Method for processing photographic silver halide photosensitive element

When a double-sided photographic silver halide photosensitive element having a crossover light quantity of up to 15% is processed through an automatic processor, it is developed with a developer containing an ascorbic acid type developing agent. By restricting the drag-out of the developer to 1.0 ml or less per 10.times.12-inch size sheet, the photosensitive element can be processed and effectively dried so as to produce high-quality images free of residual color.

This invention relates to a method for processing a photographic silver 
halide photosensitive element having a photosensitive silver halide 
emulsion layer on either surface through an automatic processor and more 
particularly, to a method for processing a medical radiographic 
photosensitive material in such a manner as to minimize waste solution 
while producing sharp images. It also relates to a method for processing a 
photographic black-and-white silver halide photosensitive element in such 
a manner as to substantially eliminate the odor of a fixer and reduce the 
drying load after water washing while reducing the replenishment of the 
fixer. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
For finding a satisfactory compromise among rapid processing, low-waste 
processing, and image quality improvement by a sharpness increase due to 
antihalation and crossover cutting effects, various measures have been 
taken for increasing the rate of discharge of the dyes in the antihalation 
layer and crossover cutting layer out of the system during rapid 
processing. 
JP-B 8333/1974 representing the technology of the early years discloses the 
use of water-soluble dyes in anti-halation layers. JP-A 70830/1987 and 
126645/1989 disclose the use of dye-mordanted layers for crossover 
cutting. 
JP-B 5574/1976 and JP-A 172828/1989 disclose the use of solid dispersions 
of water-soluble dyes as antihalation layers and crossover cutting layers. 
Also, the technique of causing dyes to be adsorbed to solid particle 
dispersions, especially silver halide fine grain crystals, and using them 
in crossover cutting layers and antihalation layers is disclosed, for 
example, in JP-A 29641/1990, 73336/1989, 194251/1988, 46438/1988, and JP-B 
20688/1996. 
The above-referred JP-A 172828/1989 describes solid dispersions of dyes, 
and JP-A 126645/1989 describes crossover cutting layers in which dyes are 
affixed with mordants. The technique of increasing the absorption of 
spectral sensitizing dyes is also well known in the art. 
Since these techniques are based on the concept that the photosensitive 
element is prevented from residual color by dissolving coloring matter 
into processing solution, the photosensitive element should have a 
relatively high swelling factor. Since the photosensitive element carries 
the colored solution of the preceding bath to the subsequent bath, the 
potential problems of coloring of the processing solution and deposition 
of dyes become revealed with the advance of low-replenishment, low-waste 
and rapid processing. In particular, the solid dispersion of an 
alkali-soluble dye described in JP-A 172828/1989 reveals the problem of 
precipitation in solution and on rollers if it is carried over to the 
fixing and subsequent steps. 
An aluminum-containing hardening fixer must be of low pH design set at pH 5 
or lower for the stabilization of aluminum ions. For such a fixer, the 
automatic processor must be equipped with a duct for removing the odor of 
sulfurous acid and acetic acid. If the fixer is designed as a 
non-hardening one free of aluminum ions in order to solve the odor 
problem, the drag-out of the fixer by the photosensitive element is 
increased so that more of the dye to be dissolved out for decolorization 
by fixing treatment may be carried over to water washing and subsequent 
steps, eventually increasing the dye deposit in the washing tanks and on 
rollers. 
For these reasons, it is impossible in the state-of-the-art to further 
reduce the replenishment and waste of processing solution and to further 
improve the quality of images by increasing sharpness. 
On the other hand, solutions for use in processing photographic 
black-and-white silver halide photosensitive elements, for example, 
developers and fixers, especially fixers give oft odor and corrosive vapor 
which are serious factors detrimental to the environment where the 
processor is located. In the prior art, a forced ventilation duct is 
attached to the processor for forcedly discharging the gas, or the gas is 
passed through a filter of activated carbon or the like to remove odorous 
components. A number of automatic processors of the forced ventilation 
design and processing systems having such processors built therein are now 
commercially available, for example, under the trade name of CEPROS 30, 
CEPROS M2, CEPROS S, and CEPROS P from Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. 
From the standpoint of reducing odor, it is known to set a fixer at pH 4.5 
or higher for suppressing the generation of sulfurous acid gas. It is also 
known that aluminum ions commonly used as the hardening agent in the fixer 
are more likely to precipitate as the pH of the fixer becomes higher. 
Although this problem may be solved by removing aluminum ion as the 
hardening agent, the absence of aluminum ion leaves the film swollen at 
the end of fixation so that the photosensitive element may have a very 
high water content at the end of water washing, becoming an obstruction 
against rapid processing within 90 seconds from development to drying. 
A substantial decline of the fixer concentration is also effective for 
reducing odor, but at the sacrifice of fixing capability, especially a 
fixing rate. This is especially outstanding in medical radiographic 
photosensitive elements which are required to have high sensitivity. Since 
the radiographic photosensitive elements have a relatively high silver 
content and mostly use silver iodobromide emulsions in order to achieve a 
high sensitivity, they cannot be fixed at a low concentration of fixing 
agent. 
Rapid drying is possible with the non-hardening fixer if the photosensitive 
element has previously been hardened to an excessive degree as typified by 
a swelling factor of up to 130%. However, the swelling of the 
photosensitive element during development and fixation is also 
significantly suppressed, leading to several undesirable problems 
including a sensitivity decline, a loss of covering power (blackening 
density per unit quantity of developed silver), worsening of residual 
color, and short fixation. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
A primary object of the present invention is to provide a method for 
processing a photographic silver halide photosensitive element, with 
crossover light fully cut, through an automatic processor in a rapid, 
low-replenishment fashion so that medical radiographic images of quality 
may be formed without residual color while suppressing deposition of dyes 
in processing solutions and on rollers. 
Another object of the present invention is to use an odorless fixer, 
thereby enabling the use of an unducted automatic developer. 
A further object of the present invention is to use multi-stage water 
washing, thereby eliminating a need for piping to the processor and thus 
allowing the processor to be installed at any site. 
A still further object of the present invention is to provide a method for 
processing a photographic silver halide photosensitive element through an 
automatic processor, which overcomes the problems of fixing capability and 
drying losses resulting from low replenishment of the fixer, renders the 
fixer odorless, and eliminates a forced ventilation duct from the 
processor. 
According to the present invention, there is provided a method for 
processing a photographic silver halide photosensitive element having a 
photosensitive silver halide emulsion layer on either surface of a support 
and a crossover light quantity of up to 15% using an automatic processor, 
comprising the steps of developing the photosensitive element with a 
developer, fixing with a fixer, and then washing with water. The developer 
contains an ascorbic acid compound as a developing agent. In the step of 
developing the photosensitive element with the developer, the drag-out of 
the developer which is carried over by the photosensitive element is 
restricted to 1.0 ml or less per 10.times.12-inch size sheet of the 
photosensitive element. 
Preferably, in the step of fixing the photosensitive element with the 
fixer, the drag-out of the fixer is restricted to 1.0 ml or less per 
10.times.12-inch size sheet. 
Typically, the step of washing the photosensitive element with water is a 
multi-stage washing step including at least a first washing tank and a 
last washing tank. In preferred embodiments, the drag-out of wash water 
from the first washing tank is restricted to 1.0 ml or less per 
10.times.12-inch size sheet, the drag-out of wash water from the last 
washing tank to a drying zone is restricted to 1.0 ml or less per 
10.times.12-inch size sheet, and/or substantially no waste solution of 
wash water is left after the washing step. 
At least one of the photosensitive silver halide emulsion layers is 
preferably comprised of an emulsion of tabular silver halide grains having 
an average aspect ratio of at least 2 and further preferably having a 
silver chloride content of at least 50 mol %. 
Preferably, the photosensitive element contains a coverage of a hydrophilic 
colloid and a coverage of a polymer latex, the polymer latex coverage 
being at least 10% by weight of the colloid coverage, and the 
photosensitive element has a swelling factor with water of up to 150%. 
Preferably the fixer contains at least 0.15 mol/liter of succinic acid. 
It is noted that the drag-out of a solution is an amount of the solution 
that is carried over from its bath by the photosensitive element and that 
the coverage of a component is a coating weight, that is, a weight of the 
component coated on a support, typically per square meter of the 
photosensitive element. 
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
The photographic silver halide photosensitive element to be processed 
according to the invention is a double-side photosensitive element having 
a photosensitive silver halide emulsion layer on either surface of a 
support and a crossover light quantity of up to 15%. Using an automatic 
processor, it is processed in the order of steps of development, fixation, 
and washing (inclusive of "stabilization"). The developing step uses a 
developer which contains a developing agent selected from ascorbic acid 
compounds which are less toxic than hydroquinone and analogues. In the 
step of processing the photosensitive element with the developer, the 
developer is carried over in an amount of up to 1.0 ml per quarter-size 
(10.times.12 inches) sheet of the photosensitive element. 
With these requirements met, even a rapid, low-replenishment process can 
produce images which are improved in sharpness, and eliminate the 
undesirable influence of the dye used for sharpness improvement such as 
residual color. In contrast, a crossover light quantity in excess of 15% 
leads to a low sharpness. If the drag-out of the developer by the 
photosensitive element is in excess of 1.0 ml per quarter-size sheet, a 
more fraction of the dye dissolved out of the photosensitive element is 
carried over to the subsequent step, giving rise to problems including 
coloring of processing solutions, deposition of the dye on rollers, and 
residual color. 
As described above, the method for processing the photosensitive element 
described above includes fixation with a fixer and washing with wash water 
(inclusive of "stabilizer solution"). In preferred embodiments of the 
invention, the drag-out of the fixer and/or wash water is also restricted 
to 1.0 ml or less per quarter-size (10.times.12 inches) sheet. In a 
further preferred embodiment wherein washing is carried out in a plurality 
of stages for increasing the washing efficiency, the drag-out of wash 
water from the first washing tank is restricted to 1.0 ml or less per 
quarter-size sheet and especially, the drag-out of wash water from the 
last washing tank to a drying zone is restricted to 1.0 ml or less per 
quarter-size sheet. 
In the multi-stage water washing, a multi-stage counter-flow system of 
replenishing water from the last washing tank and sequentially feeding the 
overflow of a later stage tank to a preceding stage tank is preferably 
employed. If the overflow or wastewater of the first washing tank is used 
in the preparation of a fixer replenisher, the waste solution of wash 
water is substantially eliminated, that is, the waste solution of wash 
water can be reduced to 1.50 ml or less per square meter of the 
photosensitive element, especially 0 ml. 
The restricted drag-out(s) can be accomplished by various means, preferably 
by controlling the coverages of hydrophilic colloid and polymer latex in 
the photosensitive element so as to fall in a specific ratio range and 
controlling the swelling factor with water of the photosensitive element 
so as to fall in a specific range. 
From the standpoints of photographic properties and fixing capability, a 
high silver chloride tabular grain emulsion is preferably used as the 
emulsion layer. Although the photosensitive element using such an emulsion 
is susceptible to silver staining or sludging, the restricted drag-out is 
effective for reducing sulfite ions for thereby suppressing silver 
sludging. From the standpoint of preventing silver sludging, it is 
preferred to reduce the amount of a sulfite preservative. However, since 
the photosensitive element of the invention typically uses a dye which is 
decolorizable with a sulfite ion as will be described later, the reduced 
amount of the sulfite preservative gives rise to the problem that the dye 
is insufficiently decolorized. In such a situation, the residual color and 
other problems can be eliminated by restricting the drag-out of the 
solution by the photosensitive element as specified above. 
The fixer used herein is preferably a non-hardening fixer substantially 
free of aluminum ion, which allows for higher pH setting and eliminates 
the odor of sulfurous acid. Even when a non-hardening fixer is used, 
neither worsening of residual color nor short drying is induced because 
the drag-out of the solution by the photosensitive element is restricted 
as specified above. As to the automatic processor, neither duct nor piping 
is necessary. 
In order to produce sharp images, the photosensitive element of the 
invention should have a crossover light quantity of 15% or less. This is 
generally accomplished by providing a crossover light cutting layer 
between the photosensitive emulsion layer and the support. To the 
crossover light cutting layer, a dye corresponding to the photosensitive 
wavelength region is added. Any desired dye may be used insofar as no 
detrimental absorption is left after development. The dye is often added 
in the form of a solid particle dispersion. The method of adding dyes in 
solid particle dispersion form is described, for example, in JP-A 
264936/1990, 210553/1991, 210554/1991, 238447/1991, 14038/1992, 
14039/1992, 125635/1992, 338747/1992, and 27589/1994. The dyes which can 
be used herein include dyes of the general formulae (I) to (VII) in JP-A 
211542/1992, specifically Compounds I-1 to I-37, II-1 to II-6, III-1 to 
III-36, IV-1 to IV-16, V-1 to V-6, VI-1 to VI-13, and VII-1 to VII-5 
illustrated therein; dyes of the general formula (1) in JP-A 73767/1996, 
specifically Compounds 1 to 6 illustrated therein; and dyes of the general 
formulae (VIII) to (XII) in JP-A 87091/1996, specifically Compounds VIII-1 
to VIII-5, IX-1 to IX-10, X-1 to X-21, XI-1 to XI-6, and XII-1 to XII-7 
illustrated therein. 
Other useful methods include a method of causing well-known dyes to be 
adsorbed to mordants, a method of dissolving well-known dyes in oil 
followed by emulsifying dispersion like oil droplets, a method of causing 
dyes to be adsorbed on surfaces of inorganic materials as disclosed in 
JP-A 5748/1991, and a method of causing dyes to be adsorbed to polymers as 
disclosed in JP-A 298939/1990. The provision of the crossover light 
cutting layer to the photosensitive element may be carried out by the 
methods described in the above-referred patents. Of these dyes, those 
compounds which are readily decolorizable with a sulfite ion in the 
developer are preferably used. 
Using any of the above-described methods, the photosensitive element of the 
invention is adjusted to a crossover light quantity of up to 15%, 
preferably 3 to 15%, more preferably 5 to 10%. To achieve an 
extremely-small crossover light quantity, an extremely large amount of the 
dye might be coated, causing residual color and other problems and 
achieving no further improvement in sharpness. A crossover light quantity 
in excess of 15% is undesirable because the sharpness of images becomes 
low independent of imaging sites. 
The amount of the dye added is not critical insofar as the crossover light 
quantity can be reduced to 15% or lower. Most often, the amount of the dye 
added is preferably about 5 mg to about 200 mg per square meter of the 
photosensitive element although it varies with a particular dye. 
Polymer latex 
In the photosensitive element of the invention, a polymer latex is often 
used. The term "polymer latex" designates a polymer itself and is thus 
used herein in a different sense from the usual "latex" designating a 
suspension in which a polymer is dispersed in water in a colloidal state 
under the action of an emulsifying agent. 
One useful polymer latex is a core-shell polymer latex as disclosed in U.S. 
Pat. No. 5,561,034, and specifically, latex LAT1 to LAT8 described in 
Examples thereof. With respect to the monomer type, glass transition 
temperature and other properties of polymer latices, reference should be 
made to U.S. Pat. No. 5,561,034, col. 3, line 45 to col. 10, line 27. 
Another useful polymer latex family is disclosed in JP-A 220669/1996 and 
specifically, Compounds I-1 to I-16 and P-1 to P-12 described therein. 
In the photosensitive element of the invention, a polymer latex obtained by 
polymerizing substantially insoluble monomers is preferably used. This 
polymer latex and the monomers used therefor are described in detail. 
The monomers are preferably acrylate compounds, especially mixtures of an 
acrylate compound and a methacrylate compound. The polymer latex should 
preferably have a particle size of up to 300 nm. 
The polymer latex is preferably prepared by polymerizing the monomers in 
the presence of a water-soluble polymer and/or a surfactant. 
The surfactants used in the polymerization of monomers to form the polymer 
latex include anionic, nonionic, cationic and ampholytic surfactants, with 
the anionic and/or nonionic surfactants being preferred. The anionic and 
nonionic surfactants used herein may be selected from a variety of 
compounds well known in the art. Most preferred are anionic nonionic 
surfactants. 
The water-soluble polymers used in the polymerization of monomers to form 
the polymer latex include synthetic polymer and naturally occurring 
polymers, either of which may be advantageously used herein. The synthetic 
water-soluble polymers include those having in their molecular structure 
nonionic groups, anionic groups, cationic groups, nonionic and anionic 
groups, nonionic and cationic groups, and anionic and cationic groups. 
Exemplary nonionic groups are ether groups, alkylene oxide groups, 
hydroxyl groups, amide groups and amino groups. Exemplary anionic groups 
are carboxylic acid groups and salts thereof, phosphoric acid groups and 
salts thereof, sulfonic acid groups and salts thereof. Exemplary cationic 
groups are quaternary ammonium groups and tertiary amino groups. 
The naturally occurring water-soluble polymers include those having in 
their molecular structure nonionic groups, anionic groups, cationic 
groups, nonionic and anionic groups, nonionic and cationic groups, and 
anionic and cationic groups. 
Of the water-soluble polymers used in the polymerization of monomers to 
form the polymer latex, those having anionic groups and those having 
nonionic and anionic groups are preferable whether they are synthetic or 
natural polymers. 
The water-soluble polymers have a solubility of at least 0.05 g, especially 
at least 0.1 g in 100 g of water at 20.degree. C. 
Examples of the natural water-soluble polymers are described in 
"Comprehensive Technical Data Collection of Water-Soluble High-molecular 
Weight Water Dispersion Resins," and include lignin, starch, pluran, 
cellulose, dextran, dextrin, glycogen, alginic acid, gelatin, collagen, 
guar gum, gum arabic, laminaran, lichenan, nigeran and derivatives 
thereof. Preferred derivatives of natural water-soluble polymer are 
sulfonate, carboxylate, phosphate, sulfoalkylene, carboxyalkylene, and 
alkyl phosphate derivatives and salts thereof. Glucose, gelatin, dextran, 
cellulose and derivatives thereof are especially preferred. 
The polymer latex can be readily prepared by various techniques. Exemplary 
techniques are an emulsion polymerization technique and a technique of 
once forming a polymer by solution polymerization or bulk polymerization 
and dispersing the polymer again. 
In the case of emulsion polymerization, a polymer latex is prepared by 
using water as a dispersing medium, 10 to 50% by weight based on water of 
a monomer, 0.05 to 5% by weight based on the monomer of a polymerization 
initiator, and 0.1 to 20% by weight based on the monomer of a dispersant, 
and effecting polymerization with stirring at about 30 to 100.degree. C., 
preferably 60 to 90.degree. C. for about 3 to 8 hours. The monomer 
concentration, initiator amount, reaction temperature and time may be 
easily changed in a wide range. Exemplary initiators are water-soluble 
peroxides (e.g., potassium persulfate and ammonium persulfate) and 
water-soluble azo compounds (e.g., 
2,2'-azobis(2-aminodipropane)-hydrochloride). Exemplary dispersants are 
water-soluble polymers as well as anionic, nonionic, cationic and 
ampholytic surfactants, alone or in admixture. Preferably a water-soluble 
polymer is used in admixture with a nonionic or anionic surfactant. 
In the case of solution polymerization, a polymer latex is prepared by 
dissolving a mixture of monomers in a suitable solvent (e.g., ethanol, 
methanol and water) in a suitable concentration (usually less than 40% by 
weight, preferably 10 to 25% by weight based on the solvent) and heating 
the solution at an appropriate temperature (e.g., 40 to 120.degree. C., 
preferably 50 to 100.degree. C.) in the presence of a polymerization 
initiator (e.g., benzoyl peroxide, azobisisobutyronitrile and ammonium 
persulfate), thereby effecting copolymerization reaction. The reaction 
mixture is then poured into a medium in which the resultant copolymer is 
not soluble, whereupon the product settles out. By subsequent drying, the 
unreacted mixture is separated. 
Next, the copolymer is dissolved in a solvent in which the copolymer is 
soluble, but which is insoluble in water (e.g., ethyl acetate or butanol). 
The mixture is vigorously dispersed in the presence of a dispersant (e.g., 
surfactants and water-soluble polymers) whereupon the solvent is distilled 
off, yielding a polymer latex. 
The synthesis of polymer latices is discussed, for example, in U.S. Pat. 
No. 2,852,386, 2,853,457, 3,411,911, 3,411,912, 4,197,127, Belgian Patent 
No. 688,882, 691,360, 712,823, JP-B 5331/1970, JP-A 18540/1985, 
130217/1976, 137831/1983, and 50240/1980. 
Polymer latices having a mean particle size of 0.5 to 300 nm, especially 30 
to 250 nm are preferably used. The particle size of polymer latices can be 
measured by an electron microscope technique, soap titration, light 
scattering, and centrifugation as described in "The Chemistry of Polymer 
Latex," Kobunshi Kankokai, 1973. The light scattering method is preferred. 
One exemplary meter based on light scattering is DLS700 by Otsuka 
Electronics K.K. 
No particular limit is imposed on the molecular weight of the polymer latex 
although an overall molecular weight of about 1,000 to 1,000,000, 
especially about 2,000 to 500,000 is preferred. 
In the practice of the invention, the polymer latex can be contained in a 
photographic layer as such or as a dispersion in water. 
Several illustrative, non-limiting examples of the polymer latex are given 
below together with the dispersant used in the synthesis thereof. A suffix 
attached to a monomer unit represents a percent content (% by weight). 
__________________________________________________________________________ 
dispersant 
__________________________________________________________________________ 
Lx-1 
6 #STR1## Sf-1 
Lx-2 
7 #STR2## P-3 
Lx-3 
8 #STR3## P-2 
Lx-4 
9 #STR4## P-1 
Lx-5 
0 #STR5## P-3 
Lx-6 
2 #STR6## Sf-2 
Lx-7 
4 #STR7## dispersant 
dextran 
sulfate 
Lx-8 
5 #STR8## Pf-4 
Lx-9 
6 #STR9## Sf-1 
Lx-10 
7 #STR10## Sf-2 
Lx-11 
9 #STR11## Sf-1 
Lx-12 
0 #STR12## Sf-3 
Lx-13 
2 #STR13## Sf-4 
Lx-14 
5 #STR14## Sf-3 
Lx-15 
7 #STR15## P-2 
Lx-16 
0 #STR16## P-3 
Lx-17 
3 #STR17## Sf-1 
Lx-18 
6 #STR18## P-3 
Lx-19 
9 #STR19## P-2 Sf-3 
Lx-20 
2 #STR20## P-2 Sf-3 
Lx-21 
6 #STR21## Sf-3 
Sf-1 
9 #STR22## 
Sf-2 
0 #STR23## 
Sf-3 
1 #STR24## 
Sf-4 
C.sub.12 H.sub.25 OSO.sub.3 Na 
P-1 
2 #STR25## 
P-2 
3 #STR26## 
P-3 
6 #STR27## 
P-4 
9 #STR28## 
__________________________________________________________________________ 
Besides, polymer latices of the core/shell type are also preferably used in 
the photosensitive element of the invention. 
Preferred, non-limiting compound examples of the core/shell polymer latex 
are given below. The structure of latex compound is described in the order 
of core polymer structure, shell polymer structure, and core/shell ratio. 
In each polymer, the comonomer compositional ratio and the core/shell 
ratio are expressed in % by weight. 
______________________________________ 
Lx-22 to Lx-33 
Core: styrene/butadiene copolymer (37/63) 
Lx-22 shell: styrene/M-1 (98/2) 
core/shell = 50/50 
Lx-23 shell: styrene/M-1 (96/4) 
core/shell = 50/50 
Lx-24 shell: styrene/M-1 (92/8) 
core/shell = 50/50 
Lx-25 shell: styrene/M-1 (84/16) 
core/shell = 50/50 
Lx-26 shell: styrene/M-1 (68/32) 
core/shell = 50/50 
Lx-27 shell: styrene/M-1 (84/16) 
core/shell = 67/33 
Lx-28 shell: styrene/M-1 (84/16) 
core/shell = 85/15 
Lx-29 shell: n-butyl acrylate/M-1 (96/4) 
core/shell = 50/50 
Lx-30 shell: n-butyl acrylate/M-1 (92/8) 
core/shell = 50/50 
Lx-31 shell: n-butyl acrylate/M-1 (84/16) 
core/shell = 50/50 
Lx-32 shell: methyl acrylate/M-5 (84/16) 
core/shell = 50/50 
Lx-33 shell: styrene/methyl acrylate/M-3 (21/63/16) 
core/shell = 50/50 
Lx-34, 35 
core: styrene/butadiene copolymer (22/78) 
Lx-34 shell: styrene/M-2 (84/16) 
core/shell = 50/50 
Lx-35 shell: n-butyl acrylate/M-6 (84/16) 
core/shell = 50/50 
Lx-34 to Lx-41 
core: butadiene homopolymer (100) 
Lx-36 shell: styrene/M-1 (84/16) 
core/shell = 50/50 
Lx-37 shell: ethyl acrylate/M-5/methacrylic acid 
core/shell = 75/25 
(65/15/20) 
Lx-38 shell: n-butyl acrylate/M-1 (84/16) 
core/shell = 50/50 
Lx-39 shell: n-butyl acrylate/M-2 (84/16) 
core/shell = 50/50 
Lx-40 shell: 2-ethylhexyl acrylate/M-2 (84/16) 
core/shell = 50/50 
Lx-41 shell: n-butyl acrylate/M-7 (84/16) 
core/shell = 50/50 
Lx-42 to Lx-44 
core: isoprene homopolymer (100) 
Lx-42 shell: styrene/acrylonitrile/M-1 (63/21/16) 
core/shell = 90/10 
Lx-43 shell: methyl methacrylate/ethyl acrylate/M-2/ 
core/shell = 75/25 
sodium 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonate 
(15/65/15/5) 
Lx-44 shell: styrene/M-1 (84/16) 
core/shell = 20/80 
Lx-45 to Lx-47 
core: styrene/butadiene copolymer (49/51) 
Lx-45 shell: styrene/butyl acrylate/M-1 (26/60/15) 
core/shell = 50/50 
Lx-46 shell: M-1 (100) core/shell = 90/10 
Lx-47 shell: lauryl methacrylate/butyl acrylate/M-5 
core/shell = 40/60 
(30/55/15) 
Lx-48 
core: acrylonitrile/styrene/butadiene copolymer 
(25/25/50) 
shell: butyl acrylate/M-1 (92/8) 
core/shell = 50/50 
Lx-49 
core: ethyl acrylate/butadiene copolymer (50/50) 
shell: styrene/divinyl benzene/M-1 (79/5/16) 
core/shell = 50/50 
Lx-50 to Lx-54 
core: n-dodecyl methacrylate homopolymer 
Lx-50 shell: styrene/M-1 (92/8) 
core/shell = 50/50 
Lx-51 shell: styrene/M-1 (84/16) 
core/shell = 50/50 
Lx-52 shell: ethyl acrylate/M-1 (96/4) 
core/shell = 50/50 
Lx-53 shell: ethyl acrylate/M-1 (92/8) 
core/shell = 50/50 
Lx-54 shell: styrene/methyl acrylate/M-3 (21/63/16) 
core/shell = 50/50 
Lx-55 
core: n-butyl acrylate homopolymer 
shell: styrene/M-2 (84/16) 
core/shell = 50/50 
Lx-56, 67 
core: ethylene glycol dimethacrylate/n-butyl 
acrylate copolymer (10/90) 
Lx-56 shell: styrene/M-1 (84/16) 
core/shell = 50/50 
Lx-57 shell: methyl acrylate/M-5/methacrylic acid 
core/shell = 75/25 
(65/15/20) 
Lx-58 to Lx-61 
core: ethylene glycol dimethacrylate/n-butyl 
acrylate copolymer (20/80) 
Lx-58 shell: styrene/M-1 (84/16) 
core/shell = 50/50 
Lx-59 shell: styrene/M-1 (84/16) 
core/shell = 75/25 
Lx-60 shell: methyl acrylate/M-6/sodium 2- 
core/shell = 75/25 
acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonate (80/15/5) 
Lx-61 shell: n-butyl acrylate/M-1 (84/16) 
core/shell = 50/50 
Lx-62 to Lx-64 
core: vinyl acetate homopolymer (100) 
Lx-62 shell: styrene/M-1 (84/16) 
core/shell = 50/50 
Lx-63 shell: styrene/divinyl benzene/M-10 (79/5/16) 
core/shell = 50/50 
Lx-64 shell: n-dodecyl methacrylate/butyl acrylate/M-5 
core/shell = 40/60 
(30/55/15) 
Lx-65 to Lx-67 
core: divinyl benzene/2-ethylhexyl acrylate 
copolymer (10/90) 
Lx-65 shell: methyl acrylate/M-1 (84/16) 
core/shell = 50/50 
Lx-66 shell: methyl acrylate/styrene/M-1 (74/10/16) 
core/shell = 50/50 
Lx-67 shell: M-1 (100) core/shell = 90/10 
Lx-68 to Lx-70 
core: divinyl benzene/styrene/2-ethylhexyl acrylate 
copolymer (10/23/67) 
Lx-68 shell: methyl acrylate/M-1 (84/16) 
core/shell = 50/50 
Lx-69 shell: methyl acrylate/styrene/M-1 (74/10/16) 
core/shell = 50/50 
Lx-70 shell: ethyl acrylate/2-hydroxyethyl 
core/shell = 85/15 
methacrylate/M-4 (65/15/20) 
Lx-71 
core: ethylene glycol dimethacrylate/vinyl 
palmitate/n-butyl acrylate copolymer (20/20/60) 
shell: ethylene glycol dimethacrylate/styrene/ 
core/shell = 50/50 
n-butyl methacrylate/M-1 (5/40/40/15) 
Lx-72 
core: trivinyl cyclohexane/n-butyl acrylate/styrene 
copolymer (10/55/35) 
shell: methyl acrylate/M-1/sodium 2-acrylamido-2- 
core/shell = 70/30 
methylpropanesulfonate (88/7/5) 
Lx-73, 74 
core: divinyl benzene/styrene/methyl methacrylate 
copolymer (10/45/45) 
Lx-73 shell: n-butyl acrylate/M-1 (84/16) 
core/shell = 50/50 
Lx-74 shell: n-dodecyl acrylate/ethyl acrylate/M-9 
core/shell = 50/50 
(60/30/10) 
Lx-75, 76 
core: p-vinyltoluene/n-dodecyl methacrylate copolymer 
(70/30) 
Lx-75 shell: methyl acrylate/n-butyl methacrylate/ 
core/shell = 50/50 
M-2/acrylic acid (30/55/10/5) 
Lx-76 shell: n-butyl acrylate/M-8 (84/16) 
core/shell = 70/30 
______________________________________ 
______________________________________ 
M-1 2-acetoacetoxyethyl methacrylate 
M-2 2-acetoacetoxyethyl acrylate 
M-3 2-acetoacetoxypropyl methacrylate 
M-4 2-acetoacetamidoethyl methacrylate 
M-5 2-cyanoacetoxyethyl methacrylate 
M-6 2-cyanoacetoxyethyl acrylate 
M-7 methylacryloyl acetoacetate 
M-8 N-(2-methacryloyloxymethyl)cyanoacetamide 
M-9 4-acetoacetyl-1-methacryloylpiperadine 
M-10 p-(2-acetoacetoxy)ethylstyrene 
______________________________________ 
In the practice of the invention, the polymer latices may be used alone or 
in admixture of two or more. 
In the photosensitive element of the invention, a hydrophilic colloid may 
be used. Gelatin is preferable although other hydrophilic colloids are 
also acceptable. Useful are gelatin derivatives, graft polymers of gelatin 
with other polymers, proteins such as albumin and casein; cellulose 
derivatives such as hydroxyethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose and 
cellulose sulfate ester; sucrose derivatives such as sodium alginate and 
starch derivatives; and various other synthetic hydrophilic polymers such 
as polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl alcohol partial acetal, poly-N-vinyl 
pyrrolidone, polyacrylic acid, polymethacrylic acid, polyacrylamide, 
polyvinylimidazole, and polyvinylpyrazole, in either homopolymer or 
copolymer form. 
Examples of the gelatin used include lime treated gelatin, acid treated 
gelatin, and enzyme treated gelatin as described in Bull. Soc. Sci. Phot., 
Japan, No. 16, p. 30 (1966) as well as hydrolyzed and enzymatically 
decomposed products of gelatin. The use of low molecular weight gelatin as 
described in JP-A 158426/1989 is preferred for the preparation of tabular 
grains. 
Preferably the hydrophilic colloid is coated in a coverage of 0.5 to 3 g, 
especially 1.0 to 2.2 g, per square meter of one surface of the 
photosensitive element. 
In the preferred embodiment wherein the photographic silver halide 
photosensitive element contains the hydrophilic binder or hydrophilic 
colloid and the polymer latex, the invention favors that the polymer is 
used in an amount of at least 10% by weight of the binder, and that the 
photosensitive element has a swelling factor with water of up to 150%. 
Then the photosensitive element can be designed as a low drag-out one. The 
preferred swelling factor with water is from 30% to 150%, especially from 
50% to 120%. 
The proportion of the coverage of the polymer latex to the coverage of the 
hydrophilic binder, which is defined as (the coverage of polymer 
latex)/(the coverage of hydrophilic binder).times.100% by weight, should 
be at least 10% by weight, preferably 25 to 400% by weight, more 
preferably 45 to 230% by weight, especially 50 to 150% by weight. This 
relationship applies to both the coverages on one side and the combined 
coverages on opposite sides of the photosensitive element. 
In the preferred embodiment, the polymer latex is contained in the silver 
halide emulsion layer of the photographic silver halide photosensitive 
element although the polymer latex may be added to any other layers. The 
polymer latex may be added to the silver halide emulsion layer or one 
layer of other hydrophilic colloid layers, preferably both. Further 
preferably, the polymer latex is added to both the silver halide emulsion 
layer and the hydrophilic colloid layer disposed remotest from the 
support. 
Where the polymer latex is added to both the emulsion layer and the 
protective layer, it is preferred that the weight ratio of the amount of 
polymer latex in the protective layer to the amount of polymer latex in 
the emulsion layer is in the range from 0.2 to 2.0. 
In this embodiment, the amount of the polymer latex in the emulsion layer 
on one surface of the photosensitive element is preferably 0.9 to 2.0 
g/m.sup.2, more preferably 1.0 to 1.7 g/m.sup.2. Similarly, the amount of 
gelatin on one surface of the photosensitive element is preferably 1 to 
2.2 g/m.sup.2, more preferably 1.2 to 2.0 g/m.sup.2. The amount of gelatin 
and polymer latex combined on one surface of the photosensitive element is 
preferably 2.0 to 4.0 g/m.sup.2, more preferably 2.5 to 3.5 g/m.sup.2. 
The swelling factor with water of the photosensitive element is defined as 
(the swollen thickness minus the dry thickness)/(the dry 
thickness).times.100% when a dry film having a dry thickness is immersed 
in distilled water at 21.degree. C. for 3 minutes whereupon the immersed 
film has a swollen thickness. The swelling factor is measured as follows. 
A photosensitive material sample is allowed to stand for 7 days at 
40.degree. C. and RH 60%. The sample is dipped in distilled water at 
21.degree. C. for 3 minutes and then frozen for fixation with liquefied 
nitrogen. Using a microtome, the same is sectioned perpendicular to its 
surface and freeze dried at -90.degree. C. The sample treated as above is 
observed under a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to determine the 
thickness (Tw) of the swollen sample. The thickness (Td) of the dry sample 
is similarly determined in advance by a sectional observation under SEM. 
The swelling factor is calculated in accordance with 
(Tw-Td)/Td.times.100%. 
The automatic processor serving as an image forming system includes a 
developing tank, a fixing tank, a plurality of wash tanks (including at 
least a first wash tank and a last wash tank), a drying zone, and feed 
means for conveying the photosensitive element from the developing tank to 
the fixing tank via rollers, then from the fixing tank to the first wash 
tank and then through the wash tanks, and finally from the last wash tank 
to the drying zone. 
According to the invention, the drag-out of the developer by the 
photosensitive element is restricted to 1.0 ml or less and preferably, the 
drag-outs of the fixer and wash water are restricted to 1.0 ml or less. 
The drag-out of the developer by the photosensitive element from the 
developing tank is the amount of the developer which is carried over from 
the developing tank to the fixing tank by the photosensitive element per 
quarter-size (10.times.12 inches) sheet. Differently stated, the dragout 
is the amount of the developer that the photosensitive element carries 
over after it passes past the roller located close to the fixing tank. The 
preferred drag-out is from 0.1 ml to 1.0 ml, especially from 0.2 ml to 0.8 
ml. The drag-out can be regulated not only by a design of the 
photosensitive element, but also by the squeezing ability of the rollers 
of the processor. Careful squeezing is necessary because excessive 
squeezing can cause flaw on the photosensitive element and hence, defects 
on images. 
Similarly, the drag-out of the fixer is defined as the amount of the fixer 
which is carried over from the fixing tank to the first wash tank by the 
photosensitive element per quarter-size (10.times.12 inches) sheet. The 
drag-out of wash water from the first wash tank is defined as the amount 
of wash water which is carried over from the first wash tank to the next 
wash tank by the photosensitive element per quarter-size (10.times.12 
inches) sheet. The preferred drag-out of the fixer or wash water is from 
0.1 ml to 1.0 ml, especially from 0.2 ml to 0.8 ml. 
The drag-out of wash water from the last wash tank is defined as the amount 
of wash water which is carried over from the last wash tank to the drying 
zone by the photosensitive element per quarter-size (10.times.12 inches) 
sheet, and differently stated, the amount of water which is evaporated off 
to dryness in the drying zone per quartersize (10.times.12 inches) sheet. 
The preferred drag-out of the wash water is from 0.1 ml to 1.0 ml, 
especially from 0.2 ml to 0.8 ml. Although the multi-stage water washing 
is preferable, it is acceptable that the first wash tank is the last wash 
tank, and in this case, the drag-out of wash water from the last wash tank 
is important. 
Emulsion 
A variety of photosensitive silver halide emulsions may be used in the 
photographic silver halide photosensitive element according to the first 
and second embodiments of the invention. Preferred emulsions are emulsions 
of tabular silver chloride grains having {100} major faces, for example, 
the emulsions of Examples 3 and 4 in JP-A 204073/1993, the emulsion of 
Example 2ax in JP-A 194768/1994, and the emulsion of Example 1 in JP-A 
227431/1994; emulsions of tabular silver chloride grains having {111} 
major faces, for example, tabular emulsion A of Example 1 in JP-A 
76305/1996; and emulsions of tabular silver iodobromide and silver bromide 
grains with {111} major faces having a high aspect ratio and epitaxial 
sites, for example, tabular emulsion B of Example 1 in JP-A 76305/1996 and 
emulsions A to K of Examples in JP-A 69069/1996. Regular grains are also 
useful, and emulsions of monodisperse cubic grains such as emulsions E and 
F of Example 1 in JP-A 76305/1996 are preferably used. 
These emulsions may have different halogen compositions from the 
above-described compositions such as AgBrClI, and such different halogen 
compositions are also preferable. With respect to monodispersity, tabular 
grains having a coefficient of variation of sphere equivalent diameter of 
3% to 40% are preferred. 
Tabular grains having a high silver chloride content are especially 
preferred for use in the emulsion of the invention. 
In the silver halide emulsion containing at least silver halide grains and 
a dispersing medium, tabular silver halide grains presenting {100} or 
{111} faces as major surfaces and having an aspect ratio of at least 2 
preferably account for at least 50%, more preferably 60 to 100%, most 
preferably 70 to 100% of the total projected area of silver halide grains. 
The term "tabular grain" used herein designates a grain having an aspect 
ratio (diameter/thickness) of at least 1, preferably at least 1.1. The 
major surfaces of a tabular grain are the largest outer surfaces thereof. 
The diameter is the diameter of a circle having an equal area to the 
projected area of a tabular grain, and the thickness is the distance 
between the two major surfaces. The thickness of tabular grains is up to 
0.35 .mu.m, preferably 0.05 to 0.3 .mu.m, more preferably 0.05 to 0.25 
.mu.m. The aspect ratio of tabular grains is at least 2, preferably from 3 
to 30, more preferably from 5 to 20. Accordingly, the average aspect ratio 
is preferably at least 2, more preferably from 3 to 30, most preferably 
from 5 to 20. 
With respect to the halogen composition, an appropriate chloride ion 
(Cl.sup.-) content is at least 20 mol %, preferably 30 to 100 mol %, more 
preferably 40 to 100 mol %, most preferably 50 to 100 mol %. 
The tabular silver halide grains with {100} major surfaces which are 
preferred in the invention preferably have dislocation lines. An 
appropriate tabular grain has two dislocation lines extending from the 
nucleus based on screw dislocation. The screw dislocation can be 
ascertained by observing a sample for the disappearance of dislocation 
lines under a transmission electron microscope (TEM) while tilting the 
sample. It is generally known that if a dislocation line disappears when 
the direction of Burgers vector of dislocation (actual glide direction) 
and the direction of dislocation are parallel, that is, in a parallel 
relationship, it is screw dislocation. A {100} tabular grain has undergone 
anisotropic growth in two directions from the nucleus upon nucleation, 
that is, the directions in which two dislocation lines extend. 
Of the emulsions used in the invention, the nucleation of an emulsion of 
grains presenting {111} faces as major surfaces is described, for example, 
in JP-B 8326/1989, 8325/1989, 8324/1989, JP-A 250943/1989, JP-B 
14328/1991, 81782/1992, 40298/1993, 39459/1993, 12696/1993, JP-A 
213836/1988, 218938/1988, 281149/1989, and 218959/1987. Tabular grains 
presenting {100} faces as major surfaces are described, for example, in 
JP-A 204073/1993, 88017/1976, 24238/1988, and Japanese Patent Application 
No. 264059/1993. 
Using emulsions of tabular silver halide grains having a high silver 
chloride content, there are obtained photosensitive elements which are 
improved in development, fixation, residual color and water washing 
despite a low swelling factor. 
For tabular grains having {100} major faces, any of the nucleation 
techniques described in the above-referred patents may be employed. 
Described below is the technique of effecting crystal growth by physical 
ripening in the presence of silver halide fine grains (wherein the fine 
grains are dissolved and substrate grains grow). 
In the fine-grain emulsion addition technique, an emulsion of AgX fine 
crystals having a diameter of up to 0.15 .mu.m, preferably up to 0.1 
.mu.m, more preferably 0.06 to 0.006 .mu.m is added whereby tabular grains 
grow by Ostwalt ripening. The fine-grain emulsion may be added 
continuously or successively. The fine-grain emulsion is continuously 
prepared by feeding a AgNO.sub.3 solution and a X.sup.- salt solution 
into a mixer disposed in proximity to the reactor and immediately after 
preparation, it is continuously fed into the reactor. Alternatively, the 
fine-grain emulsion preformed batchwise in a separate vessel is 
continuously or successively fed to the reactor. The fine-grain emulsion 
may be added in liquid or dry powder form. The dry powder may be mixed 
with water whereby it is added in liquid form. The fine grains are 
preferably added in such a manner that they will disappear within 20 
minutes, more preferably within 10 seconds to 10 minutes. A longer 
disappearance time is undesirable because fine grains can undergo ripening 
to increase their size. Therefore, it is recommended not to add the 
fine-grain emulsion all at once. Also preferably, the fine grains are 
substantially free of multiple twin grains. The multiple twin grain 
designates a grain having two or more twin faces. The term "substantially 
free" means that the proportion of multiple twin grains is up to 5%, 
preferably up to 1%, more preferably up to 0.1% by number. Further 
preferably, the fine grains are substantially free of singlet twin grains. 
Further preferably, the fine grains are substantially free of screw 
dislocation. The term "substantially free" is used in the same meaning as 
above. 
The fine grains have a halogen composition of AgCl, AgBr, AgBrI (the 
I.sup.- content is preferably up to 10 mol %, more preferably up to 5 mol 
%) and a mixture of two or more. In this regard, reference is made to 
Japanese Patent Application No. 214109/1992. 
The total amount of fine grains added should be at least 20% by weight, 
preferably at least 40% by weight, more preferably 50 to 98% by weight of 
the entire amount of silver halide. The Cl content of fine grains is 
preferably at least 10 mol %, more preferably 50 to 100 mol %. 
The dispersing medium used during nucleation, ripening and growth may be 
any of well-known dispersing media for AgX emulsion. It is preferred to 
use gelatin having a methionine content of 0 to 100 .mu.mol/g, more 
preferably 0 to 50 .mu.mol/g. When such gelatin is used during ripening 
and growth, thinner tabular grains having a narrow diameter size 
distribution are advantageously formed. Other preferred dispersing media 
are synthetic polymers as described in JP-B 16365/1977, Journal of 
Japanese Photographic Society, vol. 29 (1), 17, 22 (1966), ibid., vol. 30 
(1), 10, 19 (1967), ibid., vol. 30 (2), 17 (1967), and ibid., vol. 33 (3), 
24 (1967). 
After fine grains are added, growth is preferably effected at pH 2.0 or 
higher, preferably pH 3 to 10, more preferably pH 4 to 9. Also, growth is 
preferably effected at pCl 1.0 or higher, preferably 1.3 or higher, more 
preferably 1.5 to 3.0. It is noted that pCl is defined as 
pCl=-logCl.sup.- ! 
wherein Cl.sup.- ! is the activity of Cl ion in the solution. Reference 
should be made to T. H. James, The Theory of The Photographic Process, 4th 
Ed., Ch. 1. These growth conditions are preferred especially for tabular 
grains having {100} major faces. 
If the pH is lower than 2.0, in the case of tabular grains having {100} 
major faces, for example, the lateral growth may be restrained to lower 
the aspect ratio, and the emulsion tends to lower the covering power and 
sensitivity. Above pH 2.0, the lateral growth rate may become higher, and 
an emulsion having a high aspect ratio and covering power is obtained 
although the emulsion tends to have high fog and low sensitivity. 
If the pCl is lower than 1.0, the vertical growth may be promoted to lower 
the aspect ratio, and the emulsion tends to lower the covering power and 
sensitivity. If the pCl exceeds 1.6, the aspect ratio becomes higher and 
the covering power increases although the emulsion tends to have high fog 
and low sensitivity. If silver halide fine grains help substrate grains 
grow at this point, there result low fog, high sensitivity, high aspect 
ratio and high covering power even above pH 6 and/or pCl 1.6. 
With respect to the monodispersity of the emulsion according to the 
invention, the monodispersity is preferably less than 30%, more preferably 
5 to 25% when expressed by a coefficient of variation as defined by the 
method described in JP-A 745481/1984. Especially when the emulsion is used 
in high contrast photosensitive element, a coefficient of variation of 5 
to 15% is preferred. 
In the photosensitive element of the invention, a matte agent may be used. 
The matte agent is preferably selected from matte agent Nos. 1 to 8 
described in Example 1 of JP-A 194779/1994 and Compounds 1 to 9 described 
in JP-A 138572/1994, paragraph 0023!. The size and amount of the matte 
agent are described in JP-A 194779/1994, paragraph 0049!. A mixture of 
two or more matte agents having different particle sizes is also useful. 
With respect to the particle size distribution of the matte agent, either 
monodisperse particles having a coefficient of variation of particle size 
of 3 to 30% or polydisperse particles having a coefficient of variation of 
particle size of more than 30% may be used. 
Developer 
The developer used in the method of the invention contains an ascorbic acid 
compound as a developing agent. The term "ascorbic acid compound" is used 
herein as including ascorbic acid and derivatives thereof. The ascorbic 
acid compound is preferably of the following general formula (I). 
##STR29## 
In formula (I), R.sup.1 and R.sub.2 are independently hydroxyl groups; 
amino groups which may have a substituent, for example, alkyl having 1 to 
10 carbon atoms such as methyl, ethyl, n-butyl and hydroxyethyl or which 
may form a salt; acylamino groups such as acetylamino and benzoylamino; 
alkylsulfonylamino groups such as methanesulfonylamino; arylsulfonylamino 
groups such as benzenesulfonylamino and p-toluenesulfonylamino; 
alkoxycarbonylamino groups such as methoxycarbonylamino; mercapto groups; 
or alkylthio groups such as methylthio and ethylthio. Preferred groups 
represented by R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are hydroxyl, amino, 
alkylsulfonylamino, and arylsulfonylamino groups. 
P and Q are independently hydroxyl groups, carboxyl groups, substituted or 
unsubstituted alkoxy groups, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl groups, 
sulfo groups, substituted or unsubstituted amino groups, or substituted or 
unsubstituted aryl groups. Alternatively, P and Q are groups of atoms 
which, taken together, form a 5- to 8-membered ring with the two vinyl 
carbon atoms having R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 substituents and the carbon atom 
having Y substituent. Exemplary ring structures are constructed by 
combining --O--, --C(R.sub.9) (R.sub.10)--, --C(R.sub.11).dbd., 
--C(.dbd.O)--, --N(R.sub.12)--, and --N.dbd.. Each of R.sub.9, R.sub.10, 
R.sub.11, and R.sub.12 is a hydrogen atom, substituted or unsubstituted 
alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms (exemplary substituents being 
hydroxy, carboxy, and sulfo groups), hydroxyl group, or carboxyl group. 
R.sub.9 to R.sub.12 may constitute a saturated or unsaturated ring fused 
to the 5 or 8-membered ring. 
Examples of the 5 or 8-membered ring include dihydrofuranone ring, 
dihydropyrone ring, pyranone ring, cyclopentenone ring, cyclohexenone 
ring, pyrolynone ring, pyrazolinone ring, pyridone ring, azacyclohexenone 
ring, and uracil ring, with the dihydrofuranone, cyclopentenone, 
cyclohexenone, pyrazolinone, azacyclohexenone, and uracil rings being 
preferred. 
Y is .dbd.O or .dbd.N.dbd.R.sub.3 wherein R.sub.3 is selected from hydrogen 
atoms, hydroxyl groups, alkyl groups such as methyl and ethyl, acyl groups 
such as acetyl, hydroxyalkyl groups such as hydroxymethyl and 
hydroxyethyl, sulfoalkyl groups such as sulfomethyl and sulfoethyl, and 
carboxyalkyl groups such as carboxymethyl and carboxyethyl. 
Several illustrative examples of the ascorbic acid compound of formula (I) 
are given below although the invention is not limited thereto. 
##STR30## 
Among the ascorbic acid compounds used in the developer according to the 
invention, preferred are ascorbic acid, erythorbic acid which is a 
diastereomer of ascorbic acid, and alkali metal salts thereof such as 
lithium, sodium and potassium salts. 
The ascorbic acid compounds are preferably used in the developer as a 
developing agent in amounts of 0.01 to 0.8 mol/liter, more preferably 0.1 
to 0.4 mol/liter. 
Along with the developing agent of formula (I), an auxiliary developing 
agent having superadditivity is preferably used in the developer. The 
auxiliary developing agents having superadditivity include 
1-phenyl-3-pyrazolidone and p-aminophenol derivatives. 
Non-limiting examples of the 1-phenyl-3-pyrazolidone auxiliary developing 
agent used herein include 1-phenyl-3-pyrazolidone, 
1-phenyl-4,4-dimethyl-3-pyrazolidone, 
1-phenyl-4-methyl-4-hydroxymethyl-3-pyrazolidone, 
1-phenyl-4,4-dihydroxymethyl-3-pyrazolidone, 
1-phenyl-5-methyl-3-pyrazolidone, 
1-p-aminophenyl-4,4-dimethyl-3-pyrazolidone, 
1-p-tolyl-4,4-dimethyl-3-pyrazolidone, and 
1-p-tolyl-4-methyl-4-hydroxymethyl-3-pyrazolidone, with the 
1-phenyl-4-methyl-4-hydroxymethyl-3-pyrazolidone being preferred. 
Examples of the p-aminophenol auxiliary developing agent used herein 
include N-methyl-p-aminophenol, N-(.beta.-hydroxyethyl)-p-aminophenol, 
N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)glycine, 2-methyl-p-aminophenol, and 
p-benzylaminophenol, with the N-methyl-p-aminophenol being preferred. 
When the developing agent of formula (I) is used in combination with a 
1-phenyl-3-pyrazolidone or p-aminophenol auxiliary developing agent, it is 
preferred to use the former in an amount of 0.01 to 0.5 mol/liter and the 
latter in an amount of 0.001 to 0.1 mol/liter. It is more preferred to use 
the latter in an amount of 0.005 to 0.05 mol/liter. 
The developer used herein is substantially free of polyhydroxybenzene 
compounds as typified by dihydroxybenzene or hydroquinone. The term 
"substantially free" means that the content of polyhydroxybenzene compound 
is 0.0001 mmol/liter or less, most preferably the content is zero. 
For accelerating development, the developer used herein may further contain 
amino compounds, for example, those disclosed in JP-A 106244/1981, 
267759/1986 and 208652/1990. 
The developer is preferably at pH 8.0 to 13.0, more preferably pH 8.3 to 
12, most preferably pH 8.5 to 10.5. 
An alkaline agent is used in the developer for pH adjustment. The alkaline 
agents are usually water-soluble inorganic alkali metal salts such as 
sodium hydroxide and sodium carbonate. In the developer of the invention, 
there may be added pH buffers such as disodium phosphate, dipotassium 
phosphate, monosodium phosphate, and monopotassium phosphate as well as pH 
buffers as disclosed in JP-A 93433/1985. The amount of the alkaline agent 
or pH buffer used for pH adjustment is preferably at least 0.3 mol/liter, 
more preferably 0.4 to 1 mol/liter. 
Boron compounds such as boric acid and sodium metaborate are often used in 
conventional developers as a pH buffer. They are not preferred in the 
developer of the invention containing an ascorbic acid compound as the 
developing agent because they can react with the ascorbic acid compound to 
deactivate it. 
An anti-silver-sludging agent may be contained in the developer of the 
invention. Use may be made of the compounds described in JP-B 4702/1987, 
4703/1987, JP-A 200249/1989, 303179/1993, and 53257/1993. 
In addition to the amino compound, alkaline agent and anti-sludging agent 
described above, the developer used herein may further contain development 
retarders such as potassium bromide and potassium iodide, organic solvents 
such as dimethylformamide, methyl cellosolve, ethylene glycol, ethanol and 
methanol, and antifoggants such as 5-methylbenztriazole, 
5-chlorobenztriazole, 5-bromobenztriazole, 5-butylbenztriazole, and 
benztriazole. 
Sulfites may be used in the developer as a preservative. Examples of the 
sulfite preservative include sodium sulfite, potassium sulfite, lithium 
sulfite, ammonium sulfite, sodium bisulfite, and potassium metabisulfite. 
The sulfite is preferably used in an amount of about 0.01 to 2.5 
mol/liter, more preferably about 0.02 to 2 mol/liter. 
Since the photosensitive element has a high content of polymer latex for 
providing a high hardening feature, an emulsion of silver chloride-rich 
tabular grains is preferably used to ensure high sensitivity upon 
development and effective desilvering upon fixation. When such an emulsion 
is used, more silver ions are dissolved out in the low replenishment 
process which is favored by the invention. It is then desired to design 
the developer so as to reduce the amount of sulfite ion which has a 
dissolving power to the silver halide. This, in turn, retards the 
decolorization in the developer of the dye for crossover light cutting so 
that the developer may be colored. If the colored developer is excessively 
carried over to the fixer, it causes coloring and dye deposition rather 
than decolorization. It is thus desired to minimize the drag-out. The 
invention is based on this conception. 
Also useful are those compounds described in L. F. A. Mason, "Photographic 
Processing Chemistry," Focal Press (1966), pp. 226-229, U.S. Pat. Nos. 
2,193,015 and 2,592,364, and JP-A 64933/1973. 
If desired, toners, surfactants, water softeners, hardening agents and 
other addenda are contained in the developer. 
Chelating agents which can be contained in the developer include 
ethylenediamine diorthohydroxyphenylacetic acid, diaminopropane 
tetraacetic acid, nitrilotriacetic acid, hydroxyethyl ethylenediamine 
triacetic acid, dihydroxyethyl glycine, ethylenediamine diacetic acid, 
ethylenediamine dipropionic acid, iminodiacetic acid, diethylenetriamine 
pentaacetic acid, hydroxyethyliminodiacetic acid, 1,3-diaminopropanol 
tetraacetic acid, triethylenetetramine hexaacetic acid, 
transcyclohexanediamine tetraacetic acid, ethylenediamine tetraacetic 
acid, glycol ether diamine tetraacetic acid, 
ethylenediaminetetrakismethylenephosphonic acid, 
diethylenetriaminepentamethylenephosphonic acid, 
nitrilotrimethylenephosphonic acid, 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic 
acid, 1,1-diphosphonoethane-2-carboxylic acid, 
2-phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid, 
1-hydroxy-1-phosphonopropane-1,3,3-tricarboxylic acid, 
catechol-3,4-disulfonic acid, sodium pyrophosphate, sodium 
tetrapolyphosphate, and sodium hexametaphosphate. Especially preferred are 
diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid, triethylenetetramine hexaacetic acid, 
1,3-diaminopropanol tetraacetic acid, glycol ether diamine tetraacetic 
acid, hydroxyethyl ethylenediamine triacetic acid, 
2-phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid, 
1,1-diphosphonoethane-2-carboxylic acid, nitrilotrimethylenephosphonic 
acid, ethylenediaminetetrakismethylenephosphonic acid, 
diethylenetriaminepentaphosphonic acid, 
1-hydroxypropylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid, 
1-aminoethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid, and 
1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid and salts thereof. 
Of all the cations contained in the developer according to the invention, 
it is preferred that a potassium ion accounts for 10 to 90 mol % and a 
sodium ion accounts for 10 to 90 mol %. More preferably, a potassium ion 
accounts for 20 to 50 mol % and a sodium ion accounts for 50 to 80 mol %. 
The developer of the invention can take the form of a concentrate for the 
purpose of reducing the cost of transportation and the space for storage. 
The concentrate should preferably have a concentration factor of 3 or 
less, more preferably 2 or less, for the purpose of preventing developer 
components from precipitating at low temperatures. For storage, components 
having different solubilities may be divided into several parts which are 
to be mixed and diluted on use. Most preferably, the developer of the 
invention is in the form of a one-part twice concentrated liquid. 
With respect to the replenishment of the developer according to the 
invention, a dilute developer is preferably replenished in an amount of 
200 to 25 ml, more preferably 180 to 30 ml, further preferably 150 to 60 
ml per square meter of the photosensitive element. 
In the development step according to the invention, the preferred 
developing conditions include a temperature of 20.degree. C. to 50.degree. 
C. and a time of 5 to 60 seconds, more preferably 25 to 40.degree. C. and 
5 to 45 seconds, most preferably 32 to 38.degree. C. and 6 to 15 seconds. 
Fixer 
Next, the fixer used in the practice of the invention is described. 
The fixer used herein is preferably an aqueous solution containing a 
thiosulfate as a fixing agent. Exemplary thiosulfates are sodium 
thiosulfate (hypo) and ammonium thiosulfate. The thiosulfate may be used 
in any suitable amount although it is generally used in amounts of about 
0.1 to 2.0 mol/liter, preferably 0.3 to 1.8 mol/liter. 
If desired, the fixer contains preservatives (e.g., sulfites and 
bisulfites), pH buffers (e.g., acetic acid and boric acid), pH adjusting 
agents (e.g., ammonia and sulfuric acid), chelating agents, surfactants 
(e.g., anionic surfactants such as sulfonates, polyethylene surfactants, 
and ampholytic surfactants as described in JP-A 6804/1982), humectants 
(e.g., alkanolamines and alkylene glycols), fixation promoters (e.g., 
thiourea derivatives as described in JP-B 35754/1970, 122535/1983, and 
122536/1983, alcohols having a triple bond in a molecule, thioether 
compounds as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,126,459, and mesoionic compounds 
as described in JP-A 143755/1992, 143756/1992, 143757/1992 and 
170539/1992). 
In the fixer according to the invention, however, tartaric acid, citric 
acid, gluconic acid, succinic acid and derivatives thereof, alone or in 
admixture of two or more, are preferred as the pH buffer to the 
above-described acetic acid and boric acid. If acetic acid is used instead 
as the pH buffer agent, it will give rise to a problem of odor and cause 
substantial rusting of metallic parts. The amount of acetic acid must be 
increased in order to achieve equivalent results to succinic acid, which 
gives conditions under which metallic parts are more likely to rust. 
In the preferred embodiment described above, the fixer contains at least 
0.15 mol/liter, especially 0.15 to 0.50 mol/liter of succinic acid. This 
fixer ensures that the photosensitive element is effectively dried, 
eliminates odor, and causes no rusting of metallic parts in the processor. 
The fixer is at pH 3 or higher, preferably pH 4.5 to 6.3 and more 
preferably pH 5.0 to 6.3. 
In the fixation step according to the invention, the preferred fixing 
conditions include a temperature of 20.degree. C. to 50.degree. C. and a 
time of 3 seconds to 1 minute, more preferably 25 to 40.degree. C. and 5 
to 40 seconds. 
Preferably the fixer according to the invention is substantially free of an 
aluminum ion. The term "substantially free" means that the content of 
aluminum ion is 1 mmol/liter or less 
The fixer of the invention can take the form of a concentrate for the 
purpose of reducing the cost of transportation and the space for storage. 
The concentrate should preferably have a concentration factor of 5 or 
less, more preferably 3 or less, for the purpose of preventing fixer 
components from precipitating at low temperatures. For storage, components 
having different solubilities may be divided into several parts which are 
to be mixed and diluted on use. Most preferably, the fixer of the 
invention is in the form of a one-part twice concentrated liquid. 
With respect to the replenishment of the fixer of the invention, a dilute 
fixer is preferably replenished in an amount of up to 250 ml, more 
preferably 200 to 10 ml, further preferably 180 to 20 ml, most preferably 
150 to 25 ml per square meter of the photosensitive element. 
The replenishing amount of the fixer is restricted to the above-defined 
range for the following reason. If the replenishing amount is too small, 
not only the silver halide in the photosensitive element is dissolved out 
into the fixer to gradually increase its concentration, but also 
sensitizing dyes and other components in the photosensitive element 
accumulate in the fixer to an excessive level, becoming a cause of 
staining. If the replenishment amount of the fixer is too large, the 
amount of spent fixer having a high chemical oxygen demand (COD) and high 
biological oxygen demand (BOD) increases, which is ecologically 
undesirable and requires an increased cost for the disposal of spent 
solution. 
Not only succinic acid, but also salts of succinic acid are effective in 
the practice of the invention. Preferred salts are alkali metal salts such 
as lithium, sodium and potassium salts and ammonium salt. 
The fixer used herein is preferably an aqueous solution containing a 
thiosulfate as a fixing agent, at pH 4.2 or higher, preferably pH 4.8 to 
6.2. Exemplary thiosulfates are sodium thiosulfate (hypo) and ammonium 
thiosulfate. The thiosulfate may be used in any suitable amount although 
it is generally used in amounts of about 0.3 to 1.5 mol/liter. 
In the fixer, sulfites inclusive of bisulfites are contained as the 
preservative in an amount of 0.01 to 0.30 mol/liter. Examples of the 
sulfite include sodium sulfite, potassium sulfite, lithium sulfite, 
ammonium sulfite, sodium bisulfite, and potassium metabisulfite. 
In the fixer, there may be contained water-soluble aluminum salts serving 
as the film hardener, for example, aluminum chloride, aluminum sulfate, 
and potassium alum. When used, the water-soluble aluminum salt is usually 
added in an amount of 0.01 to 0.15 mol/liter. 
In the fixer, tartaric acid, citric acid, gluconic acid and derivatives 
thereof may be used alone or in admixture of two or more. These compounds 
are preferably contained in the fixer in an amount of at least 0.005 
mol/liter, more preferably 0.01 to 0.03 mol/liter. These compounds do not 
have the function to take the place of succinic acid because they serve to 
stabilize aluminum and it is impossible to add a large amount of these 
compounds as previously described. 
The fixer used in the processing of the photosensitive element according to 
the invention should preferably be substantially free of acetic acid or 
salts thereof. Differently stated, the content of acetic acid in the fixer 
should preferably be less than 0.10 mol/liter, more preferably 0 to 0.05 
mol/liter. 
In the fixer, boric acid may be used as the pH buffer, and sodium hydroxide 
and sulfuric acid may be used as the pH regulator. Also, chelating agents 
having an ability to soften hard water and the compounds described in JP-A 
78551/1987 may be contained. 
It is understood that the contents and replenishment amounts described 
above are based on a ready-to-use solution. 
In one embodiment of the invention wherein the developer and the fixer are 
a developer concentrate and a fixer concentrate, respectively, the 
concentrates are diluted for use as a replenisher or tank solution. One 
dilution mode is by previously diluting developer and fixer concentrates 
and charging developing and fixing tanks with a dilute developer and a 
dilute fixer, respectively. In a more preferred mode (known as direct 
mixing dilution mode), a developer concentrate and a fixer concentrate are 
diluted with water in respective tanks to form ready-to-use solutions 
which are supplied as the replenisher. 
Where the automatic processor includes cartridges containing a developer 
stock and a fixer stock and chemical mixers, they are preferably designed 
such that the cartridges may be emptied of the developer and fixer stocks 
at the same time. 
According to the processing method of the invention, the photosensitive 
element which has been developed and fixed is treated with washing water 
or stabilizing solution and then dried. 
Washing water is preferably passed through a filter member or filter layer 
of activated carbon for removing foreign matter and organic matter before 
it is supplied into the washing tank. 
Where washing is performed with a small amount of water, it is preferred to 
provide the processor with a squeeze roller washing tank as described in 
JP-A 18350/1988. A water washing arrangement as described in JP-A 
143548/1988 is also preferred. When water is replenished to a washing or 
stabilizing bath through antibacterial means, a part or the entirety of 
water overflowing from the washing or stabilizing bath can be utilized in 
a preceding step to form a part of a processing solution having a fixing 
function as described in JP-A 235133/1985. Known means for reducing the 
replenishment amount of washing water is a multi-stage counterflow system 
(typically two or three stages). The multi-stage counterflow system 
ensures more efficient water washing because the photosensitive element 
after fixation is gradually processed in a cleaner direction. For such 
water saving or pipeless treatment, anti-bacterial means is preferably 
applied to washing water or stabilizer solution. 
The known anti-bacterial means includes irradiation of ultraviolet 
radiation as disclosed in JP-A 263939/1985; application of a magnetic 
field as disclosed in JP-A 263940/1985; the use of ion-exchange resins to 
purify water as disclosed in JP-A 131632/1986; blowing of ozone and 
circulation through a filter and adsorbent column as described in JP-A 
151143/1992; bacterial decomposition as described in JP-A 240636/1992; and 
anti-bacterial agents as disclosed in JP-A 115154/1987, 153952/1987, 
220951/1987 and 209532/1987. Also useful are anti-fungal agents, 
anti-bacterial agents and surfactants as described in M. W. Beach, 
"Microbiological Growths in Motion-Picture Processing", SMPTE Journal, 
Vol. 85 (1976); R. O. Deegan, "Photo Processing Wash Water Biocides", J. 
Imaging Tech., 10, No. 6 (1984); and JP-A 8542/1982, 58143/1982, 
97530/1982, 132146/1982, 257244/1982, 18631/1983, and 105145/1983. 
In the washing or stabilizing bath, there may be optionally added as a 
microbiocide the isothiazolines described in R. T. Kreiman, J. Image 
Tech., 10 (6), 242 (1984), bromochlorodimethylhydantoin, the 
isothiazolines described in Research Disclosure, Vol. 205, No. 20526 (May 
1981) and Vol. 228, No. 22845 (April 1983), and the compounds described in 
JP-A 209532/1987. Other useful compounds are described in HORIGUCHI 
Hiroshi, "Bokin Bobai no Kagaku (Antibacterial and Antifungal Chemistry)", 
Sankyo Publishing K.K., 1982, and Nippon Bokin Bobai Society, "Bokin Bobai 
Gijutu Handbook (Antibacterial & Antifungal Engineering Handbook)", 
Hakuhodo K. K., 1986. 
In the processor used herein, the washing tank is preferably provided at an 
outlet port with an electromagnetic valve as anti-slime means. 
Washing in the water or stabilizer bath is preferably carried out at a 
temperature of 15 to 40.degree. C. for about 0 to 1 minute. The preferred 
replenishment amount of washing water is 65 to 3000 ml/m.sup.2 of the 
photosensitive element. 
After development, fixation, and water washing (or stabilization), the 
photosensitive element is passed between squeeze rollers for squeezing off 
washing water and then dried. Drying is done at a temperature of about 40 
to 100.degree. C. The drying time is variable depending on various 
conditions although a time of about 5 seconds to about 3 minutes is 
commonly used. Drying is preferably done at 40 to 80.degree. C. for about 
5 seconds to about 2 minutes. Heat rollers are preferably used for drying. 
In the photosensitive element processing system according to the invention, 
the dry-to-dry processing time is preferably about 10 to 210 seconds, more 
preferably about 15 to 80 seconds, and most preferably about 20 to 65 
seconds. The "dry-to-dry processing time" is an overall processing time 
passed from the entry of the photosensitive element into the developing 
tank to the end of drying. 
The automatic processor used herein may be of the roller conveyor or belt 
conveyor system. An automatic processor of the roller conveyor type is 
preferred. An automatic processor including a developing tank having a 
reduced aperture (which is an area of the surface of the developing 
solution in contact with air in the developing tank per tank volume) of up 
to 0.04 cm.sup.-1, more preferably up to 0.03 cm.sup.-1, most preferably 
up to 0.025 cm.sup.-1 as disclosed in JP-A 193853/1989 is especially 
preferred because air oxidation and evaporation are minimized, and the 
replenishment amount is reduced. 
In order that the photosensitive element processing system according to the 
invention accomplish processing within a dry-to-dry processing time of 200 
seconds, various modifications are made to the process for avoiding 
development variations inherent to the rapid processing. Exemplary 
modifications include the use of rubbery material rollers in the 
developing tank as outlet rollers to prevent uneven development inherent 
to rapid processing as described in JP-A 151944/1988; a developer jet flow 
in the developing tank at a flow speed of at least 10 m/min. for agitating 
the developer therein as described in JP-A 151943/1988; and more rigorous 
agitation during development than in standby periods as described in JP-A 
264758/1988. Further for the rapid processing, the fixing tank is provided 
with an arrangement of opposed rollers for increasing the fixation rate. 
The opposed roller arrangement is effective for reducing the number of 
rollers and the size of the fixing tank, that is, making the processor 
more compact. 
Preferably the processor is removably loaded with flexible containers which 
are filled with the replenishers. The containers are preferably formed of 
flexible materials, typically in film form, having an oxygen permeability 
of up to 50 ml/m.sup.2 .multidot.atm.multidot.day (temperature 20.degree. 
C. and relative humidity 60%). The containers may have a gage of 1 mm or 
more although they preferably have a gage of up to 500 .mu.m, more 
preferably up to 250 .mu.m, most preferably 70 to 150 .mu.m. The flexible 
material used herein is defined as follows. A film strip of 20 cm long and 
2 cm wide is rested on a horizontal desk. The film strip is longitudinally 
moved so that it projects 10 cm from one end of the horizontal desk and 
its free end sags. When the sagging free end of the film strip is apart 
from the horizontal plane of the desk by a vertical distance of at least 2 
cm, preferably at least 3 cm, more preferably at least 5 cm, this film is 
regarded flexible. 
Examples of the flexible, easy-to-handle material having an oxygen 
permeability of up to 50 ml/m.sup.2 .multidot.atm.multidot.day 
(temperature 20.degree. C. and relative humidity 60%) include cellophane, 
polyethylene, polyesters, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, 
polypropylene, nylon, aluminum foil-laminated films, metallized films 
(typically aluminized films), and silica-evaporated films. Among these, 
plastic materials containing at least one of saponified ethylenevinyl 
acetate copolymers and nylon and having an oxygen permeability of up to 50 
ml/m.sup.2 .multidot.atm.multidot.day, especially up to 25 ml/m.sup.2 
.multidot.atm.multidot.day (temperature 20.degree. C. and relative 
humidity 60%) are preferable because they are readily formed into 
containers having a sufficient strength. 
When the developer and the fixer are stored in containers of such plastic 
material, they maintain their photographic properties stable during 
long-term storage. 
The measurement of oxygen permeability is carried out by the method 
described in N. J. Calvano et al., "O.sub.2 permeation of plastic 
container," Modern Packing, December 1986, pages 143-145. 
Replenisher containers may be formed solely of a plastic material 
containing at least one of saponified ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers 
(commercially available as EVAL.RTM.) and nylon and having an oxygen 
permeability of up to 50 ml/m.sup.2 .multidot.atm.multidot.day 
(temperature 20.degree. C. and relative humidity 60%). Alternatively, two 
or more films of different plastic materials are laminated to a support to 
form a composite film, of which replenisher containers are formed. 
These plastic packaging materials may be configured into containers of any 
desired shape including containers of cubic type and containers of overlap 
pillow type. Containers of the pillow type are preferable because they can 
be collapsed to a substantially zero volume after they are emptied of the 
replenisher contents. 
Various methods and addenda which can be used in the photographic 
photosensitive elements according to the invention are shown below by 
referring to the teaching patent references. 
1) Silver halide emulsion and its preparation 
JP-A 68539/1990, page 8, lower-right column, line 15 to page 10, 
upper-right column, line 12; JP-A 24537/1991, page 2, lower-right column, 
line 10 to page 6, upper-right column, line 1 and page 10, upper-left 
column, line 16 to page 11, lower-left column, line 19; and JP-A 
107442/1992 
2) Chemical sensitizing method 
JP-A 68539/1990, page 10, upper-right column, line 13 to upper-left column, 
line 16 and JP-A 313282/1993 
3) Antifoggant & stabilizer 
JP-A 68539/1990, page 10, lower-left column, line 17 to page 11, upper-left 
column, line 7 and page 3, lower-left column, line 2 to page 4, lower-left 
column 
4) Tone modifier 
JP-A 276539/1987, page 2, lower-left column, line 7 to page 10, lower-left 
column, line 20 and JP-A 94249/1991, page 6, lower-left column, line 15 to 
page 11, upper-right column, line 19 
5) Spectral sensitizing dye 
JP-A 68539/1990, page 4, lower-right column, line 4 to page 8, lower-right 
column 
6) Surfactant & antistatic agent 
JP-A 68539/1990, page 11, upper-left column, line 14 to page 12, upper-left 
column, line 9 
7) Matting agent, lubricating agent & plasticizer 
JP-A 68539/1990, page 12, upper-left column, line 10 to upper-right column, 
line 10 and page 14, lower-left column, line 10 to lower-right column, 
line 1 
8) Hydrophilic colloid 
JP-A 68539/1990, page 12, upper-right column, line 11 to lower-left column, 
line 16 
9) Hardener 
JP-A 68539/1990, page 12, lower-left column, line 17 to page 13, 
upper-right column, line 6 
10) Support 
JP-A 68539/1990, page 13, upper-right column, line 7-20 
11) Crossover cutting 
JP-A 264944/1990, page 4, upper-right column, line 20 to page 14, 
upper-right column 
12) Dye & mordant 
JP-A 68539/1990, page 13, lower-left column, line 1 to page 14, lower-left 
column, line 9; and JP-A 24537/1991, page 14, lower-left column to page 
16, lower-right column 
13) Polyhydroxybenzene 
JP-A 39948/1991, page 11, upper-left column to page 12, lower-left column 
and EP 452772 A 
14) Layer arrangement 
JP-A 198041/1991 
15) Processing 
JP-A 103037/1990, page 16, upper-right column, line 7 to page 19, 
lower-left column, line 15; and JP-A 115837/1990, page 3, lower-right 
column, line 5 to page 6, upper-right column, line 10 
The present invention is applicable to a variety of photosensitive elements 
including black-and-white photographic silver halide photosensitive 
elements such as graphic printing photosensitive elements, microfilm 
photosensitive elements, medical radiographic photosensitive elements, 
industrial radiographic photosensitive elements, general-purpose negative 
photosensitive elements, and general-purpose reversal photosensitive 
elements; general-purpose color negative photosensitive elements, 
general-purpose color reversal photosensitive elements, and color paper 
photosensitive elements. Most preferably, the invention is applied to 
medical radiographic photosensitive elements and imaging systems using the 
same.

EXAMPLE 
Examples of the invention are given below by way of illustration and not by 
way of limitation. Note that tabular grains having {100} major faces are 
simply referred to {100} tabular grains. Mw is a weight average molecular 
weight. 
Example 1 
Emulsion A: high silver chloride {100} tabular grains 
A reactor was charged with 1,582 ml of an aqueous gelatin solution 
(containing 19.5 g of gelatin-1 (deionized, alkali-treated bone gelatin 
having a methionine content of about 40 .mu.mol/g) and 7.8 ml of a 1N 
HNO.sub.3 solution, pH 4.3) and 13 ml of a NaCl-1 solution (containing 10 
g of NaCl in 100 ml of water). With the temperature kept at 40.degree. C., 
15.6 ml of an Ag-1 solution (containing 20 g of AgNO.sub.3 in 100 ml of 
water) and 15.6 ml of a X-1 solution (containing 7.05 g of NaCl in 100 ml 
of water) were concurrently added to the reactor at a rate of 62.4 ml/min 
and mixed therein. After 3 minutes of agitation, 28.2 ml of an Ag-2 
solution (containing 2 g of AgNO.sub.3 in 100 ml of water) and 28.2 ml of 
a X-2 solution (containing 1.4 g of KBr in 100 ml of water) were 
concurrently added to the reactor at a rate of 80.6 ml/min and mixed 
therein. After 3 minutes of agitation, 46.8 ml of the Ag-1 solution and 
46.8 ml of the X-1 solution were concurrently added to the reactor at a 
rate of 62.4 ml/min and mixed therein. After 2 minutes of agitation, 203 
ml of an aqueous gelatin solution (containing 13 g of gelatin-1, 1.3 g of 
NaCl, and an amount of 1N NaOH solution to adjust to pH 6.5) was added to 
the solution to give pCl 1.75. Thereafter, the temperature was raised to 
63.degree. C., a hydrogen peroxide solution was added in an amount of 
6.times.10.sup.-4 mol/g of the gelatin to adjust to pCl 1.70, and the 
solution was ripened for 3 minutes. Thereafter, a AgCl fine grain emulsion 
(E-1) (mean particle diameter 0.1 .mu.m) was added over 20 minutes at a 
rate of 2.68.times.10.sup.-2 mol/min of AgCl. After the completion of 
addition, the solution was ripened for 40 minutes. Flocculant-1 (shown 
below) was added to the solution, which was cooled to a temperature of 
35.degree. C. to cause grains to sediment. After water washing, an aqueous 
alkali-treated gelatin solution was added to the grains and the emulsion 
was adjusted to pH 6.0 at 60.degree. C. A TEM image of a replica of the 
grains was observed. The resultant emulsion was found to be an emulsion of 
silver chlorobromide {100} tabular grains containing 0.44 mol % based on 
silver of AgBr. 
##STR31## 
The configurational characteristics of the grains were: 
(the total projected area of {100} tabular grains having an aspect ratio of 
from 2 to 30)/(the sum of projected areas of entire silver halide 
grains).times.100=a1=95%, 
an average aspect ratio (average diameter/average thickness) of {100} 
tabular grains having an aspect ratio of from 2 to 30=a2=15.5, 
an average projected area diameter of {100} tabular grains having an aspect 
ratio of from 2 to 30=a3=1.40 .mu.m, 
an average adjacent major face edge ratio of {100} tabular grains having an 
aspect ratio of from 2 to 30=a4=0.90, 
an average thickness of {100} tabular grains having an aspect ratio of from 
2 to 30=a5=0.09 .mu.m, 
a coefficient of variation of thickness distribution (thickness standard 
deviation/average thickness) of {100} tabular grains having an aspect 
ratio of from 2 to 30=a6=0.11, 
(the sum of projected areas of those {100} tabular grains having an aspect 
ratio of from 2 to 30 in which two dislocation lines extending from grain 
corners are observable under TEM)/(the sum of projected areas of {100} 
tabular grains having an aspect ratio of from 2 to 30).times.100=a7=87%, 
and an average of angles between two dislocation lines=a8=56.degree.. 
When a direct TEM image of the tabular grains was taken, dislocation lines 
were observable for those grains accounting for 57% of the projected area 
even in the emulsion after coating. 
When a sample was observed at an observation temperature of -120.degree. C. 
under a transmission electron microscope 4000EX (by Nippon Electron K.K.) 
while tilting the sample, the disappearance of dislocation lines was 
found, confirming that these dislocation lines accorded with screw 
dislocation. 
Emulsion B: {111} AgBr Tabular Grains 
A reactor was charged with a solution of 6.0 g of potassium bromide and 7.0 
g of a low molecular weight gelatin having Mw 15,000 in 1 liter of water 
and maintained at 55.degree. C. With stirring, 37 ml of an aqueous silver 
nitrate solution containing 4.00 g of silver nitrate and 38 ml of an 
aqueous solution containing 5.9 g of potassium bromide were added over 37 
seconds by the double jet method. After 18.6 g of gelatin was added, the 
temperature was raised to 70.degree. C. and 89 ml of an aqueous silver 
nitrate solution containing 9.80 g of silver nitrate was added over 22 
minutes. With 7 ml of 25% aqueous ammonia added, the solution was 
physically ripened for 10 minutes with the temperature unchanged, and then 
6.5 ml of a 100% aqueous acetic acid solution was added. Subsequently, 435 
ml of an aqueous solution containing 153 g of silver nitrate and 677 ml of 
an aqueous solution containing 573 g of potassium bromide were added over 
35 minutes by the controlled double jet method while maintaining at pAg 
8.5, until the silver nitrate solution was entirely added. Then 15 ml of a 
2N potassium thiocyanate solution was added. The solution was physically 
ripened for 5 minutes with the temperature unchanged and then cooled to 
35.degree. C. There was obtained a monodisperse emulsion of pure silver 
bromide {111} tabular grains having a1=95%, a2=12.0, a3=1.20 .mu.m, 
a5=0.10 .mu.m, and a coefficient of variation of the projected area 
diameter of 15.5%. 
Thereafter, the soluble salts were removed by flocculation. After the 
temperature was raised again to 40.degree. C., 30 g of deionized, 
alkali-treated gelatin, 2.35 g of phenoxyethanol, and 0.8 g of sodium 
polystyrenesulfonate as a thickener were added to the emulsion, which was 
adjusted to pH 5.90 and pAg 8.00 with solutions of sodium hydroxide and 
silver nitrate. 
Emulsion C: high Br Content {100} Tabular Grains 
A reactor was charged with an aqueous gelatin solution (containing 25 g of 
gelatin and 0.11 g of NaCl in 1.2 liters of H.sub.2 O, adjusted to pH 3.9 
with a HNO.sub.3 solution) and kept at 40.degree. C. With stirring, 8.0 ml 
of a Ag-1 solution (containing 10 g/liter of AgNO.sub.3) was added within 
2 seconds. After 5 minutes, a X-1 solution (containing 140 g/liter of KBr) 
and a Ag-2 solution (containing 200 g/liter of AgNO.sub.3) were 
substantially concurrently added over 1 minute at a rate of 50 ml/min and 
mixed. The start of addition of the X-1 solution preceded 1 second the 
start of addition of the Ag-2 solution. After 1 minute from the completion 
of addition, a NaOH solution was added to adjust to pH 5.5. Further, an 
aqueous solution of polyvinyl alcohol (containing 5 g of a polyvinyl 
alcohol derived from polyvinyl acetate with an average degree of 
polymerization of 500 and having an average saponification to alcohol of 
98% in 50 ml of H.sub.2 O) and an aqueous solution of a polyvinyl 
imidazole copolymer (containing 10 g of a polyvinyl imidazole copolymer 
represented by the formula shown below wherein x:y:z:w=60:7:13:30 and 
having Mw=1.5.times.10.sup.5 in 100 ml of H.sub.2 O) were added to the 
solution, which was adjusted to a silver potential of 50 mV and then 
heated to a temperature of 75.degree. C. After heating, the silver 
potential was re-adjusted to 50 mV. After 30 minutes of ripening, a Ag-3 
solution (containing 100 g/liter of AgNO.sub.3) and a X-2 solution 
(containing 71 g/liter of KBr) were added while keeping a silver potential 
of 50 mV. The Ag-3 solution was added over 30 minutes at an initial flow 
rate of 5 ml/min and a linear flow rate acceleration of 0.05 ml/min. After 
3 minutes, a flocculant was added to the emulsion, which was cooled to a 
temperature of 30.degree. C. and adjusted to pH 4.0, causing coagulation. 
After the coagulated emulsion was washed with water, it was heated to 
38.degree. C., a gelatin solution was added, and the emulsion was 
dispersed again. A TEM image of a replica of the resulting emulsion grains 
was taken and its observation revealed the following. Those grains having 
{100} faces as major faces accounted for 92% of the total of projected 
areas of all AgX grains, the projected outline shape was a rectangular 
parallelepiped shape in which one or two of the four corners were chipped, 
with an average corner chipping being about 10% of the edge length. The 
edge face having chipped corners was a {110} face. The grains had an 
average diameter of 1.4 .mu.m, an average aspect ratio of 10.0, and a 
coefficient of variation of diameter distribution (standard 
deviation/average diameter) of 0.21. 
##STR32## 
Chemical Sensitization 
While keeping at 56.degree. C. with stirring, each of the above-prepared 
emulsions was subject to chemical sensitization. First, Thiosulfonic acid 
compound-1 (shown below) was added in an amount of 1.times.10.sup.-4 mol 
per mol of silver halide. Then AgBr fine grains having a mean grain 
diameter of 0.10 .mu.m were added in an amount of 1.0 mol % based on the 
total silver amount. After 5 minutes, a 1 wt% KI solution was added in an 
amount of 1.times.10.sup.-3 mol per mol of silver halide. After 3 minutes, 
1.times.10.sup.-6 mol/mol of Ag of thiourea dioxide was further added to 
the emulsion, which was kept at the temperature for 22 minutes for 
reduction sensitization. Then, 3.times.10.sup.-4 mol/mol of Ag of 
4-hydroxy-6-methyl-1,3,3a,7-tetraazaindene and Sensitizing dye-1, 2, 3 and 
4 (shown below together with their amounts) were added. Further, 
1.times.10.sup.-2 mol/mol of Ag of calcium chloride was added. Further, 
1.times.10.sup.-5 mol/mol of Ag of chloroauric acid and 
3.0.times.10.sup.-3 mol/mol of Ag of potassium thiocyanate were added. In 
succession, 6.times.10.sup.-6 mol/mol of Ag of sodium thiosulfate, 
4.times.10.sup.-6 mol/mol of Ag of Selenium compound-1 (shown below), and 
3.times.10.sup.-6 mol/mol of Ag of Tellurium compound-1 were added to the 
emulsion. After 3 minutes, 0.5 g/mol of Ag of nucleic acid was added. 
After 40 minutes, water-soluble Mercapto compound-.sub.1 (shown below) was 
added to the emulsion, which was cooled to 35.degree. C. In this way, the 
preparation or chemical ripening of the emulsion was completed. 
##STR33## 
Preparation of Emulsion Layer Coating Solution 
An emulsion layer coating solution was obtained by adding the following 
chemicals to the chemically sensitized emulsion. The amounts of the 
chemicals are per mol of the silver halide. 
______________________________________ 
Gelatin (including gelatin in emulsion) 
see Table 1 
Dextran (Mw 39,000) 10.0 g 
Sodium polyacrylate (Mw 4 .times. 10.sup.5) 
5.1 g 
Sodium polystyrenesulfonate (Mw 6 .times. 10.sup.5) 
1.2 g 
Potassium iodide 78 mg 
Hardener 1,2-bis(vinylsulfonylacetamide)ethane 
in an amount adjusted to provide a 
swelling factor shown in Table 1 
Compound A-1 42.1 mg 
Compound A-2 10.3 g 
Compound A-3 0.11 g 
Compound A-4 8.5 mg 
Compound A-5 0.43 g 
Compound A-6 0.04 g 
Compound A-7 see Table 1 
Dye emulsion a (as dye solids) 
0.50 g 
Dye emulsion m (as dye solids) 
30 mg 
(adjusted to pH 6.1 with NaOH) 
______________________________________ 
##STR34## 
Dye emulsions a and m used above were prepared as follows. 
Preparation of Dye Emulsion a 
Dye-1, 60 g, was dissolved in 62.8 g of 2,4-diaminophenol, 62.8 g of 
dicyclohexyl phthalate, and 333 g of ethyl acetate at 60.degree. C. To the 
solution were added 65 ml of a 5% aqueous solution of sodium 
dodecylbenzenesulfonate, 94 g of gelatin, and 581 ml of water. The mixture 
was emulsified and dispersed for 30 minutes at 60.degree. C. by means of a 
dissolver. Then 2 g of methyl p-hydroxybenzoate and 6 liters of water were 
added to the dispersion, which was cooled to 40.degree. C. Using a 
ultrafiltration Labomodule ACP1050 by Asahi Chemicals K.K., the dispersion 
was concentrated to a total amount of 2 kg. Addition of 1 g of methyl 
p-hydroxybenzoate to the dispersion yielded Dye emulsion a. 
##STR35## 
Preparation of Dye Emulsion m 
Dye-2, 10 g, was dissolved in a solvent consisting of 10 ml of tricresyl 
phosphate and 20 ml of ethyl acetate. This was dispersed and emulsified in 
100 ml of a 15 wt % gelatin aqueous solution containing 750 mg of Anionic 
surfactant-1, yielding Dye emulsion m. 
##STR36## 
Preparation of Dye Layer Coating Solution 
A coating solution was prepared by mixing the following ingredients so that 
the dye layer contained the respective ingredients in the following 
coverages. 
______________________________________ 
Gelatin 0.25 g/m.sup.2 
Compound A-8 1.4 mg/m.sup.2 
Sodium polystyrenesulfonate (Mw 6 .times. 10.sup.5) 
5.9 mg/m.sup.2 
Dye dispersion i (as dye solids) 
20 mg/m.sup.2 
______________________________________ 
Compound A8 
##STR37## 
Dye emulsion i used above was prepared as follows. 
Preparation of Dye Emulsion i 
Dye-3 shown below was furnished as a wet cake without drying and weighed so 
as to give 6.3 g of dry solids. Dispersing aid V shown below was furnished 
as a 25 wt % aqueous solution and added to the wet cake of Dye-3 so as to 
provide 30% by weight of its dry solids based on the weight of the dye 
solids. Water was added to this to a total amount of 63.3 g. Thorough 
stirring resulted in a slurry. The slurry was admitted into a vessel 
together with 100 ml of zirconia beads having an average diameter of 0.5 
mm, and dispersed for 6 hours by means of a dispersing machine 1/16G Sand 
Grinder Mill (Imex K.K.). Water was added to form a dye dispersion having 
a dye concentration of 8% by weight. 
The dye dispersion was mixed with the remaining components such that the 
dye solid content was 5% by weight and the content of photographic gelatin 
was equal in % by weight to the dye solid content. An aqueous solution of 
additive D (shown below) as an antiseptic was added to the dispersion so 
as to give 2,000 parts of additive D per million parts by weight of 
gelatin. The dispersion was refrigerated and stored in jelly form. 
In this way, dye dispersion i was obtained in the form of a non-leachable 
solid particle dispersion of dye having a light absorption maximum at 915 
nm. The solid fine particles of dye dispersion i had an average particle 
diameter of 0.4 .mu.m. 
##STR38## 
Preparation of Surface Protective Layer Coating Solution 
A surface protective layer coating solution was prepared by mixing the 
following components so that the respective components gave the following 
coverage. 
______________________________________ 
Component Coverage 
______________________________________ 
Gelatin 0.780 g/m.sup.2 
Sodium polyacrylate (Mw 4 .times. 10.sup.5) 
0.025 g/m.sup.2 
Sodium polystyrenesulfonate (Mw 6 .times. 10.sup.5) 
0.0012 g/m.sup.2 
Matte agent-1 0.072 g/m.sup.2 
(average particle diameter 3.7 .mu.m) 
Matte agent-2 0.010 g/m.sup.2 
(average particle diameter 0.7 .mu.m) 
Compound A-9 0.018 g/m.sup.2 
Compound A-10 0.037 g/m.sup.2 
Compound A-11 0.0068 g/m.sup.2 
Compound A-12 0.0032 g/m.sup.2 
Compound A-13 0.0012 g/m.sup.2 
Compound A-14 0.0022 g/m.sup.2 
Compound A-15 0.030 g/m.sup.2 
Pxoxisel (ICI) 0.0010 g/m.sup.2 
(adjusted to pH 6.8 with NaOH) 
______________________________________ 
Note that the addenda used herein are shown below. 
##STR39## 
Preparation of Support (1) Preparation of undercoat layer dye dispersion B 
Dye-4 (shown below) was ball milled by the method of JP-A 197943/1988. 
##STR40## 
A 2-liter ball mill was charged with 434 ml of water and 791 ml of a 6.7% 
aqueous solution of Triton.RTM. surfactant. To the solution was added 20 g 
of Dye-4. With 400 ml of zirconia (ZrO.sub.2) beads having a diameter of 2 
mm added, the contents were milled for 4 days. Thereafter, 160 g of a 
12.5% gelatin solution was added. After deaeration, the zirconia beads 
were removed by filtration. The resulting dye dispersion was examined to 
find that the milled dye had a broad particle size distribution from 0.05 
.mu.m to 1.15 .mu.m and an average particle diameter of 0.37 .mu.m. Coarse 
dye particles having a diameter of more than 0.9 .mu.m were removed by 
centrifugation. A dye dispersion B was obtained in this way. 
(2) Preparation of Support 
A biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate film of 175 .mu.m thick was 
subject to a corona discharge. The PET used herein contained 0.04% by 
weight of Dye-1 (shown above). A first undercoat solution of the 
composition shown below was coated on one surface of the PET film to a 
coverage of 4.9 ml/m.sup.2 by a wire bar coater and dried at 185.degree. 
C. for one minute to form a first undercoat layer. Another first undercoat 
layer was similarly formed on the opposite surface. 
______________________________________ 
First undercoat solution 
______________________________________ 
Butadiene-styrene copolymer latex solution 
158 ml 
(solids 40%, butadiene/styrene 
weight ratio = 31/69) 
4% solution of sodium 2,4-dichloro- 
41 ml 
6-hydroxy-s-triazine 
Distilled water 801 ml 
______________________________________ 
Note that the latex solution contained 0.4% by weight based on the latex 
solids of Compound A-16 (shown below) as a dispersing/emulsifying agent. 
##STR41## 
(3) Coating of undercoat layer 
On each of the first undercoat layers, a second undercoat solution of the 
composition shown below was coated to a coverage as shown below by a wire 
bar coater and dried at 155.degree. C. to form a second undercoat layer. 
______________________________________ 
Second undercoat solution 
______________________________________ 
Gelatin 100 mg/m.sup.2 
Dye dispersion B (as dye solids on 
see Table 1 
one surface) 
Compound A-17 1.8 g/m.sup.2 
Compound A-18 0.27 g/m.sup.2 
Matte agent, polymethyl methacrylate 
2.5 g/m.sup.2 
(average particle diameter 2.5 .mu.m) 
______________________________________ 
Compound A17 
C.sub.12 H.sub.25 O(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.10 H 
Compound A18 
##STR42## 
1 Preparation of Photographic Element 
On the support prepared as above, the above-mentioned dye layer, emulsion 
layer, and surface protective layer coating solutions were coated by a 
co-extrusion method and dried, forming three layers on each surface. The 
silver coverage was 1.4 g/m.sup.2 and the overall gelatin coverage was as 
shown in Table 1, both on one surface. Coated sample Nos. 1 to 17 were 
prepared in this way. 
Measurement of Swelling Factor 
A photosensitive element sample was allowed to stand for 7 days at 
40.degree. C. and RH 60%. The sample was dipped in distilled water at 
21.degree. C. for 3 minutes and then frozen for fixation with liquefied 
nitrogen. Using a microtome, the same was sectioned perpendicular to its 
surface and freeze dried at -90.degree. C. The sample treated as above was 
observed under a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to determine the 
thickness (Tw) of the swollen sample. The thickness (Td) of the dry sample 
was similarly determined in advance by a sectional observation under SEM. 
The swelling factor is calculated in accordance with 
(Tw-Td)/Td.times.100%. 
These photographic element samples had a swelling factor with water as 
reported in Table 1. 
The above-prepared photosensitive element samples were processed and 
evaluated for several properties. First, the processing solutions and 
conditions are described. 
Preparation of Developer 
A developer of the following formulation containing sodium erythorbate as a 
developing agent was prepared. 
______________________________________ 
Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid 
8.0 g 
Sodium sulfite 20.0 g 
Sodium carbonate monohydrate 
52.0 g 
Potassium carbonate 55.0 g 
Sodium erythorbate 60.0 g 
4-hydroxymethyl-4-methyl-1-phenyl- 
13.2 g 
3-pyrazolidone 
3,3'-diphenyl-3,3'-dithiopropionic acid 
1.44 g 
Diethylene glycol 50.0 g 
2 #STR43## 0.15 g 
3 #STR44## 0.3 g 
4 #STR45## 1 mmol/l 
5 #STR46## 1 mmol/l 
Water to make 2 liters 
(adjusted to pH 10.1 with sodium hydroxide) 
______________________________________ 
Preparation of Developer Replenisher 
The developer prepared above was used as a developer replenisher without 
further dilution. 
Preparation of Developing Tank Solution 
A developing tank solution at pH 9.5 was prepared by taking 2 liters of the 
developer and adding 55 ml per liter of the developer of a starter of the 
following composition. 
______________________________________ 
Starter 
______________________________________ 
Potassium bromide 11.1 g 
Acetic acid 10.8 g 
Water to make 55 ml 
______________________________________ 
Preparation of Fixer Concentrate 
A fixer concentrate of the following composition was prepared. 
______________________________________ 
Water 0.5 liter 
Ethylenediaminetetraacetic 
0.05 g 
acid dihydrate 
Sodium thiosulfate 200 g 
Sodium bisulfite 98.0 g 
Sodium hydroxide 2.9 g 
Water to make 1 liter 
(adjusted to pH 5.2 with sodium hydroxide) 
______________________________________ 
Preparation of Fixer Replenisher 
A fixer replenisher was obtained by diluting the fixer concentrate with 
used water from the first washing step by a factor of 2 by volume. 
Preparation of Fixing Tank Solution 
A fixing tank solution at pH 5.4 was prepared by diluting 2 liters of the 
fixer concentrate with water to a total volume of 4 liters. 
Preparation of Washing Water Replenisher 
______________________________________ 
Glutaraldehyde 0.3 g 
Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid 
0.5 g 
______________________________________ 
These ingredients were diluted with distilled water and adjusted to pH 4.5 
with NaOH, obtaining 1 liter of a washing water replenisher. 
Processing of Photographic Element 
An automatic processor CEPROS-S (Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.) was tailored. 
The washing tank was modified into two-stage counter-current washing 
tanks. Washing water was replenished to the second washing tank. The 
washing tanks each had a volume of 6 liters. The developing and fixing 
tanks each had an aperture of 0.02 cm.sup.-1. Drying relied on a heat 
roller system using a heat roller which was heated to a surface 
temperature of 85.degree. C. 
By using the above-prepared developer and fixer tank solutions and washing 
water replenisher and replenishing the developer, fixer and washing water 
replenishers at a rate of 65 ml/m.sup.2 of the photosensitive element, 
2,000 quarter-size sheets were processed whereupon a substantially 
equilibrium state was established. The drag-outs of the developer, the 
fixer and the wash water were determined. For example, the drag-out of the 
developer was determined by previously measuring the specific gravity of 
the developer solution, emptying the fixing tank of the fixer solution, 
processing quarter-size sheets in the developing tank, and measuring the 
weight of the processed sheets immediately after they entered the fixing 
tank. The measurement was an average of ten quarter-size sheets for each 
of the photosensitive element samples. The drag-outs of the fixer and the 
wash water were similarly determined. 
The results are shown in Table 1. It is noted that the quarter-size is 
10.times.12 inches or equal to 774.7 cm.sup.2. 
______________________________________ 
Step Temp. Processing time 
______________________________________ 
Development 35.degree. C. 
8 sec. 
Fixation 35.degree. C. 
7 sec. 
1st washing 30.degree. C. 
5 sec. 
2nd washing 25.degree. C. 
5 sec. 
Drying 3 sec. 
Total 28 sec. 
______________________________________ 
Evaluation of Photographic Properties 
A photographic element sample was exposed to radiation for 0.05 sec. from 
both sides through x-ray ortho-screens HGM and HGH manufactured by Fuji 
Photo Film Co., Ltd. After exposure, it was processed as above and 
evaluated for sensitivity. The sensitivity is the reciprocal of a ratio of 
an exposure to provide a density of fog+1.0, and expressed relative to 100 
for sample No. 1. 
Evaluation of Silver Sludging 
At the end of the running process, the developing tank was visually 
inspected for silver sludging. 
.smallcircle.: no sludging 
.times.: silver sludging 
Evaluation of Fixing Function 
An unexposed photosensitive element sample was visually inspected for 
under-fixed silver. 
.smallcircle.: good 
.DELTA.: some uneven uncleared areas, but photographically acceptable 
.times.: poor 
Evaluation of Drying Function 
A drying level was evaluated by a sensory test of touching a sheet emerging 
from the drying zone outlet. The sheet was rated ".smallcircle." when it 
was fully dry and ".times." when it was somewhat moist. 
Drying uniformity was evaluated by examining for reflecting gloss a sheet 
emerging from the drying zone outlet. The sheet was rated ".smallcircle." 
when its gloss was even and ".times." when its gloss was uneven. 
Coloring of the Fixing Tank 
.smallcircle.: not colored 
.DELTA.: colored pale blue, but clear and practically safe 
.times.: colored blue black, opaque, deposits on rollers 
Coloring of the Washing Tanks 
.smallcircle.: not colored 
.DELTA.: colored faintly red, but clear and practically safe 
.times.: colored red, opaque, deposits on rollers 
Residual Color on Photosensitive Element 
.smallcircle.: no residual color 
.DELTA.: faint residual color when carefully viewed, but practically 
acceptable 
.times.: apparent residual color, photosensitive element was dark and dull 
to view 
Evaluation of Crossover 
Using a cassette, a GRENEX ortho-screen HR-4 (manufactured by Fuji Photo 
Film Co., Ltd.) was placed close to one surface of the sample, which was 
examined by x-ray sensitometry. After the same processing as done in the 
evaluation of photographic performance, the sensitivity of the surface in 
contact with the screen (front surface) and the sensitivity of the 
opposite surface (back surface) were determined. The sensitivity is logE 
wherein E is an exposure necessary to provide a density higher by 1.0 than 
the density of base+fog. Using the difference between these sensitivities, 
the percent crossover light was calculated according to the following 
equation. 
Crossover light (%)=1/{antilog(.DELTA.logE)+1}.times.100 
Evaluation of Acutance (MTF) 
A modulation transfer function (MTF) value was measured with the 
above-mentioned combination of HR-4 screen with the automatic processor. 
Using a MTF value obtained at an aperture of 30 .mu.m.times.500 .mu.m and 
a space frequency of 1.0 cycle/mm, evaluation was made on a portion having 
an optical density of 1.0. MTF values of 0.70 or higher are acceptable. 
The results are shown in Tables 1 and 2. 
TABLE 1 
__________________________________________________________________________ 
Gelatin 
Compound First 
Last wash 
Dye-4 
coverage 
A-7 coverage 
A-7/ 
Swelling 
Cross- 
Developer 
Fixer 
water 
water 
Sample coverage 
on one on one gelatin 
factor 
over drag-out 
drag-out 
drag-out 
drag-out 
No. Emulsion 
(mg/m.sup.2) 
surface (g/m.sup.2) 
surface (g/m.sup.2) 
(wt %) 
(%) (%) (ml) (ml) (ml) (ml) 
__________________________________________________________________________ 
1* A 50 2.5 0.3 12 220 7 1.7 1.5 1.8 1.5 
2* A 50 2.1 0.7 33 150 7 1.2 1.1 1.4 1.2 
3 A 50 1.7 1.1 65 100 7 0.9 0.8 1.1 0.9 
4 A 50 1.3 1.5 115 70 7 0.7 0.7 0.9 0.6 
5 A 50 0.7 2.1 300 30 7 0.5 0.5 0.7 0.2 
6* B 50 2.5 0.3 12 220 7 1.7 1.5 1.8 1.5 
7* B 50 2.1 0.7 33 150 7 1.2 1.1 1.4 1.2 
8 B 50 1.7 1.1 65 100 7 0.9 0.8 1.1 0.9 
9 B 50 1.3 1.5 115 70 7 0.7 0.7 0.9 0.6 
10 B 50 0.7 2.1 300 30 7 0.5 0.5 0.7 0.2 
11* C 50 2.5 0.3 12 220 7 1.7 1.5 1.8 1.5 
12* C 50 2.1 0.7 33 150 7 1.2 1.1 1.4 1.2 
13 C 50 1.7 1.1 65 100 7 0.9 0.8 1.1 0.9 
14 C 50 1.3 1.5 115 70 7 0.7 0.7 0.9 0.6 
15 C 50 0.7 2.1 300 30 7 0.5 0.5 0.7 0.2 
16* A 25 2.5 0.3 12 220 19 1.7 1.5 1.8 1.5 
17* A 0 2.5 0.3 12 220 19 0.7 0.7 0.9 0.6 
__________________________________________________________________________ 
*Comparison 
TABLE 2 
__________________________________________________________________________ 
Silver 
Drying 
Drying 
Fixing 
Fixing tank 
1st wash tank 
Residual 
Acutance 
Sample No. 
Sensitivity 
sludging 
level 
uniformity 
function 
coloring 
coloring 
color 
(MTF) 
__________________________________________________________________________ 
1* 100 .times. 
.times. 
.times. 
.times. 
.times. 
.times. 
.times. 
0.76 
2* 100 .times. 
.times. 
.times. 
.DELTA. 
.times. 
.times. 
.times. 
0.76 
3 120 .largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
0.76 
4 120 .largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
0.76 
5 100 .largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
0.76 
6* 70 .times. 
.times. 
.times. 
.times. 
.times. 
.times. 
.times. 
0.72 
7* 90 .largecircle. 
.times. 
.times. 
.times. 
.times. 
.times. 
.times. 
0.72 
8 90 .largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
0.72 
9 80 .largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
0.72 
10 60 .largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
.DELTA. 
.DELTA. 
.DELTA. 
.DELTA. 
0.72 
11* 80 .times. 
.times. 
.times. 
.times. 
.times. 
.times. 
.times. 
0.73 
12* 100 .largecircle. 
.times. 
.times. 
.times. 
.times. 
.times. 
.times. 
0.73 
13 100 .largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
0.73 
14 90 .largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
0.73 
15 90 .largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
0.73 
16* 100 .times. 
.times. 
.times. 
.times. 
.largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
0.63 
17* 120 .largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
.largecircle. 
0.63 
__________________________________________________________________________ 
*Comparison 
It is evident from Tables 1 and 2 that the image forming system according 
to the invention can produce satisfactory photographic images featuring 
high sharpness and high sensitivity and free of residual color. The fixing 
function and drying efficiency are high. Uneven drying is substantially 
eliminated. No silver sludging occurs. The processing solutions were 
little or not colored. 
In all the runs, the waste of wash water was used as diluent water for the 
fixer replenisher, achieving zero waste of wash water. 
Example 2 
The same run as in Example 1 was carried out using automatic processors 
CEPROS P, CEPROS M2, and CEPROS 30 by Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. The 
results were the same as in Example 1, confirming that the invention 
provides a satisfactory image forming system. 
Example 3 
Preparation of Fixer 
A fixer of the following composition was prepared. 
______________________________________ 
Disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate 
0.05 g 
dihydrate 
Sodium thiosulfate pentahydrate 
150.0 g 
Sodium sulfite 5.0 g 
Succinic acid 0.2 mol 
Water to make 1 liter 
(adjusted to pH 5.2 with sodium hydroxide) 
______________________________________ 
The fixer tank solution and the fixer replenisher were identical and of the 
above composition. 
Sample Nos. 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, and 15 of Example 1 were similarly 
processed using the fixer of the above formulation. They were similarly 
tested. The samples within the scope of the invention showed excellent 
results with respect to silver sludging, fixing function, drying 
efficiency, uneven drying, coloring of the fixing tank, coloring of the 
washing tanks, residual color, and sharpness. The crossover was 7%. The 
fixer was free of acetic acid odor. 
Japanese Patent Application No. 117559/1997 is incorporated herein by 
reference. 
Reasonable modifications and variations are possible from the foregoing 
disclosure without departing from either the spirit or scope of the 
present invention as defined by the claims.