Photographic roll film

A photographic roll film such as Brownie film is placed on a backing paper or a leader paper. The roll film is joined at its one or both ends to the backing paper or leader paper with a jointing tape, which has on its surface a bar code composed of light absorbing bars and light reflecting spaces. The light absorbing bars show a reflectance of less than 30% and a glossiness of less than 20%, and the light reflecting spaces show a reflectance of more than 50% and a glossiness of less than 35%. Further, the total of the glossiness of light absorbing bars and the glossiness of light reflecting spaces is less than 50%. The reflectance and glossiness both are determined utilizing a light in a wavelength region other than a light sensitive wavelength region of the roll film.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention relates to a photographic roll film such as Brownie 
film. Particularly, the invention relates to a photographic roll film 
which is placed on a light-shielding backing paper or a light-shielding 
leader paper and joined at its one end or both ends to the backing paper 
or leader paper with a jointing tape. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
A photographic roll film generally called a Brownie film is a longitudinal 
film which has a relatively large width and is wound around a cylinder 
core (generally referred to a "spool") utilizing a light-shielding backing 
paper or leader paper. The photographic roll film of the Brownie type is 
generally not encased in a magazine (or patrone), which is in contrast to 
a photographic film of 135 type (which is generally referred to as "35 mm 
film") which is encased in a magazine or patrone. Brownie films are 
classified into two types, that is, a relatively short roll film named 
"120 size film" and a relatively long roll film named "220 size film". In 
the 120 size film, the photographic roll film is placed on and supported 
by a shielding paper (backing paper). In the 220 size film, one leading 
paper having a light shielding property is attached to each end of the 
photographic roll film under the condition that a certain overlapping area 
is formed between the roll film and the leader paper. The backing paper 
and leading paper are joined to the photographic roll film using a 
separately prepared jointing tape. 
Brownie film is advantageous for producing a photographic image of a larger 
size, and recently a demand for Brownie film has gradually increased. 
However, complicated procedures for installing a photographic roll film of 
Brownie type form a barrier to the spread of use of Brownie films. In 
contrast, a widely employed photographic image-forming system using a 35 
mm film and a camera for the 35 mm film utilizes a magazine which has on 
its outer surface an electrically detectable code which transmits 
information on the photographic film to a camera when the film is 
installed into the camera. The information is for the type of photographic 
film such as monochrome, negative color, or positive color, the 
photographic sensitivity of the film, the length of the film, etc. When 
the photographic film is installed into a camera, an electric code 
detector device equipped with the camera works to read the information of 
the installed photographic film from the code on the surface of the 
magazine and automatically sets the operational conditions of the camera 
according to the information contained in the code. Therefore, there is no 
need for setting complicated operational conditions in the camera for 
those who want to take photographic pictures. For a photographic image 
producing system using Brownie films and a camera therefor, no magazine 
system is provided. Accordingly, those who want to take photographic 
pictures using Brownie film themselves should set all information relating 
to the photographic film in the camera. 
In order to obviate the complicated procedures in the use of Brownie type 
films, the present inventors have already invented a new system which 
comprises a photographic roll film having a jointing tape on which a bar 
code containing information for the photographic film is printed and a 
camera equipped with an optical bar code detector device. The bar code 
detector automatically reads the bar code and transmit the information to 
the camera for automatically setting the operational conditions in the 
camera. 
The above-mentioned new photographic system utilizing a Brownie film having 
a jointing tape on which a bar code is printed is very advantageous 
because a photographer is not required to input by himself into the camera 
the information relative to the photographic film by the complicated 
procedures. Further, the new system is advantageous from the point of view 
that erroneous input is avoided. 
In the course of improvement studies for the new photographic system, the 
inventors have noted that reading errors sometimes happen. In more detail, 
in the new photographic system comprising a photographic roll film using a 
jointing tape on which a bar code is printed and a camera equipped with an 
optical bar code detector device, the bar code detector device sometimes 
fails to read the information from the bar code in the course of repeated 
procedures. 
When such reading errors happen, a photographer can manually input the 
information relating to the roll film into the camera. However, as 
described above, the manual input is a complicated and troublesome 
procedure. Therefore, the reading error should be avoided. 
Accordingly, the inventors have further continued to study the cause of the 
reading error and the measures for obviating the reading error. As a 
result, the inventor have found that the reading error is caused by 
deformation of the jointing tape and the accompanying deformation of the 
bar code. In more detail, the jointing tape is fixed on the edge of the 
roll film to cover the end portion of the roll film and the backing paper 
or leader paper. The photographic roll film generally has a thickness of 
approximately 100 .mu.m. Therefore, the photographic roll film and the 
backing paper or leader paper form certain differences in level at the 
edge line of the roll film. Accordingly, the jointing tape placed on the 
edge line of the roll film is liable to show deformation in the thickness 
direction. Moreover, since the Brownie film is tightly wound around the 
spool, the deformation of the jointing tape is amplified in the course of 
storage of the film. 
The optical bar code detector (i.e., bar code reader) functions to apply a 
detecting light on the surface of the bar code and detect a pattern of 
scattered light reflection from the bar code. The detected pattern is then 
processed in the detector to output the data having been contained in the 
bar code. 
According to the studies of the inventors, the deformation of the jointing 
tape is apt to decrease the amount of the scattered light reflection which 
should be collected by the detector for analyzing the operational data or 
to give a modified bar code pattern to the bar code detector. These 
problems sometimes cause the detection errors. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention has an object to provide a photographic roll film 
such as Brownie film which is easily set into a camera and whose 
photographic or operational data can be automatically transmitted to the 
camera so that no or almost no manual input of these data into the camera 
is required. 
Specifically, the invention provides a photographic roll film from which 
its photographic and operational data can be automatically transmitted 
into a camera with high reliability. 
The invention resides in a photographic roll film placed on a 
light-shielding backing paper or a light-shielding leader paper, said roll 
film being joined at its one end or both ends to the backing paper or 
leader paper with a jointing tape, in which the jointing tape has on its 
surface a bar code comprising light absorbing bars and light reflecting 
spaces, the light absorbing bars show a reflectance of less than 30% and a 
glossiness of less than 20%, the light reflecting spaces show a 
reflectance of more than 50% and a glossiness of less than 35%, and the 
total of the glossiness of light absorbing bars and the glossiness of 
light reflecting spaces is less than 50%, the reflectance and glossiness 
both being for a light in a wavelength region other than a light sensitive 
wavelength region of the roll film. 
The reflectance defined in the invention can be determined at a wavelength 
of 900.+-.50 nm utilizing a commercially available spectrophotometer. The 
light sensitive wavelength region of a conventional Brownie film is 400 to 
700 nm. 
The glossiness is a 60.degree. specular gloss or a 60.degree. specular 
reflection which is defined in JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) Z8741 
and is determined by means of a commercially available glossmeter. 
In the photographic roll film of the invention, the reflectance and 
glossiness of the light reflecting spaces preferably are more than 60% and 
less than 30% (more preferably less than 20%), respectively. The 
reflectance and glossiness of the light absorbing bars preferably are less 
than 10% and less than 18%, respectively. The total of the glossiness of 
light absorbing bars and the glossiness of light reflecting spaces 
preferably is less than 40%. The light absorbing bars preferably have a 
matted surface. 
In a preferred feature of the photographic roll film of the invention, the 
jointing tape has in a position along the bar code a reference area for 
correcting a value detected on the bar code, the reference area showing a 
reflectance and a glossiness essentially equivalent to those of the light 
reflecting spaces. Also preferred is that the jointing tape has in a 
position along the bar code a reference area for correcting a value 
detected on the bar code, the reference area comprising a light absorbing 
area and a light reflecting area in which the light absorbing area shows a 
reflectance and a glossiness essentially equivalent to those of the light 
absorbing bars and the light reflecting area shows a reflectance and a 
glossiness essentially equivalent to those of the light reflecting space. 
The light absorbing bars are preferably formed of a hot melt ink 
composition comprising a wax component having a rate of penetration of 
less than 25 at 25.degree. C. and a melting point of higher than 
65.degree. C., a resin component being compatible with the wax component, 
and a colorant. More specifically, the light absorbing bars can be formed 
of a hot melt ink composition comprising a wax component having a rate of 
penetration of less than 25 at 25.degree. C. and a melting point of higher 
than 65.degree. C., an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, a denatured 
aromatic terpene, and a colorant. 
In another preferred feature of the invention, the jointing tape has on its 
surface a number for identifying the roll film in addition to the bar 
code. 
The jointing tape preferably comprises a substrate sheet having a Gurley 
stiffness in the range of 80 to 150 mgf. The Gurley stiffness is defined 
in J. TAPPI, paper-pulp testing method No. 40, and is determined by 
placing a test specimen vertically on a fixed base and bending its free 
end at a constant rate to measure a bending moment in terms of "mgf". The 
substrate sheet preferably is a synthetic paper sheet made of a synthetic 
resin which is selected from the group consisting of polyolefins.(e.g., 
polyethylene and polypropylene), polyesters (e.g., polyethylene 
terephthalate and polyethylene naphthalate), and polystyrene. Further, the 
substrate sheet preferably has a surface smoothness of more than 500 sec, 
which is determined according to JIS P8119-94. 
In a further preferred feature, the jointing tape has on at least one side 
means for assisting rupture of the tape when a shearing force is applied 
to the tape in a direction traversing the roll film. More specifically, 
the jointing tape has on at least one side one or more slits that extend 
in a direction traversing the roll film and assist rupture of the tape 
when a shearing force is applied to the tape in a direction traversing the 
roll film.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
The photographic roll film of the invention is placed on a backing paper or 
a leader paper and the roll film is joined at its one end or both ends to 
the backing paper or leader paper with a jointing tape. 
There is no specific limitation with respect to types of the roll film. The 
conventionally employed Brownie type films such as a 120 type film and a 
220 type film can be employed for the photographic roll film of the 
invention. The photographic roll film preferably comprises a polyethylene 
naphthalate substrate film. The backing paper or leader paper can have a 
hole or any processed portion at its one end or both ends which are 
utilized for easy and reliable engagement with a spool around which the 
photographic roll film is wound. 
A representative constitution of the photographic roll film of the 
invention is illustrated in FIG. 1 (top plan view) and FIG. 2 (front view) 
on the attached drawings. 
The photographic roll film of the present invention comprises a 
longitudinal or continuous photographic film 11 and a light shielding 
backing paper 12. On one end of the backing paper, an opening or hole is 
formed for easy and stable engagement with a spool. One end of the 
photographic film 11 is joined onto the surface of the backing paper 12 by 
means of a jointing tape 13. On the jointing tape 13, a bar code having 
specific optical characteristics 14 is placed. The bar code 14 can be 
directly printed on the surface of the jointing tape 13 using an aqueous 
ink material or a hot melt ink material. The bar code 14 can be once 
printed on an appropriate label and then the bar code printed label can be 
attached onto the surface of the jointing tape 13. 
The bar code is composed of a set of light absorbing bars and a set of 
light reflecting spaces which correspond to the spaces formed by adjoining 
light-absorbing bars. The light-absorbing bars are generally formed of a 
black ink. 
The light-reflecting space generally is formed on a light reflecting 
substrate sheet. The light reflecting substrate sheet is selected from 
known materials such as a wood free paper sheet, a coated paper sheet, and 
an opaque paper, in consideration of their light reflectance and 
glossiness. The light-reflecting space should show a high reflectance and 
a low glossiness. 
The light reflecting substrate sheet preferably has a Gurley stiffness in 
the range of 80 to 150 mgf. The Gurley stiffness of 80 to 150 mgf is 
larger than that of the jointing tape of the conventionally employed 
Brownie film, that is, a Gurley stiffness of 30 to 60 mgf. 
The light reflecting substrate sheet preferably has a surface smoothness of 
more than 500 sec., preferably 500 sec. to 1,500 sec., which is determined 
by a test method defined in JIS P8119-94. 
A light reflecting substrate having the preferred Gurley stiffness and 
surface smoothness can be composed of a synthetic paper sheet. The 
synthetic paper sheet can be formed of a synthetic resin such as 
polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene 
naphthalate, or polystyrene. The synthetic paper sheet can be coated with 
a resin layer which may contain a white pigment. 
The light absorbing bars of the bar code should show a low light reflection 
as that of the bars of the conventional bar code. The light absorbing bar 
of the bar code placed on the jointing tape of the invention further has a 
very low glossiness in addition to the low light reflection. The very low 
glossiness of the light absorbing bar can be attained, for instance, by 
making the jointing tape to have a matted surface. The surface matted 
light absorbing bar can be produced, for instance, by forming a bar code 
of hot melt ink on a separately prepared matted sheet (i.e., bar code 
transfer sheet) and then transferring the bar code of hot melt ink onto 
the jointing tape by combining the bar code transfer sheet and the 
jointing tape to form a laminate and applying heat to the laminate. 
The bar code transfer sheet can comprise a film of polyester, 
polycarbonate, triacetyl cellulose, polyamide, or regenerated cellulose, 
or a chemically processed paper sheet such as a glassine paper sheet or a 
condenser paper sheet. These films and paper sheets preferably have a 
thickness of 2 to 30 .mu.m. The matted surface can be formed by sand 
blasting or solution corrosion, and preferably has a Bekk smoothness of 
less than 1,000 sec. The matted surface can be also formed by placing a 
mat layer on the film or paper sheet. The mat layer can comprise a binder 
and an inorganic or organic white pigment such as titanium dioxide (i.e., 
white carbon), silica, calcium carbonate, a cellulose fiber, a urea resin 
powder, or a polymer beads. The bar code transfer sheet preferably has a 
back layer which functions as a stick-preventing layer. The 
stick-preventing layer can comprise a fatty acid lubricant or a silicone 
resin. 
The hot melt ink comprises a heat fusible or heat plastic binder and a 
colorant (e.g., carbon black or other pigments and dyes). If desired, a 
non-colored pigment, plasticizer, lubricant, or other additive can be 
added. Examples of the heat plastic binder include waxes such as carnauba 
wax, paraffin wax, oxidized wax, montan wax, microcrystalline wax, 
oxidized polyethylene, partially saponified ester wax, and thermoplastic 
resins such as styrene-butadiene copolymer, ethylene-vinyl acetate 
copolymer, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, polybutyral resin, 
polyester resin, ethyl cellulose and natural rubber. 
The hot melt ink composition preferably contains a colorant (particularly, 
a granular colored pigment such as carbon black, iron oxide, or a basic 
dye) in an amount of 20 to 35 wt. % (specifically 30 to 35 wt. %) of the 
composition. 
The mat surface can be given onto the hot melt ink layer by forming a hot 
melt ink layer comprising a mixture of two kinds of resins (one is soluble 
in a specific solvent and another is insoluble in the solvent) and 
treating the ink layer by the solvent to remove the soluble resin 
resulting in a porous layer. The mat surface can be formed utilizing a hot 
melt ink composition comprising a thermoplastic binder and a thermo 
setting resin such as an unsaturated polyester, epoxy resin, or urethane 
resin. 
The hot melt ink composition employed for the formation of the bar code of 
the invention preferably is resistant to a developing solution, 
particularly an aqueous alkaline developing solution, which is employed 
for developing a photographic latent image on the roll film. 
Accordingly, the hot melt ink composition comprising a wax component having 
a rate of penetration of less than 25 at 25.degree. C. and a melting point 
of higher than 65.degree. C., a resin component being compatible with the 
wax component, and a colorant. The wax component is preferably contained 
in the ink composition in an amount of 60 to 90 wt. %. More specifically, 
the light absorbing bars can be formed of a hot melt composition 
comprising a wax component having a rate of penetration of less than 25 at 
25.degree. C. and a melting point of higher than 65.degree. C., an 
ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, a denatured aromatic terpene, and a 
colorant. The resin components comprising the ethylene-vinyl copolymer and 
denatured aromatic terpene are preferably contained in the ink composition 
in a total amount of 10 to 40 wt. %. 
Preferred hot melt ink compositions for the formation of the bar code are 
described below ("part(s)" means "weight part(s)"): 
______________________________________ 
(1) Ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer 
8 parts 
Denatured terpene resin 
8 parts 
paraffin wax 10 parts 
Carnauba wax 20 parts 
Microcrystalline wax 
10 parts 
Oxidized wax 30 parts 
Softening agent 5 parts 
Colorant 9 parts 
(2) Ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer 
6 parts 
Denatured terpene resin 
10 parts 
paraffin wax 55 parts 
Carnauba wax 10 parts 
Microcrystalline wax 
5 parts 
Softening agent 5 parts 
Colorant 9 parts 
(3) Ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer 
5 parts 
Denatured terpene resin 
5 parts 
paraffin wax 30 parts 
Carnauba wax 15 parts 
Microcrystalline wax 
10 parts 
Oxidized wax 20 parts 
Softening agent 5 parts 
Colorant 10 parts 
(4) Ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer 
15 parts 
Denatured terpene resin 
15 parts 
paraffin wax 15 parts 
Carnauba wax 10 parts 
Microcrystalline wax 
10 parts 
Oxidized wax 20 parts 
Softening agent 5 parts 
Colorant 10 parts 
(5) Ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer 
20 parts 
Rosin resin 20 parts 
paraffin wax 15 parts 
Carnauba wax 10 parts 
Microcrystalline wax 
10 parts 
Oxidized wax 10 parts 
Softening agent 5 parts 
Colorant 10 parts 
______________________________________ 
The hot melt ink composition layer formed on a transfer film is placed on a 
substrate sheet of the jointing tape and a thermal head is applied on the 
transfer film to thermally transfer the ink composition in the form of a 
bar code pattern onto the substrate sheet. The hot melt ink composition 
layer can be transferred onto the substrate sheet in the form of a bar 
code pattern by means of a laser beam. 
The jointing tape having the so formed bar code is then placed on the edge 
line of the photographic roll film to cover the adjoining area of the 
photographic film and the light shielding backing paper or leader paper. 
In a preferred feature of the photographic roll film of the invention, the 
jointing tape has in a position along the bar code a reference area for 
correcting a value detected on the bar code, the reference area showing a 
reflectance and a glossiness essentially equivalent to those of the light 
reflecting spaces. 
FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the above-mentioned feature of the photographic 
roll film of the invention in which the roll film comprises a continuous 
film 21 and a light shielding backing paper 22. The film 21 and backing 
paper 22 are combined together by a jointing tape 23. On the jointing tape 
23, a bar code 24 and a reference area 25 are formed. The reference area 
is formed on the surface of the jointing tape and gives a reference 
reflection for the light reflecting space. 
FIG. 5 illustrates a bar code reading system employed for reading the bar 
code 24 of FIG. 3. Two photosensors (i.e., optical detector devices) 26, 
27 are employed for simultaneously reading the bar code and the reference 
area. The collected optical data are used for obtaining accurately 
corrected bar code data after processing the data by a micro computer. 
As is illustrated in FIG. 6, the jointing tape 23 can have in a position 
along the bar code 24 a reference area for correcting a value detected on 
the bar code, the reference area comprising a light absorbing area 28 and 
a light reflecting area 25 in which the light absorbing area 28 shows a 
reflectance and a glossiness essentially equivalent to those of the light 
absorbing bars 24 and the light reflecting area 25 shows a reflectance and 
a glossiness essentially equivalent to those of the light reflecting 
space. 
FIG. 7 illustrates a bar code reading system employed for reading the bar 
code 24 on the jointing tape 23 of FIG. 6. Three photo-sensors (i.e., 
optical detector devices) 26, 27, 29 are employed for simultaneously 
reading the bar code and the reference area. The collected optical data 
are used for obtaining accurately corrected bar code data after processing 
the data by a micro computer. 
As described hereinbefore, the jointing tape is preferably produced by the 
use of a synthetic resin paper as a substrate sheet. The synthetic resin 
paper sheet is well resistant to deformation. The synthetic resin paper 
sheet, however, has a disadvantageous feature in which it is also 
resistant to rupture. After the photographic roll film is employed for 
placing a photographic latent image on the film, the roll film is 
developed using an aqueous alkaline developing solution. Before 
development, the roll film is generally separated from the backing paper 
or leader paper by rupturing the jointing tape in the direction traversing 
the roll film and along the edge line of the roll film. The rupture 
resistant synthetic resin paper sheet is troublesome in this respect. 
Accordingly, the jointing tape preferably has a plurality of slits on its 
one side or both sides, as is illustrated in FIG. 8. In FIG. 8, the 
jointing tape 33 is placed on the roll film 31 and the backing paper 32. 
The jointing tape has a bar code 34 on its surface. On the both sides of 
the jointing tape 33, a set of plural short slits 38 are formed for 
facilitating rupture of the jointing tape in the width direction 
traversing the roll film 31. The slits can be inclined on the plane of the 
tape, so that the jointing tape shows an appropriate resistance to rupture 
when the roll film is wound around the spool, but is easily rupturable 
when a shearing force is applied to the side of the tape. The means for 
facilitating the rupture of the jointing tape is not limited to the set of 
slits. 
As is illustrated in FIG. 8, the jointing tape 33 preferably has a number 
39 on its blank space. The number preferably is a number specifically 
allotted to the roll film, for instance, the serial number of the roll 
film. The corresponding number is generally printed on an adhesive tape 
for sealing a photographic roll film wound on a spool. The number of the 
adhesive tape can be observed in the wound condition. The number can 
contain other information. 
The photographic roll film of the invention is preferably wound around a 
spool having a means which facilitates the engagement of the spool and the 
roll film. A preferred example of the spool is illustrated in FIG. 9. In 
FIG. 9, the spool has a center slit 40 in its cylinder body. The center 
slit 40 is formed between two supporting members 40a, 40b. The spool 
further has a flange 47 on both sides. At the center of the spool, a 
through hole 48 is formed. On each of the upper side and the under side of 
the spool, an engagement facilitating means comprising a hook 42, a pawl 
42a, a holding slit 44, and a covering plate 45 is provided. The end of 
the light shielding backing paper which has an opening is passed through 
the center slit 40 and then is engaged with the engagement means by 
engaging the opening with a combination of hook 42 and pawl 42a. Both 
sides of the backing paper is placed in the holding slit 44 by pressing it 
by the covering plate 45. 
FIG. 10 illustrates another preferred spool for the use in combination with 
the photographic roll film. In FIG. 10, the spool comprises a center slit 
50, a hook 52, a bar 52a, an covering plate 55, a supporting plate 56, a 
flange 57, a center through hole 58, and a pair of protruding means 59. 
The protruding means 59 has a curved top. The backing paper having an 
opening on the end is inserted into the center slit 50. In the center slit 
50, the opening of the backing paper is engaged with the combination of 
hook 52 and bar 52a. The both sides of the backing paper are kept against 
the covering plate 55 by the protruding means 59. Accordingly, the backing 
paper is well fixed in the center slit 50 of the spool. 
FIG. 11 gives an image of a photographic roll film of FIG. 1 is wound 
around a spool of FIG. 10. The numeral 61 is a shielding tape on which a 
serial number may be printed. 
The present invention is further described by the following working 
examples. 
EXAMPLES 
(1) Substrate sheet of jointing tape 
Substrate-A: A mixture of a soft wood pulp (20%) and a hardwood pulp (80%) 
which was digested by Kraft process, a paper strength increasing agent 
(cationated polyacrylamide), a sizing agent (rosin derivative), and a 
fixing agent (aluminum sulfate) were mixed to prepare a pulp slurry and 
the pulp slurry was processed on a Fourdrinier machine to give a wood free 
paper sheet (thickness: approximately 90 .mu.m). The produced wood free 
paper sheet was named Substrate-A. 
Substrate-B: On the Substrate-A, a light-reflecting layer (thickness: 
approximately 12 .mu.m) was coated. The light-reflecting layer is formed 
using an emulsion comprising kaolin, calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide, 
polyvinyl alcohol, and a polyacrylic emulsion. The coated paper sheet was 
named Substrate-B. 
Substrate-C: A commercially available cast coat paper sheet (Glossy paper, 
thickness: approximately 100 .mu.m) was purchased to prepare Substrate-C. 
Substrate-D: A commercially available polypropylene synthetic paper sheet 
(trade name: Yupo SGS 75, produced by Oji Yuka Co., Ltd.) to prepare 
Substrate-D. 
Substrate-E: On the Substrate-D, a melt extruded polyethylene resin film 
(film thickness: approximately 12 .mu.m) was laminated to prepare 
Substrate-E. 
(2) Hot melt ink ribbon 
The following three ink ribbons were prepared for printing light absorbing 
bars of a bar code on respective substrates for the jointing tape. 
Ink ribbon-a: On a polyester film (thickness: 3 .mu.m), a solution of 
calcium laurate (mixture of mono-ester and di-ester) was coated and dried 
to form a stick preventive layer. On another surface of the film, a 
mixture of 3 weight parts of titanium dioxide (white carbon), 7 weight 
parts of a urea resin fine powder, 40 weight parts of ethylene-vinyl 
acetate copolymer, and 50 weight parts of toluene was coated and dried to 
form a matted subbing layer (thickness: 2 .mu.m). On the matted subbing 
layer, an ink composition composed of 30 weight parts of carnauba wax, 35 
weight parts of ester wax, 25 weight parts of carbon black, and 10 weight 
parts of oil was coated and dried to form a hot melt ink layer (thickness: 
approximately 2 .mu.m). Thus, Ink ribbon-a was prepared. 
Ink ribbon-b: The procedures for preparing the Ink ribbon-a were repeated 
except for using a mixture of 10 weight parts of titanium dioxide, 35 
weight parts of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, 5 weight parts of 
microcrystalline wax, and 50 weight parts of toluene for the preparation 
of the matted subbing layer. Thus, Ink ribbon-b comprising the substrate, 
stick preventive layer, matted subbing layer, and hot melt ink layer was 
prepared. 
Ink ribbon-c: The procedures for preparing the Ink ribbon-a were repeated 
except for not placing the matted subbing layer prior to the formation of 
the hot melt ink layer, to prepare Ink ribbon-c. 
(3) Jointing tape provided with bar code 
On the reverse surface of the substrate of jointing tape was coated an 
isoprene adhesive agent to form a pressure sensitive adhesive layer 
(thickness: 30 .mu.m). On the front surface of the substrate was placed 
the hot melt ink layer of the ink ribbon, and the ink layer was 
transferred in the form of a bar code pattern onto the surface of the 
substrate using a heat transfer printer. 
(4) Measurement of light reflection and glossiness on the surface of the 
bar code-printed jointing tape 
The light reflection on the substrate surface corresponding to the 
reflection on the light reflecting space and on the light absorbing 
ink-transferred area corresponding to the reflection on the light 
absorbing bar, as well as glossiness on each portion were measured using a 
monochromatic light (wavelength: 900.+-.50 nm). The following apparatuses 
were employed for the measurements. 
Light reflection: Spectrophotometer 330 (produced by Hitachi Ltd., .phi.60 
integrating sphere was employed, measured area: .phi. 20 mm) 
Glossiness: Multiangle Glossmeter TC-108DPA (produced by Tokyo Denshoku 
Co., Ltd.; entrance angle: 60.degree.) 
(5) Examination of bar code reading error 
The jointing tape having the bar code thereon was cut to give a specimen of 
24 mm.times.58 mm. The specimen was placed and fixed on the jointing 
position at which a Brownie film and a light shielding backing paper were 
jointed. Thus prepared Brownie film of 220 type was wound around a spool 
and stored at 60.degree. C. for 2 months. 
After the storage was complete, the photographic film was released and just 
after the release of the film, the bar code on the jointing tape was 
repeatedly read (100 times) by means of a photo-sensor to examine 
frequency of occurring of reading error (reading could not done and 
erroneous data was detected). 
The results of examination were marked according to the following criteria: 
AA: no reading error was noted. 
BB: bar code was not read once or twice. 
CC: reading error was noted 3 to 5 times. 
DD: reading error was noted 6 or more times. 
Remark: The reading error is not serious from the view point of practical 
use if the reading error did not frequently occur, because a manual input 
system is also provided to a camera. 
(6) Results of examination of bar code reading error 
The results of the examination are set forth in the following Table 1. 
TABLE 1 
______________________________________ 
Sub- Ink Reflection Glossiness 
Re- 
strate 
ribbon Space Bar Space Bar sults 
______________________________________ 
A a 65.5 4.3 3.1 8.2 AA 
A b 65.5 4.2 3.1 14.0 AA 
A c 65.5 4.1 3.1 34.0 CC 
B a 80.3 5.3 15.1 8.0 AA 
B b 80.3 5.1 15.1 18.1 AA 
B c 80.3 6.2 15.1 36.5 CC-DD 
C a 74.5 5.1 77.3 9.2 DD 
C b 74.5 5.2 77.3 18.5 DD 
C c 74.5 5.3 77.3 43.0 DD 
D a 79.6 5.4 7.1 7.6 AA 
D b 79.6 5.7 7.1 17.5 AA 
D c 79.6 5.9 7.1 44.2 CC 
E a 58.5 4.6 33.4 9.0 BB 
E b 58.5 4.1 33.4 18.4 CC 
E c 58.5 3.4 33.4 39.9 DD 
______________________________________ 
The examination results set forth in Table 1 apparently indicate that the 
jointing tapes having the optical characteristics which satisfy the 
conditions defined in the invention produce almost not reading error 
troubles.