Image selecting apparatus for photographic printer

An image frame selecting apparatus for a photographic printer includes a film receiving unit (30) defining a receiving surface (31) for receiving a photographic film (2), and a positioning indicator (35a) for positioning the photographic film on the receiving surface. The receiving surface is divided into a plurality of areas (31a) corresponding to image frames on the film. An input device (33, 34) selects an image frame to be printed, by designating at least one of the areas. The photographic printer has an image reading device for reading the image frames from the photographic film, a storage device for storing image information of the image frames read, an image processor for generating positive images of the image frames based on the image information stored in the storage device, and a monitor for displaying the positive images of the image frames. A control means unit (100) is provided for generating position data relative to the photographic film of the image frame selected.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
The present invention relates to an image frame selecting apparatus for a 
photographic printer including an image frame selecting device for 
selecting an image frame to be printed from a photographic film having a 
plurality of image frames. 
2. Description of the Related Art 
A client may request additional prints to be made of images on a 
photographic film. An image frame selecting apparatus for a photographic 
printer as noted above is used for causing the photographic printer to 
recognize the frames designated by the client as containing the images to 
be printed. 
It has been conventional practice, in causing the photographic printer to 
recognize the frames to be printed, to input frame numbers designated by 
the client as indicating the frames to be printed. The frames to be 
printed are identified by the numbers inputted and readings of frame 
numbers recorded in bar codes on the photographic film. 
However, where the frames to be printed are identified by numbers, on not a 
few occasions does the operator input wrong numbers. This results in 
prints being made of frames different from those designated by the client. 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,994,850 discloses an image frame selecting apparatus for a 
photographic printer for processing a short film piece having several 
image frames. This image frame selecting apparatus includes selection 
control devices corresponding in number to the frames on the film piece. A 
corresponding one of the selection control devices is operated to 
designate at least one image frame from the film piece conveyed into the 
photographic printer. 
This image frame selecting apparatus designates desired image frames by 
means of the selection control devices arranged in relation to the film 
piece processed by the photographic printer. This arrangement realizes a 
more visual operation, which is likely to reduce the chance of making 
input errors, than where numerals are just inputted. However, this 
selecting apparatus does not allow the operator to designate desired image 
frames while visually confirming the image frames on the film piece in a 
direct manner. Thus, there are demands for an image frame selecting 
apparatus which realizes a more reliable image frame designation. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The object of the present invention is to provide an image frame selecting 
apparatus for enabling a selection of image frames accurately and easily, 
from a photographic film having a plurality of image frames to be printed 
by a photographic printer. 
The above object is fulfilled, according to the present invention, by an 
image frame selecting apparatus comprising a film receiving unit including 
a receiving surface for receiving a photographic film, and a positioning 
indicator for positioning the photographic film on the receiving surface. 
The receiving surface is divided into a plurality of areas corresponding 
to image frames on the film. An image frame selecting device selects an 
image frame to be printed from the film by designating at least one of the 
plurality of areas. 
With the image frame selecting apparatus having the above construction, a 
photographic film to be processed for additional prints is placed on the 
film receiving surface with reference to the positioning indicator. Then, 
the image frame selecting device is operated to select a desired image 
frame by designating one of the areas corresponding to that image frame. 
In principle, a photographic film has frames arranged at fixed intervals. 
Thus, in processing the photographic film positioned on the film receiving 
surface with reference to the positioning indicator, the areas where the 
image frames of the photographic film are present may be regarded as 
positions of the image frames. The operator may confirm and designate a 
desired image frame, i.e. a desired area, while visually confirming the 
image frames of the photographic film placed on the receiving surface. In 
this way, the position of an image frame to be printed is determined, and 
this image information is used for a printing process by the photographic 
printer. An operation to select an image frame may be carried out 
accurately and easily since the image frames of the photographic film are 
confirmed visually. 
In a preferred form of the present invention, the image frame selecting 
device includes markings formed in relation to the areas of the receiving 
surface, respectively, and an input device operable to select an image 
frame to be printed. In this case, each area may be selected by using the 
input device capable of inputting a signal corresponding to its marking. 
It is therefore possible for the input device to be incorporated into the 
photographic printer, for example, instead of the selecting apparatus. 
That is, the input device may be disposed adjacent the receiving surface 
or remote from the film receiving unit. This feature provides an increased 
freedom for positioning the input device without entailing an increased 
chance of making input errors. 
In a further embodiment of the present invention, the input device is in 
the form of a plurality of input switches arranged in relation to the 
respective markings, thereby to provide a distinct relationship between 
the markings and the input device. Each of the markings and a 
corresponding one of the input switches have the same character or sign to 
establish a one-to-one relationship therebetween. Thus, a visual 
confirmation can be made of the relationship between the markings and the 
input device. 
In a still further embodiment of the invention, the receiving surface 
includes frame boundary indicators corresponding to boundaries between the 
image frames on the photographic film set to the positioning indicator. 
Then, the operator may visually and clearly recognize the respective areas 
on the receiving surface formed in relation to the image frames on the 
photographic film. This feature promotes operability of the selecting 
apparatus. 
To promote operability of the selecting device, the film receiving unit may 
advantageously include a lighting device such as a lamp for lighting the 
photographic film placed thereon. This provision facilitates observation 
of the image frames on the photographic film. That is, the film receiving 
unit may be used as a photographic film viewer. 
The input device may be adapted to transmit a signal relating to the number 
of prints to be made of an image frame selected. Then, position 
information of the image frame to be printed and the number of prints may 
be communicated simultaneously to the photographic printer. 
Where the photographic printer combined with the image frame selecting 
apparatus according to the present invention has an image reading device 
for reading image frames from a photographic film, a storage device for 
storing image information of the image frames read, an image processor for 
generating positive images of the image frames based on the image 
information stored in the storage device, and a monitor for displaying the 
positive images of the image frames, a control unit may be provided for 
generating position data relative to the photographic film of the image 
frame selected by the image frame selecting device. This construction 
enables linking between the image information of image frames already read 
and the position information of an image frame selected by the image frame 
selecting device. It is therefore possible to perform a printing process 
and a pre-printing process, as necessary, while checking, on the monitor, 
the image frame selected by the image frame selecting device. 
In a preferred embodiment of the invention enabling a pre-printing process 
for the image frame selected by the image frame selecting device, 
additional data generated by the pre-printing process may be linked to the 
position data of the image frame. The pre-printing process here refers to 
trimming or a combination with other images. Such data may of course be 
stored in a portable storage medium to be passed on to the client for 
repeated use. 
Where the image frame selecting apparatus is used with a printer capable of 
scanning image frames on a photographic film and allowing the operator to 
check the image frames appearing on a monitor as described above, the 
function as a viewer may be eliminated from the image frame selecting 
apparatus so that the apparatus may be used exclusively for designating 
image frames. That is, the function of the image frame selecting apparatus 
as a viewer is discarded in favor of the monitor function of the 
photographic printer. 
In one form of the present invention, the position data relative to the 
photographic film of a selected image frame is generated as a place of the 
selected image frame in the order counted from an image frame at a leading 
end of the photographic film. Such position data generation is achieved 
with ease where the image frames on the photographic film are scanned 
beforehand and stored in order as image information in the storage device 
of the printer.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
A photographic printer to which the present invention is applied will be 
described with reference to the drawings. 
As shown in FIG. 1, a photographic printer 1 includes an exposure station 5 
for projecting image frames of a photographic film 2 to printing paper 4, a 
developing station 6 for developing the printing paper 4 exposed at the 
exposure station 5, and a controller 7 for controlling operation of 
various components of the photographic printer 1. The controller 7 has, 
connected thereto, a control panel 9 for inputting various instructions 
and modes, a monitor 8 for displaying image information and exposure 
conditions, and an image frame selecting apparatus 3 for inputting 
instructions as to which image frames of the film 2 should be printed. 
The printing paper 4 is drawn from a printing paper magazine 4a containing 
a roll of printing paper 4. After being exposed at the exposure station 5, 
the printing paper 4 is developed at the developing station 6, and cut to a 
size corresponding to one frame before being discharged. 
The various components will be described hereinafter. 
The exposure station 5 includes a light source 10, filters 11 for adjusting 
color balance of light which irradiates the film 2, a mirror barrel 12 for 
uniformly mixing colors of the light emerging from the adjusting filters 
11, a printing lens 13 for projecting images of the film 2 to the printing 
paper 4, and a shutter 14, all arranged on a common optical axis forming an 
exposure optical path. 
A reading device 20 is disposed sideways from the printing lens 13 for 
reading image information from the film 2. The reading device 20 includes 
a reflecting mirror 15, a lens 16, a rotary color filter 17 with R (red), 
G (green) and B (blue) color filters arranged in a circumferential 
direction, a motor M1 for driving the rotary color filter 17, and a CCD 
image sensor 18. The reading device 20 is operable under control of the 
controller 7. 
The reflecting mirror 15 is mounted along with the printing lens 13 on a 
movable deck not shown. The movable deck supporting the printing lens 13 
and reflecting mirror 15 is slidable in directions indicated by an arrow A 
in FIG. 1, to switch between a state in which the printing lens 13 is 
disposed on the exposure optical path, and a state in which the reflecting 
mirror 15 is disposed on the exposure optical path. 
When the printing lens 13 is disposed on the exposure optical path, the 
image information on the film 2 is projected to the printing paper 4 by 
the printing lens 13. When the reflecting mirror 15 is disposed on the 
exposure optical path, the image information on the film 2 is reflected by 
the reflecting mirror 15, and then projected through the lens 16 to a 
light-receiving plane of CCD image sensor 18. 
The CCD image sensor 18 scans the images on the film 2, in R, G and B color 
separations resulting from rotation of the rotary color filter 17. The 
image information thus detected is transmitted to the controller 7. 
Rollers 19a are disposed on a film transport path upstream of the exposure 
optical path, while rollers 19b are disposed on the film transport path 
downstream of the exposure optical path. These rollers 19a and 19b are 
driven together by a motor M2. 
When the reflecting mirror 15 is disposed on the exposure optical path, at 
the exposure station 5, the image information on the film 2 is read by CCD 
image sensor 18. When the printing lens 13 is disposed on the exposure 
optical path, the image information on the film 2 is exposed on the 
printing paper 4. The printing paper 4 is transported by rollers 21 driven 
by a motor M3 disposed on a paper transport path downstream of an exposure 
position of the printing paper 4. 
Though not shown, the developing station 6 includes a plurality of tanks 
filled with treating liquids for developing the printing paper 4 after 
exposure. The printing paper 4 is passed successively through these tanks 
to be developed. 
As shown in FIG. 2, the controller 7 includes an image information memory 
101 for storing the image information read by CCD image sensor 18, an 
exposure condition computing unit 102 for reading the image information 
from the image information memory 101 and determining exposure conditions 
for exposing the image information on the printing paper 4, an exposure 
control unit 104 for controlling the adjusting filters 11 and shutter 14 
at the exposure station 5 based on the exposure conditions determined by 
the exposure condition computing unit 102 to effect exposure on the 
printing paper 4, an image information converter 103 for converting the 
image information read from the image information memory 101 to image 
information for display on the monitor 8 based on the exposure conditions 
determined by the exposure condition computing unit 102, an image display 
memory 105 for storing the image information received from the image 
information converter 103, a display frame memory 106 for storing 
information to be displayed in one screen frame on the monitor 8, and a 
control unit 100 for instructing operation of these components. 
The image information memory 101 has a storage capacity for storing image 
information corresponding to a plurality of image frames on the film 2 
read by the CCD image sensor 18. In this embodiment, the image information 
memory 101 has a sufficient storage capacity for storing image information 
from all the image frames on one film 2. The image information converter 
103 may read the image information corresponding to a plurality of frames 
from the image information memory 101 and convert this image information. 
Consequently, the image information corresponding to the plurality of 
frames may be displayed simultaneously on the monitor 8. 
When the image information corresponding to all the image frames on one 
film 2 is accumulated in the image information memory 101, the exposure 
condition computing unit 102, prior to determining exposure conditions for 
each frame, divides each frame on one film 2 into numerous regions, and 
statistically averages densities of R (red), G (green) and B (blue) in all 
of the divided regions on one film 2. In this way, the exposure condition 
computing unit 102 extracts film characteristics unique to the film 2, 
which indicate how the film 2 expresses color according to the quantity of 
light received from photographic subjects. 
In determining exposure conditions for each image frame on the film 2, the 
exposure condition computing unit 102 first determines coloring 
characteristics corresponding to each image frame, based on the film 
characteristics unique to the film 2, from an average density of each 
image frame, i.e. an average quantity of light transmitted from a 
photographic subject to each image frame. 
The exposure condition computing unit 102 stores operation expressions for 
canceling the coloring characteristics unique to the film 2 including a 
base color thereof, and determining exposure conditions for properly 
reproducing the image information of the film 2 on the printing paper 4. 
These operation expressions are used to determine exposure conditions from 
the coloring characteristics corresponding to each frame determined as 
described above. 
The exposure conditions thus determined may be corrected by the operator 
operating density correction keys provided on the control panel 9. These 
correction keys are operable to instruct variations in the amount of 
exposure for each of colors Y (yellow), M (magenta) and C (cyan), or 
average variations in the amount of exposure corresponding to density 
variations in the photographs. Upon receipt of these corrective 
instructions, the exposure condition computing unit 102 performs a 
corrective computation of the exposure conditions to determine new 
exposure conditions. 
The image information converter 103 stores an operation expression for 
converting the image information read from the image information memory 
101 such as for negative-to-positive conversion. Various parameters 
constituting the operation expression are variable according to the 
exposure conditions determined by the exposure condition computing unit 
102. 
The image information inputted to the image information converter 103 is 
converted with the above operation expression to simulate color images 
formed on the printing paper 4 by projecting the image frames of film 2 to 
the printing paper 4, so that images corresponding to the simulated images 
appear on the monitor 8. 
The image information converted by the image information converter 103 is 
stored in the image display memory 105. The image display memory 105 has a 
storage capacity corresponding to that of the image information memory 101, 
and stores the simulated images for one film 2 in the order in which the 
frames are arranged. 
The display frame memory 106 stores information for one screen frame 
displayed on the monitor 8. The display frame memory 106 has storage 
regions in a one-to-one relationship with display positions on the monitor 
8, so that the information written into the display frame memory 106 is 
displayed intact on the monitor 8. 
As shown in FIG. 3, the image frame selecting apparatus 3 connected to the 
controller 7 includes a film receiving unit 30 defining a film receiving 
surface 31 for receiving film 2 cut to include six frames, and an image 
frame selecting device for selecting image frames from the film 2 placed 
on the film receiving surface 31. The film receiving surface 31 is divided 
into a plurality of areas 31a corresponding to the image frames on the film 
2. The image frame selecting device includes six input keys 33 for 
designating the divided areas 31a, and six auxiliary input keys 34 for 
designating half-size frames. Tese keys 33 and 34 constitute an input 
device. 
In this embodiment, the film receiving surface 31 is defined by a light 
diffuser plate 32. A fluorescent lamp 33 is disposed inside a box and 
opposed to the light diffuser plate 32 for lighting the film 2. Thus, the 
film receiving unit 30 acts as a so-called viewer for facilitating a 
visual observation of the image frames on the film 2 placed thereon. 
The light diffuser plate 31 has frames 35 marked thereon corresponding to 
the six 135-size, full-size frames on the film 2. An auxiliary frame 36 
corresponding to a half-size frame is marked substantially centrally of 
each frame 35. These frames 35 act as markings corresponding to the areas 
31a defined on the film receiving surface 31. 
When placing the film 3 on the film receiving surface 31, the left end of 
the film 2 is set to a vertical line 35a at the left end of the frames 35 
acting as a positioning mark. While, in this embodiment, positioning is 
effected at the left end of the film 2, the construction may be modified, 
as necessary, to effect positioning at the right end of the film 2. 
Vertical lines 35b other than the vertical line 35a at the left end of the 
frames 35, and auxiliary frames 36, act as markings corresponding to 
boundaries of the image frames on the film 2 placed properly as described 
above. 
As shown in FIG. 2, an external storage device 107 is connected to the 
controller 7 for writing into portable storage media such as floppy disks, 
position information relating to selected image frames on the film 2, and 
information relating to printing and other additional processes for such 
image frames. 
An outline of operation of the above photographic printer 1 will be 
described next. 
The operator places the film 6 cut to a unit of six frames including a 
frame or frames to be printed at the client's request, on the film 
receiving surface 31 of the image frame selecting apparatus 3. At this 
time, the left end of the film 2 is set to the vertical line 35a at the 
left end of the frames 35. 
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the monitor 8 displays, on its 
screen, number of prints columns 81 and cursor columns 82 arranged 
vertically with respect to each other, and horizontally to correspond to 
the arrangement of the six frames on the film 2, i.e. the arrangement of 
areas 31a on the film receiving surface 31. The operator visually confirms 
the position of a frame designated by the client, and presses one of the 
input keys 33 corresponding to that frame. Then, a cursor 83 is displayed 
in one of the cursor columns 82 corresponding to the input key 33 pressed, 
and at the same time "1" is shown in the number of prints column 81 
corresponding to that frame. 
When the film 2 has half-size frames, two frames arranged sideways 
correspond to one input key 33. For designating the left one of the two 
half-size image frames, only the input key 33 is pressed. For designating 
the right one of the two half-size image frames, the operator presses the 
input key 33 while pressing a corresponding one of the auxiliary input 
keys 34. When a half-size frame is designated in this way, the monitor 8 
switches the number of prints columns shown in FIG. 5 from full-size to 
half-size, that is, each column being divided into two parts. 
There occurs no problem in designating frames to be printed, when each 
frame on the film 2 fits in one of the areas 31a or frames 35. However, as 
shown in FIG. 4, two image frames can partly enter one area 31a or frame 
35. In such a case, an input key 33 is pressed by regarding each frame as 
fitting in the right frame 35. That is, in FIG. 4, an input key 33 
indicated by an arrow B is pressed for a hatched frame. 
The number of prints to be made of an image frame may be determined by the 
number of times an input key 33 or auxiliary input key 34 is pressed. The 
number of prints column 81 corresponding to that image frame shows a 
numeral variable accordingly. Thus, the number of prints may be inputted 
through the input keys 33 and auxiliary input keys 34. Information on the 
designated frames to be printed and the numbers of prints is transmitted 
to the control unit 100 of the controller 7 to be linked by a known 
method. After completing operation of the image frame selecting apparatus 
3 to designate frames to be printed, the operator loads the film 2 into a 
main body of the photographic printer 1 for a printing process. 
The photographic printer 1 has three modes, i.e. an auto print mode, a 
prejudge print mode and a manual print mode, which provide different ways 
of setting exposure conditions for each frame. 
In the auto print mode, the image frames are read from the film 2 by the 
reading device 20, exposure conditions are automatically determined for 
these image frames based on the information read, and the frames are 
printed automatically. In principle, the operator does not have to do 
anything after loading the film 2. 
In the prejudge print mode, the image frames are read from the film 2 by 
the reading device 20, and exposure conditions are automatically 
determined for these image frames based on the information read. However, 
instead of printing the frames automatically, simulated images are 
displayed on the monitor 8 to show the image frames to be printed on the 
printing paper 4 on the exposure conditions determined. Then, the operator 
may correct the exposure conditions as necessary. 
In the manual print mode, exposure conditions are not determined 
automatically, but the operator visually observes density levels of the 
image frames on the film 2 to determine exposure conditions empirically. 
In the manual print mode, the operator places the film 2 on the film 
receiving surface 31 of the image frame selecting apparatus 3 to select 
frames to be printed, and inputs exposure conditions for the selected 
frames through the control panel 9. 
In the auto print mode and manual print mode, all processes, in principle, 
are carried out automatically after the film 2 is loaded. Thus, only the 
prejudge mode will be described hereinafter. Positioning of the film 2 and 
other such steps are effected in the same way for all the print modes. 
The reading device 20 reads the image frames from the film 2 loaded. After 
the reading, as shown in FIG. 6, image information of image frames 
selected for printing is displayed as simulated images. In the example 
shown in FIG. 6, all of the six frames are selected for printing. 
The controller 7 identifies image information of the image frames selected 
for printing, based on information on the order of arrangement of the 
frames received from the image frame selecting apparatus 3, and storage 
positions and the like of the image frames scanned. 
The display on the monitor 8 shown in FIG. 6 includes image columns 84 
presenting the simulated images of the frames to be printed. These image 
columns 84 include number of prints columns 85 for indicating the numbers 
of prints to be made of the respective frames. Thus, the operator may 
correct the numbers of prints, as necessary, through the image frame 
selecting apparatus 3 or control panel 9. Where a large number of prints 
are to be made, the number may be designated by means of a numerical input 
through the control panel 9. The numbers of prints may all be inputted 
through the control panel 9 instead of using the image frame selecting 
apparatus 3. Thus, the control panel 9 acts also as an input device of the 
image frame selecting apparatus 3 as do the input keys 33. 
Further, the display on the monitor 8 includes exposure condition columns 
86 for displaying the exposure conditions determined by the exposure 
condition computing unit 102 based on the information read by the reading 
device 20. This display is variable with inputs the operator makes through 
the control panel 9 for correcting the exposure conditions. Upon completion 
of the above operation, the image frames selected for printing are 
successively moved onto the exposure optical path, whereby the image 
frames are printed on the printing paper 4. 
The image frame selecting apparatus 3 may be modified to include frame 
identification marks formed by pasting plates showing characters or signs 
such as "A", "B", "C" and so on, in place of the input keys 33 and 
auxiliary input keys 34. Then, the control panel 9 also includes keys 
having the same characters or signs such as "A", "B", "C" and so on. When 
the key "A" on the control panel 9 is pressed, an image frame disposed in 
the area 31a corresponding to the frame identification marking "A" is 
selected for printing. For inputting exposure conditions and the like, the 
control panel 9 usually has a key arrangement as shown in FIG. 7 or a 
similar arrangement. New keys having the characters or signs such as "A", 
"B", "C" and so on as described above need not be provided for the control 
panel 9, but the keys included as intrinsic parts thereof may be utilized 
for the above purpose. 
For example, keys showing degrees of density correction such as a "-4" key 
50a, a "-3" key 50b, a "-2" key 50c, a "+2" key 50d, a "+3" key 50e and a 
"+4" key 50f, and a down arrow key 50g for moving the cursor, may be used 
as a switching device for identifying the frames. For this purpose, as 
shown in FIG. 8, plates 51 showing characters or signs such as "-4", "-3", 
"-2", "+2", "+3" and "+4", and auxiliary plates 52 each showing a down 
arrow sign, may be arranged in the order of the above-mentioned keys and 
adjacent the areas 31a of the image frame selecting apparatus 3. These 
plates may be pasted in the positions of the input keys 33 and auxiliary 
input keys 34 in the foregoing embodiment, to be used as markings 
corresponding to the respective areas 31a. 
A key operation for selecting image frames for printing according to the 
construction shown in FIG. 8 will be described now. For designating a 
full-size frame, the operator presses one of the keys, i.e. "-4" key 50a, 
"-3" key 50b, "-2" key 50c, "+2" key 50d, "+3" key 50e and "+4" key 50f, 
which has the same character or sign as the plate 51 corresponding to the 
image frame to be printed. 
In the case of half-size frames, two frames arranged sideways correspond to 
one plate 51. For designating the left one of these half-size frames, the 
operator presses only one of the keys, i.e. "-4" key 50a, "-3" key 50b, 
"-2" key 50c, "+2" key 50d, "+3" key 50e or "+4" key 5f, which has the 
same character or sign as the plate 51 corresponding to the image frame to 
be printed. For designating the right one of the two half-size frames, the 
operator presses the down arrow key 50g corresponding to the auxiliary 
plates 52 while pressing one of the keys, i.e. "-4" key 50a, "-3" key 50b, 
"-2" key 50c, "+2" key 50d, "+3" key 50e or "+4" key 50f, which has the 
same character or sign as the plate 51 corresponding to the image frame to 
be printed. 
In this case, it is not absolutely necessary for the film receiving unit 
30, which is the core element of the image frame selecting apparatus 3, to 
be connected to the controller 7. The film receiving unit 30 may be used as 
a freely movable film viewer provided independently of the photographic 
printer 1 having the controller 7. 
Further, the switching function of the input keys 33 and auxiliary input 
keys 34 may be used as it is, by applying the above characters and signs 
of the plates 51 and auxiliary plates 52 to the input keys 33 and 
auxiliary input keys 34. Then, image frames to be printed may be 
designated both by operating the input keys 33 and auxiliary input keys 34 
and by operating the "-4" key 50a, "-3" key 50b, "-2" key 50c, "+2" key 
50d, "+3" key 50e, "+4" key 50f and down arrow key 50g on the control 
panel 9. 
Frame identification markings in the form of LEDs, for example, may be 
provided in the positions of input keys 33 and auxiliary input keys 34, 
with the control panel 9 including a switch key for successively turning 
on the LEDs acting as the frame identification markings. Then, the switch 
key is operated to light one of the LED corresponding to a frame to be 
printed, and a separate, "enter" key is operated to establish this frame 
as a frame to be printed. 
As a further modification, an input device may include transparent touch 
panels disposed on the film receiving surface 31, to hold the film 2 
placed on the film receiving surface 31, and with switches formed in 
positions corresponding to the respective areas 31a. The operator may 
select an image frame on the film 2 for printing, by pressing one of the 
touch panels upon the area 31a corresponding to that image frame. 
An image frame selected for printing may be trimmed or combined with other 
images. These processes will be described next. 
To perform these additional processes, the image information of a selected 
image frame is displayed on the monitor 9, and the operator inputs, 
through the control panel 9, commands for the additional processes of the 
image displayed. Data for the additional processes are linked to the image 
information or to position data of the image information relative to the 
film 2. The additional processes include printing an image frame combined 
with other print information such as character information for postcards 
or calendars, and extracting part of an image from an entire image frame 
which is known as trimming. Finished states of these processes may also be 
displayed on the monitor 8. 
For printing an image frame selected from the film 2 and combined with 
other print information on postcards or the like, the operator selects, 
through the control panel 9, what the client desires from print 
information stored in the control unit 100 in the form of composite image 
patterns including various character information or the like for 
particular applications. This selected information is displayed as a 
finished form on the monitor 8. 
FIG. 9 shows examples of simulated images finished in two patterns as 
greeting cards, which are based on a 14th image frame and a 15th image 
frame selected from a photographic film 2. The composite patterns depicted 
in FIG. 9 include other print images (characters in the illustrated 
examples) arranged adjacent the images from the film 2. It is of course 
possible to superpose the other print images on the images from the film 
2. The operator asks the client to look at the displayed pictures and 
indicate whether he or she is satisfied with the finishes. Then, the 
operator links the position data of an image frame the client has selected 
for actual printing, and additional data such as the number of prints and 
the type of particular finishing process, and stores these data in the 
external storage device 107. The position data of an image frame here 
comprises a place of that image frame in the order counted from the 
leading end of film 2. 
For performing trimming as a particular finishing process, though not shown 
in the drawings, the image in a selected image frame is shown in 
enlargement on the monitor 8, along with a frame indicating a range to be 
printed in superposition on the displayed image. The size and position in 
the image of this frame are variable, as desired, on instructions inputted 
through the control panel 9. The operator asks the client to instruct and 
confirm a trimming range, links the position data of a selected image 
frame and additional data such as the trimming range, and stores these 
data in the external storage device 107. It is of course possible to 
perform the image combining process and trimming process for the same 
image. 
For selecting image frames for the additional processes, it is possible to 
use touch panels or other pointing devices provided for the monitor 8 
displaying scanned images of the image frames on the film 2. 
Other print information to be combined with the images of the image frame 
on the film 2 are not limited to the information stored in patterns in the 
control unit 100. This information may include print information such as 
characters and images prepared and brought in by clients, which are 
inputted from the external storage device 107, for example. 
The external storage device is described as a medium for exchanging various 
data with clients. However, it is possible to employ data communication 
through communication circuits or the like. 
It is also advantageous to use mark sheets for data communication with 
clients. A method of using mark sheets will be described hereinafter, 
taking an order card with a mark sheet portion as shown in FIG. 10 for 
example. 
When a client orders additional prints, he or she looks at prints and film 
2, and sometimes index prints as well, selects a desired frame or frames, 
and fills in an applicable portion of a marking region 61 in an order card 
60. The order card 60 also includes a name column to be filled with the 
client's name and telephone number. 
When the client desires three prints of frame No. 3 and two prints of frame 
No. 11, the client blacks out numeral "3" opposite frame No. 3 and numeral 
"2" opposite frame No. 11 with a pencil or marker as shown in FIG. 10. It 
is also possible to indicate, for example, eight prints by blacking out 
numerals "5" and "3". 
The order card may include a marking region for designating finished 
conditions (e.g. size, lustrous, lusterless, framed, frameless). 
Further, memos may be written to indicate special processing conditions 
such as exposure conditions used in simultaneous printing. 
When additional prints are ordered with the order card 60 having 
appropriate columns blacked out, along with the film 2, the order card 60 
is set to a card reader/writer 108 connected to the controller 7 and 
having a mark reading section and a magnetic data read/write section. The 
card reader/writer 108 draws in the order card 60, with the mark reading 
section and magnetic data read/write section scanning the marking area 61 
and magnetic recording area 62 of the order card 60. Consequently, the 
blacked mark positions and magnetic data are read and outputted to the 
control unit 100. At this time, the marks and magnetic data are outputted 
in relation to timing pulses obtained by detection of timing marks 63 
formed along an edge of the order card 60. The timing marks 63 may be 
magnetic, optical or mechanical marks. 
The controller 7 determines the numbers of prints for the respective frames 
on one film from the data showing the mark positions and the timing pulses, 
and stores numbers of prints information in internal memory. The controller 
7 also determines processing conditions such as exposure conditions from 
the magnetic data, and stores these conditions in the internal memory as 
printing condition information. 
The operator takes all film pieces from film sleeves, and sets them to the 
printer 1. Frame numbers are read from film 2 set to the printer 1, based 
on frame identification information in the form of bar codes or the like 
affixed to the respective frames. Only the images of the designated frame 
numbers are printed in the designated numbers on printing paper by 
referring to the numbers of prints information stored in the internal 
memory. The printing paper is then cut and discharged. During this 
operation, the images of the designated frame numbers may be scanned and 
displayed once on the monitor 8 for confirmation purposes. Then, an 
exposing operation may be started by pressing a start key on the control 
panel 9. 
The processing conditions such as exposure conditions are determined with 
reference to the numbers of prints information stored in the internal 
memory. If memos or the like indicating special conditions are present on 
the order card 60, the operator reads the memos and sets these conditions 
through the control panel 9. 
The order card 60 remains in the card reader/writer 108 until all the film 
pieces containing the frames designated on the order card 60 have been set 
to complete the printing process. This avoids part of the film pieces being 
left unprocessed. 
After all the designated frames are printed, the order card 60 is 
automatically ejected from the card reader/writer 108, and the film 2 is 
also discharged. 
The film 2 is placed in a negative sheet and handed to the client along 
with the order card 60 and prints of the images. At this time, a different 
order card to which only the magnetic data are copied may be given to the 
client to be used for any further prints to be made. It is also possible 
to eject the order card 60 forcibly from the card reader/writer 108 in the 
course of a printing process. The processing conditions include, besides 
exposure conditions such as print data, other conditions necessary for 
printing and developing frame images on printing paper. All or part of 
such processing conditions are recorded on the order card. 
In this way, printing is carried out automatically based on the designated 
numbers of prints and finishing conditions designated on the order card 
60. This feature promotes printing efficiency, and enables a reliable 
printing process. In addition, the printing process is executed based on 
processing conditions read from the order card 60 which may include 
corrections made to the exposure conditions in time of simultaneous 
printing. Consequently, prints of the same quality as in simultaneous 
printing may be obtained to the client's satisfaction. 
As noted above, when all the pieces of film 2 in a negative sheet are 
handed to the client along with the order card 60 and prints of the 
images, a different order card to which only the magnetic data are copied 
may be given to the client to be used for any further prints to be made. 
The new order card has, automatically recorded thereon, corrected 
processing conditions such as exposure conditions for each image frame on 
the developed film. Thus, by using this card when printing images of the 
film at a later time, there will be no need to determine processing 
conditions such as exposure condition all over again. This feature 
provides the effects of promoting the efficiency of additional printing, 
and enabling a printing operation to be repeated with the same conditions. 
Thus, use of such photographic processing apparatus provides prints that 
meet clients' satisfaction. Further, by printing images after reading 
predetermined processing conditions and the selected numbers of prints to 
be made of selected image frames from an order card, manual errors are 
avoided, and prints are prepared accurately and efficiently. Since 
printing is based on recorded processing conditions, prints may be made 
with the same conditions over and over again to satisfy clients.