This will place the detecting window 48 above the pair of apertures 52--52 and will similarly place the CCD scanner assembly 32 within the opening 64 with the CCD array 41 and the scanning window 50 aligned above the slit 58. Film 22 can now be auto threaded through the deck.

For the film deck 18 to be removed from the work station 16, the film code reader assembly 30 and the CCD scanner assembly 32 are each rotated upwardly about their respective pivot rods 46 to place them in the positions shown in FIGS. 4 an 9. With the upper plate 36 in the closed position, a fairly firm tug is applied to the handle 40 to overcome the restraining force applied by the rocker arm 74 and the roller ring 78 against the locking face 72 of the ramp member 68. The film deck 18 is thus readily removed from the work station 16 as illustrated in FIG. 4. It should be understood that the present invention contemplates use of at least two film decks 18 with any one particular photofinishing device 10. FIG. 1 illustrates the use of two such film decks 18. Each film deck 18 would be substantially identical in configuration, and loaded into the photofinishing device 10 as described above. The difference between the two film decks 18 would reside primarily in the width of the film tracks 54 and 55. In the event the photofinishing device 10 were designed to accommodate two different sizes or formats types of film, such as, for example, 35 mm and 110 format film, two film decks 18 would be provided. The first film deck 18 would have a film tracks 54 and 55 sized for one format type of film and the second film deck 18 would have its film tracks 54 and 55 sized to accommodate the other type of film. As described above, each film deck 18 and the film tracks 54 and 55 are designed to contain a specific format type of photographic film 22 at the work station 16 so that the subject format of photographic film may be processed through the device. In this manner, when the film format type is changed on the photofinishing device 10 from a first format type to a second format type, the first and second film decks 18 are exchanged so that the second format type of photographic film may be processed by the device. The photofinishing device 10 may not necessarily be limited to accommodating two different types of film 22, but rather may include any number in addition thereto. In any event, the number of different types of film 22 which may be accommodated by the photofinishing device 10 will dictate the number of film decks 18 provided with that particular device. The film decks 18 will be substantially identical in configuration except for the specific size of their respective film tracks 54 and 55 and/or the features to be monitored by the device.

While this invention has been described in detail with reference to a certain preferred embodiment illustrated in conjunction with a particular photofinishing device, it should be appreciated that the present invention is not limiter to that precise embodiment. In addition, the present invention is not limited to use in any particular photofinishing device, rather it may be readily employed in any film processing or photofinishing device adapted to process or photofinish different types and formats of film.

Thus, in view of the present disclosure which describes the current best mode for practicing the invention, many modifications and variations would resent themselves to those of skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention, as defined in the following claims.

Parts List: 10 . . . photofinishing device 11 . . . high speed printer 12 . . . film deck assembly 13 . . . supply reel 14 . . . console area 15 . . . take-up reel 16 . . . work station 17 . . . count reader 18 . . . film deck 19 . . . view window 20A . . . film supply reel 20B . . . film take-up reel 21 . . . film code reader 22 . . . exposed processed film 23 . . . FCR tracking loop 24 . . . drive wheels 25 . . . scan gate 26 . . . keyboard 27 . . . scan tension loop 28 . . . LED photodetector 29 . . . film cleaner brushes 30 . . . film code reader assembly 31 . . . print gate 32 . . . CCD scanner assembly 33 . . . integrator bar 34 . . . monitor 35 . . . tracking loop 36 . . . upper plate 37 . . . stationary film track 38 . . . lower plate 40 . . . handle 41 . . . CCD array 42 . . . hinges 43 . . . drive roller 44 . . . back wall 45a, 45b . . . CCD array 46 . . . pivot rod 48 . . . detection window 50 . . . scanning window 52 . . . aperatures 54 . . . film track 55 . . . corresponding film track 56 . . . scanning area 58 . . . slit 62 . . . light source 64 . . . opening 66 . . . retaining arm assembly 67 . . . short slot 68 . . . ramp member 70 . . . ramp segment 72 . . . locking face 74 . . . rocker arm 76 . . . distal end 78 . . . roller ring 80 . . . mounting bracket 82 . . . spring post 86 . . . locking screw 88 . . . grooved dowel 90 . . . E-rings 92 . . . face plate 94 . . . notch 96 . . . guide rails 98 . . . corresponding channels 102 . . . slotted retainer block 104 . . . outside edge 106 . . . stop bumpers 108 . . . locating pin 110 . . . electrical pin 112 . . . mating plug socket 114 . . . mounting pads 116 . . . notched opening

Claims

1. A photofinishing device for handling different formats of photographic film, said photofinishing device comprising:

a work station for photofinishing a respective format type of photographic film;

means for moving said respective format type of photographic film along said work station; and

first means for containing a first formal type of photographic film at said work station so that said first format type of photographic film may be processed while it is maintained in a specified orientation relative to said work station, said first means for containing said first format type of photographic film being releasably secured from said work station and replaceable with a second means for containing a second format type of photographic film at said work station, so that when said respective format type of photographic film is changed from said first format type of photographic film to said second format type of photographic film, said second format type of photographic film may be processed while it is maintained in a specified orientation relative to said work station.

2. The photofinishing device according to claim 1 wherein said work station includes means for alternately positioning within said work station said first and second means for containing.

3. The photofinishing device according to claim 2 wherein said first means for containing and second means for containing each include a film deck having an upper plate and a lower plate.

4. The photofinishing device according to claim 3 wherein said upper plate of said film deck is hinged to said lower plate of said film deck so that one plate may be opened relative to the other plate.

5. The photofinishing device according to claim 4 wherein at least one of said upper and lower plates of said film deck includes a track extending therealong through for receiving and guiding said photographic film.

6. The photofinishing de vice according to claim 5 wherein said means for securely positioning includes a retaining arm having a distal end extending into said work station.

7. The photofinishing de vice according to claim 6 wherein said distal end of said retaining arm is biased downwardly toward said work station.

8. The photofinishing device according to claim 7 wherein said retaining arm is biased by a coil spring.

9. The photofinishing device according to claim 7 wherein said distal end of said retaining arm includes a rotatable roller ring.

10. The photofinishing device according to claim 9 wherein said work station includes a pair of guide rails and said lower plate includes a pair of corresponding channels so that said film deck may be slidably inserted into said work station in a substantially horizontal direction.

11. The photofinishing device according to claim 10 wherein said work station further includes a slotted retainer block that engages an edge of said lower plate as said film deck is inserted into said work station so that said upper plate is openable relative to said lower plate while said lower plate is retained within said work station.

12. The photofinishing device according to claim 11 wherein said work station further includes at least one stop to restrain said film deck against further forward movement when said film deck is inserted into said work station.

13. The photofinishing device according to claim 12 wherein said lower plate includes a ramp member having a ramp segment and a locking face aligned with said roller ring of said retaining arm so that when said film deck is inserted into said work station, said lower deck will first engage said slotted retainer block, thereafter said roller ring will next engage said ramp segment and then fall against said locking face as said lower plate engages said at least one stop whereby said film deck is placed in a fully inserted loaded position within said work station.

14. The photofinishing device according to claim 13 wherein said upper plate includes a notched opening around said ramp member so that when said film deck is placed in said fully inserted loaded position, said lower plate is secured within said work station and said upper plate is openable relative to said lower plate whereby said track is readily accessed.

15. A film deck assembly for use in a photofinishing device capable of handling different format types of photographic film, said film deck assembly comprising:

a work station for photofinishing a respective format type of photographic film;

first means for containing a first format type of photographic film at said work station so that said first format type of photographic film may be photofinished while it is maintained in a specified orientation relative to said work station, said first means for containing said first format type of photographic film being releasably secured to said work station; and

second means for containing a second format type of photographic film at said work station, said second means for containing said second format type of photographic film being releasably secured to said work station and interchangeable with said first means for containing said first format type of photographic film, so that when said respective format type of photographic film is changed from said first format type of photographic film to said second format type of photographic film, said second format type of photographic film may be photofinished while it is maintained in a specified orientation relative to said work station.

16. The film deck assembly according to claim 15 wherein said work station includes means for alternately positioning within said work station said first and second means for containing.

17. The film deck assembly according to claim 16 wherein said first means for containing and second means for containing each include a film deck having an upper plate and a lower plate.

18. The film deck assembly according to claim 17 wherein said upper plate of said film deck is hinged to said lower plate deck so that one plate may be opened relative to the other plate.

19. The film deck assembly according to claim 18 wherein at least one of said upper and lower plates of said film deck includes a track extending therealong for receiving and guiding said photographic film.

20. The film deck assembly according to claim 19 wherein said means for securely positioning includes a retaining arm having a distal end extending into said work station.

21. The film deck assembly according to claim 20 wherein said distal end of said retaining arm is biased downwardly toward said work station.

22. The film deck assembly according to claim 21 wherein said distal end of said retaining arm includes a rotatable roller ring.

23. The film deck assembly according to claim 22 wherein said work station includes a pair of guide rails and said lower plate includes a pair of corresponding channels so that said film deck may be slidably inserted into said work station in a substantially horizontal direction.

24. The film deck assembly according to claim 23 wherein said work station further includes a slotted retainer block that engages an edge of said lower plate as said film deck is inserted into said work station so that said upper plate is openable relative to said lower plate while said lower plate is retained within said work station.

25. The film deck assembly according to claim 24 wherein said work station further includes at least one stop bumper to restrain said film deck against further forward movement when said film deck is inserted into said work station.

26. The film deck assembly according to claim 25 wherein said lower plate includes a ramp member having a ramp segment and a locking face aligned with said roller ring of said retaining arm so that when said film deck is inserted into said work station, said lower deck will first engage said slotted retainer block, thereafter said roller ring will engage said ramp segment and then fall against said locking face as said lower plate engages said at least one stop whereby said film deck is placed in a fully inserted loaded position within said work station.

27. The film deck assembly according to claim 26 wherein said upper plate includes a notched opening around said ramp member so that when said film deck is placed in said fully inserted loaded position, said lower plate is secured within aid work station and said upper plate is openable relative to said lower plate thereby allowing quick access to said track.

28. A method for consecutively photofinishing different format types of photographic film in a photofinishing device, said method comprising the steps of:

providing a work station for handling a respective type of photographic film in a photofinishing device;

loading a first format type of photographic film onto said photofinishing device;

inserting a first film deck into said wok station so that said first film deck is positioned in a predetermined location relative to photofinishing elements provided within said work station;

threading said first format type of photographic film through said first film deck;

processing said first format type of photographic film as it is moved through said first film deck and maintained therein with a specified orientation relative to said photofinishing elements of said work station;

removing said first format type of photographic film from said photofinishing device;

removing said first film deck from sail work station;

loading a second format type of photographic film onto said photofinishing device;

inserting a second film deck into said work station so that said second film deck is positioned in a predetermined location relative to said photofinishing elements provided within said work station;

threading said second format type of photographic film through said second film deck; and

processing said second format type of photographic film as it is moved through said second film deck and maintained therein with a specified orientation relative to said photofinishing elements of said work station.

29. The method according to claim 28 further including the steps of:

removing said second format type of photographic film from said photofinishing device;

removing said second film deck from said work station;

loading a third format type of film onto said photofinishing device;

inserting a third film deck into said work station so that said third film deck is positioned in a predetermined location relative to said photofinishing elements provided within said work station;

threading said third format type of photographic film through said third film deck; and

processing said third format type of photographic film as it is moved through said third film deck and maintained therein with a specified orientation relative to said photofinishing elements of said work station.

30. A photofinishing device for handling different formats of photographic film, said photofinishing device comprising:

a work station for photofinishing a respective format type of photographic film;

first means for containing a first format type of photographic film at said work station so that said first format type of photographic film may be processed while it is maintained in a specified orientation relative to said work station, said first means for containing said first format type of photographic film being releasably secured from said work station and replaceable with a second means for containing a second format type of photographic film at said work stations so that when said respective format type of photographic film is changed from said first format type of photographic film to said second format type of photo graphic film, said second format type of photographic film may be photofinished while it is maintained in a specified orientation relative to said work station.

31. A photofinishing device according to claim 30 wherein said first and second means for containing may be slideably inserted into said work station in a substantially horizontal direction.