Abstract:
The invention is an apparatus for capturing photographic images from film using a digital camera and encoding image information as digital data to facilitate editing and printing of finished photographs. The apparatus includes a film transport, an optical stage, sensors for detecting the position and identification marks on individual frames of the film, a digital camera and a computer system for controlling the apparatus and manipulating image and editing data. A feature of the invention is an articulating digital camera which is movable in relation to the optical stage of the device. The camera is positioned, under computer control, in the Y, Z and rotation (R) axis in relation to the images on the film. This permits a broad range of editing tasks to be performed in conjunction with the capture and storage of the digital images created by the device.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]    This application is related to, and claims the benefit of priority from, United States Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/236,443, filed Oct. 2, 2000. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The invention pertains to an apparatus for capturing a digital image from a photographic negative, and more specifically, for selectively positioning a photographic image capturing device in relation to a continuous roll of photographic negatives.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    Conventional chemical photographic image processing has evolved from manual to semi-automatic to nearly fully automatic operation in recent years. Additionally, the wide availability of high quality digital photographic image processing equipment has further streamlined the process of editing photographic images and producing prints from negatives. These advances have resulted in substantially reduced costs, as well.  
           [0004]    In the traditional photographic image processing operations prevalent at high volume photographic laboratories, it is known to splice several rolls of developed film together to form a continuous strip of photographic negatives, each strip containing several hundred individual images. To keep track of these images and edit them in a high production environment is a complex task. Each photographic image must be identified by a discrete code or number. This code may then be correlated with identifying data regarding the image, for example, the name and address of the photographer, the photographer&#39;s job number, the frame number within the photographer&#39;s job, as well as color correction, balance, cropping and orientation information. Only by associating all of this information with a discrete identifying number can the photographic laboratory and its customer, the photographer, be assured that photographic prints generated from the photographic negatives are correctly produced and routed.  
           [0005]    It is well known to produce photographic film processing machines which automatically detect the edge of individual photographic frames on a long roll of developed photographic negative film, and to affix to each frame (usually at the edge) a marking, often in the form of punched holes or notches to identify each frame. It is also well known to use such marked film in a photographic editing and/or printing apparatus, and to manipulate the film in relation to a fixed photographic imaging apparatus such as an enlarger or lamp house, or in relation to a digital video imaging device such as a CCD digital video camera.  
           [0006]    Traditionally, such video imaging devices have been fixed in relation to the path of travel of the long roll of negatives being imaged, and correction of tilted images, reorientation between landscape and portrait formats, and selection of optical centers of the image have been handled by selective movement of a carrier upon which the strip of negative film is mounted. Examples of this type of technology can be found in my U.S. Pat. No. 5,097,292. The focus of the video imaging device in relation to the negative images on the film has also been fixed, preventing corrections for out-of-focus conditions which may arise.  
           [0007]    It is equally well known to utilize digital cameras to transfer photographic images, in digital format, to computers or to computer databases. A simple example of this type of device is found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,920,342 (Umeda). The video-imaging devices taught in the prior art, however, are incapable of providing customized articulated movement in relationship to the plane of the image being scanned.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0008]    My invention incorporates the use of an articulating digital photographic imaging device associated with a long roll film transport, edge detector and punch.  
           [0009]    It is possible to enhance the productivity of the photographic laboratory by further automating the long roll film handling process utilizing my invention. The image capture and encoding device herein described detects frame numbers, punches frame numbers and acquires high quality full frame digital images from a wide variety of film formats. Utilizing an articulating camera assembly, formatting, editing and image size variations can be done through software control by virtue of appropriate electrical connections and instructions between the image capture and encoding device and a digital computer. The device combines several process steps, previously performed in discrete locations, into a single work station.  
           [0010]    The frame edge detection element automatically detects frame edges and so identifies the optical center of each individual frame. The hole punch element places standard binary punch patterns on each individual frame in one embodiment.  
           [0011]    A digital CCD camera, associated with a tri-color (RGB) light source is mounted to provide camera movement in relation to the film. Using appropriate digitally controlled motors,, the distance of the camera from the film, the Y-axis positioning of the camera in relationship to the film center line, the rotation of the camera and focusing can all be controlled utilizing an associated computer running a conventional operating system and specialized software which forms a part of my invention.  
           [0012]    Embodiments of my invention include the ability to separately identify frames from appropriately perforated film, and to read bar codes encoded on the film. The associated software provided with my invention permits a full range of editing, including photograph composition, color balance, orientation, enlargement, refocusing, tilting and touch-up. By providing both the laboratory and the photographer with complimentary software, editing and printing instructions may be freely exchanged utilizing transportable media or computer networks to transmit data between the photographer, the photographic laboratory and the customer. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]    [0013]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the image capture and encoding portion of the apparatus, showing its interconnection to a computer and data network.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 2 is a flow chart outlining the initial image capture steps.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing secondary editing steps.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the main structural elements of the image capture and encoding station.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 5 is an exploded view showing the placement of the major components of the image capture and encoding station.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the digital camera in relation to the major components of the Z-axis transport.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 7 is an exploded view showing the digital camera in relation to the major components of the Y-axis transport.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 8 is an exploded view showing the digital camera in relation to the rotational position and focus function of the camera.  
         [0021]    FIGS.  9 A- 9 D are an exploded views of the main components of the lamp house.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 10 is an exploded view showing the main housing components of the image capture and encoding station.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 11 is a front view of a portion of the image capture and encoding station showing the routing of the film.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 12 is a view of the major pneumatic and vacuum components and their interconnection, and  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 12A is a view of the major pneumatic and vacuum components shown in relation to the main structural components of the image capture and encoding status. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0026]    The operation of the invention will best be understood first by reference to the overall process defining the environment in which the hardware and software perform, next by analyzing the overall configuration and interconnection of the various hardware elements, and finally by analyzing the hardware elements of the invention in detail.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 are simplified flow charts of operations. The image capture and encoding apparatus  10  (as shown in FIG. 1) is designed to operate on a long roll of film, typically created from splicing together two or more rolls of film exposed by the photographer during a typical photographic job. In some instances, the long roll of film may contain multiple jobs for the same photographer, and on rare occasions, may include multiple rolls of film from multiple photographers. The rolls of film are spliced together using well known techniques, thereby presenting to the image capture and encoding apparatus  10  a continuous strip of film, often including several hundred individual exposures.  
         [0028]    The next step in the film image capture process is the accurate detection of a leading or trailing edge of the individual frames found on the film. Typically, this involves the use of an array of optical sensors positioned in relation to the film, and comparing detailed information regarding the optical density of the film in relation to known standards. These techniques, which are well known, result in the reliable detection of at least one edge of the exposure constituting what is conventionally viewed as a negative image on developed photographic film.  
         [0029]    Once the edge of the image is detected, a suitable apparatus, having been provided with information regarding the precise dimensions of each exposure on the film, is able to position each successive photographic image, properly centered, in proximity to an image capturing device, such as a solid state video camera. Simultaneously with the positioning of the film, the film is illuminated, usually from the side opposite the video camera, to project the negative image to the video camera. This procedure, which will be explained further on in this disclosure, results in the creation of one or more digitized images corresponding to the negative image. This digital information is stored in a pre-established format for later use.  
         [0030]    Simultaneously with capture of image, the edge of the film is punched proximate to each negative image. As a result, each frame of the photographic film is provided with a permanent identifying mark near the film edge, where it does not interfere with the appearance of the photographic image, either when digitized, or when printed to photographic paper.  
         [0031]    The next step in the process is the creation of a data base of digital images, which are organized and stored into a digital file for transmission to the photographer and/or the photographer&#39;s customer. Typically, at this point in time, the images are “proof” images only, having merely been scanned, captured and identified by an appropriate code, subjected to preliminary editing and placed into an appropriate digital file. The preliminary editing is accomplished using image inspection software, and may include color correction, positioning and orientation edits, for example.  
         [0032]    The purpose of all of the foregoing steps is to create for the photographic laboratory and for the originating photographer a collection of digital proofs which can be viewed and edited further. These digital proofs may be transmitted by the laboratory to the photographer utilizing an inexpensive transportable medium, such as CD ROM, or may be transmitted to the photographer and/or his or her customer by transmitting the data over a network, such as the Internet. Once the photographer either independently, or with input from the customer, has viewed the proofs, the photographer will typically select one or more of the images for final production. The photographer will specify for the laboratory a variety of parameters for each image to be produced as a finished print. Sample parameters are image orientation (e.g. landscape or portrait), color balance, centering and cropping, magnification, print size, or color correction. Further, the photographer may provide to the laboratory instructions for retouching of photographs to remove blemishes, alter skin tone, remove undesirable reflections or add graphics or matting.  
         [0033]    Once these editing decisions have been made, the process continues as outlined in the flow chart shown in FIG. 3. The database of editing information provided by the photographer, and corresponding to the database of images produced in the initial imaging steps provides the photograph laboratory useful editing information in relation to the previously presented roll of film. Once this information has been received, the previously scanned and punched film is again loaded to the image capture and encoding apparatus, mounted and threaded for further processing. At this stage of the process, each image selected by the photographer for printing is identified by its edge code and transported by the apparatus to its optical stage. Utilizing the editing information provided by the photographer, the magnification, focus, orientation, tilt, cropping, and color balance of the image may be adjusted as the image is recaptured for production purposes.  
         [0034]    The photographic image may then be produced directly by digital output from the edited digital image, or the revised editing information created during the recapture process may be utilized to drive the components of a conventional photograph printer to insure correct orientation, cropping, color balance, and other parameters when the photographic image is presented to the photographic printer for the exposure of photographic paper.  
         [0035]    In FIG. 1, the major components of the image capture and encoding apparatus are depicted. The principal components are the film encoding station  12 , the computer  14 , the computer keyboard  16 , the computer monitor  18  and the secondary computer input device  20 , in one embodiment, a mouse, although a track ball or digital writing tablet performs equally well. The film encoding station  12 , and its associated internal electronic components, are connected by cable  22  or infrared data ports to the computer  14 . The computer  14 , in turn, may be appropriately connected to a computer network  24  utilizing well known data processing network equipment and techniques.  
         [0036]    The computer  14 , keyboard  16 , and input device  20  are preferably stand alone desktop type personal computer components of the type manufactured by IBM®, Hewlett Packard®, Dell®, Compak®, and a wide variety of other manufacturers. Typically, these computers are provided with a central processing unit, random access memory of sufficient size to accommodate the relatively large file sizes resulting from the capture of digital images, one or more storage devices, such as hard disk drives, capable of storing a large number of the relatively large files previously discussed, and frequently, a disk drive capable of both reading and writing to large capacity removable storage mediums, such as the commercially available Zip® drive, rewritable CD ROMs or removable hard disks. The computer monitor  18  is typically selected from that group of color computer monitors capable of generating a wide range of color information, and producing accurate representations of photographic images in a variety of formats, such as RGB, CMYK and grey scale formats. The computer  14  and its associated components serve as the interface between the film encoding station  12  and the operator, and further serve to depict both edited and unedited images, image collections, and data associated with each image. The computer  14  further serves as the portal by which photographic image data may be transmitted over a network  24 , or to other output devices.  
         [0037]    The film encoding station  12  comprises a base plate  36 , a front tool plate  38 , a rear tool plate  40  (not shown in this view), a housing assembly  28  and a front cover  33 , all of which serve to support and enclose the major operating components of the film encoding station  12 . Affixed to the base plate  36  and tool plates  38  and  40  are an articulating camera  15 , a feed spool  80 , a take-up spool  82 , a feed roller array  84 , a take-up roller array  86 , a drive roller  88 , a sensor  90 , a film punch assembly  92  and a lamp house assembly  94 . Contained within the interior of the housing  28  are the various electrical, pneumatic and mechanical components which drive and control the operation of the film encoding station  12 .  
         [0038]    Further detail of the major components of the film encoding station can be best appreciated by reference to FIG. 4. The structural and operative elements of the film encoding station  12  are mounted to a framework providing a secure platform for the mounting of the various components. It is important to recognize that the film optical stage and camera must be rigidly mounted to extremely fine tolerances to insure both a high degree of repeatability and a high degree of precision in photographic imaging. The various elements of the film encoding station framework are enclosed by a housing assembly  28 , consisting of housing side elements  30  and  32 , base plate  36 , front tool plate  38  and rear tool plate  40 . The housing elements, when assembled, serve to enclose and protect the most sensitive components of the station, to support the various operative components and to further protect the operator from the hazards associated with moving components and high voltage electricity in this type of equipment. A plurality of foot elements  41  supports the base plate  36  from beneath.  
         [0039]    Front tool plate  38  and rear tool plate  40  provide the support for the various spool shafts, roller shafts, and Y, Z-axis travel block, motors, punch assembly, edge detecting assembly, light source assembly, film hold down assembly, and punch waste receptacle. The tool plates  38  and  40  further provide support for the Y-axis mounting spacer  220  and a cropping template mounting block  221 . Cooling exhaust fans are mounted to the housing to ventilate the interior of the housing.  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 4 further shows the tool plates in relation to the lamp house top  54  and sides  59  and  56 . An LED circuit board bracket  61  provides support for the primary light source LEDs. In the preferred embodiment, front tool plate  38 , rear tool plate  40 , housing sides  30  and  32 , base plate  36 , and lamp house elements are fastened together using traditional fastening means such as screws  100 , to create the necessary physical support for the attached components. Front tool plate  38  and rear tool plate  40  are further interconnected by the screws  100 , and separated by standoffs  52 . Together these elements form the necessary physical structure of the device, to support the camera, film drive and lamp house.  
         [0041]    As seen in more detail in FIG. 5, front tool plate  38  and rear tool plate  40 , when fastened together, form an assembly which supports, in part, the lamp house top  54 , lamp house left side  59  and lamp house right side  56 . The perimeter of front tool plate  38  also provides the mounting support surface for the perimeter of housing right side  32  and housing left side  30 . Front and rear tool plates  38  and  40  further provide support for feed spool shaft  81 . The feed spool shaft  81  is driven by an intelligent tensioning motor  102 , which is coupled to feed spool shaft  81  by a coupling  104 . The intelligent tensioning motor  102  is mounted to the rear tool plate  40  by spacers  106 , washers  101  and fasteners  100 . Feed spool shaft  81  is further supported by bearings  108 , which provide a low friction fitting for the rotation of the feed spool shaft  81  in relation to front tool plate  38  and rear tool plate  40 . The feed spool shaft  81  is further provided with a collar  111 , washers  101 , a spacer  110  and locking flange  112 , which together serve to position and secure the film feed spool. Adjoining the feed spool shaft  81  is an idler roller  116  supported by an idler roller shaft  118 , which is supported on the front tool plate  38  and rear tool plate  40  by bearings  108  and snap ring  114 . Adjacent the idler roller are one or more particle transfer rollers  120  mounted on particle transfer roller shafts  122  utilizing bearings  108 . Particle transfer rollers  120  are surfaced with a low tack adhesive to cause dust and other particles on the film to adhere to the surface of the particle transfer roller  120 . Particle transfer rollers  120  are designed to be cleanable and reusable after becoming contaminated or soiled. Particle transfer rollers  120  are affixed to the front tool plate  38  and rear tool plate  40  utilizing conventional fasteners  100 , washers  101 , and snap ring  114 . Adjacent to the particle transfer rollers  120  is a feed guide roller  124  which is pivotally mounted to guide roller shaft  126 . Guide roller shaft  126  is mounted to front tool plate  38  and rear tool plate  40  utilizing one or more bearings  108  and snap rings  114 . Guide roller  124  is incrementally adjustable to establish a width between guide portions  125  of guide roller  124  to accommodate varying widths of film. Tension on the film is maintained by a film tensioning roller  130 , mounted on bearings  108 , which are, in turn, mounted on the tensioning roller shaft  132 . The tensioning roller shaft  132  is mounted to a distal end of bail arm  134 . The proximal end  136  of the bail arm  134  is mounted to the bail arm pivot shaft  138 , which, in turn, is mounted on bearings  108  fixed to front tool plate  38  and rear tool plate  40 . Bail arm pivot shaft  138  protrudes through the rear tool plate  40  where it is provided with a spring  190 , retaining collar  140 , a switch vane collar  142  and a second retaining collar  144 . Switch vane collar  142  provides positioning information to the intelligent tensioning motor  102  to insure that the appropriate tension is maintained on the film moving through the system.  
         [0042]    The principal film optical stage is the lamp house top  54 ; the film is conveyed across the lamp house top  54  during the sensing, imaging and punching operations. The various guide and tensioning rollers herein described serve to position the longitudinal or X-axis of the film in relation to a camera  15  which is mounted, as will be explained in detail herein, in relation to the front tool plate  38  and lamp house top  54  to insure exposure of the film. The film is illuminated from below by a lamp house mixer  50  fixed to a lamp house mounting bracket  51 , which, in turn, is mounted to the front tool plate  38  using fasteners  100 . The lamp house mounting bracket also provides support for power resistors  150 , attached to a lamp house mount bracket  51  which also acts as a heat sink for the resistors  150 .  
         [0043]    After passing over the lamp house top  54 , the film is fed over guide rollers  160 , which are mounted on guide roller shafts  162 , which in turn are secured to the front tool plate  38  and rear tool plate  40  utilizing bearings  108  and snap rings  114 . Between guide rollers  160  and  164  is the primary drive roller  170 , which is affixed to drive roller shaft  172 . Drive roller shaft  172  is mounted on bearings  108  and protrudes through to the rear side of the rear tool plate  40  where it is provided with a drive pulley  174  which provides the necessary film advance. The film is then routed over appropriate idler rollers  176  mounted to idler roller shafts  178 , which, are in turn, mounted to the front tool plate  38  and rear tool plate  40  by bearings  108  and snap ring  114 . The film is then routed over a take-up tensioning roller  180  which is mounted by bearings  108  to tensioning roller shaft  182  attached to the distal end of bail arm  184 . The proximal end  183  of bail arm  184  is affixed to bail arm pivot shaft  186  which is in turn mounted on bearings  108  and to front tool plate  38  and rear tool plate  40 . Bail arm pivot shaft  186  is provided with a tensioning spring  190 , a collar  140 , a switch vane collar  142  and a second retaining collar  144 . In a fashion identical to the counterpart tensioning roller on the feed side of the invention, the switch vane collar  142  provides a positioning signal to the electronic circuitry of the system to maintain appropriate tension on the film. A take-up spool is mounted on a take-up spool shaft  202  which is mounted on bearings  108  to the front tool plate  38  and rear tool plate  40 . The take-up spool is positioned on shaft  202  by spacer  110  and locking flange  112 . One end of take-up spool shaft  202  is mounted via a coupling  204  to an intelligent tensioning motor  206  which is mounted to the rear tool plate by appropriate standoffs  110  and fasteners  100 .  
         [0044]    At least one side of the housing, and as shown in the embodiment pictured in FIG. 5, the housing left side contains a cooling fan  42  which is provided with both a fan guard  43  and a cover  44 . Affixed to the front tool plate  38  is a punch receptacle  210  for receiving the waste punch material generated by the film punch (not shown). The punch receptacle  210  is attached to the front tool plate  38  by a punch receptacle bracket  212  and suitable fasteners  100 . The punch receptacle  210  is provided with an inlet  214  and an outlet  216 , to provide a pathway for sucking the punch waste into the receptacle as well as for connection to a vacuum source.  
         [0045]    Reference to FIGS.  6 - 8  will facilitate an understanding of the operation of the video imaging camera assembly. The video imaging camera  15  is provided with a variable focus lens  58 , which is a multi element lens of desired optical characteristics complimentary to the video camera and to the resolution of a wide range of color images. Camera  15  is secured to y-axis travel block  220  via camera ring  222 . Travel block  220  is also attached to lens ring  224  using suitable fasteners  100 . Y-axis travel block  220  is, in turn, provided with camera rotating ring  226 . Rotator ring  226  is preferably in the form of a bearing or bushing thereby permitting camera to rotate freely within the Y-axis travel block  220 . Motor  229  drives rotation pulley  223  and belt  233  to effect rotation of camera  15  in rotation to Y-axis block  220 . Sensor flag  237  provides camera rotational signals to sensors  235 . The camera is further secured to the Y-axis travel block  220  by camera retainer ring  228 , utilizing fasteners. The Y-axis travel block  220  is mounted to a pair of Y-axis travel shafts  230  via through bores  232  in travel block. Low friction bushings  234  are press-fit into the bores  232  of travel block  220  and provided with retainers  239  to provide a low friction slidable relationship between travel shafts  230  and travel block  220 . Lens  58  is provided with a pulley adapter  236 , adapted to be engaged with a pulley belt  238 . Y-axis movement of the travel block is imparted by means of a linear actuator  240 . Selective positioning of the Y-axis travel block  220  is achieved by transmission of an appropriate signal which corresponds to a precise position of the linear actuator  240 , and accordingly, a precise position of the Y-axis travel block  220  in relation to the optical stage of the apparatus. With continuing reference to FIG. 6, it can be seen that Z-axis travel block  244  accepts one end of Y-axis travel shafts  230 . Z-axis travel block  244  is, in turn, provided with through bores  246  which accept Z-axis travel shafts  248  and Z-axis lead screw  250 , with a provision for bearings  252  and retainers  239  which provide a relatively frictionless surface surrounding Z-axis travel shafts  248 , permitting smooth vertical movement of the Z-axis travel block and the components mounted thereto. The upper and lower ends of the Z-axis travel shafts  248  and Z-axis lead screw  250  are affixed utilizing bearings  108  to upper shaft block  260  and lower shaft block  262  which, in turn, are affixed to the rear tool plate. A floating nut assembly  264  is placed in cavity  266  of Z-axis travel block, thereby engaging the threads of Z-axis lead screw  250 . Rotation of Z-axis lead screw  250  drives Z-axis travel block  244  upwards and downwards, thereby repositioning camera  15  in relation to the plane of the film mounted on the image capture and encoding apparatus. The upper end of lead screw  250  passes through a bearing  268  in upper shaft block, and thence engages a flex coupling  270  and a stepper motor  272 . The stopper motor  272  is mounted with standoffs  247  and fasteners  100 , and drives rotation of lead screw  250 . Sensor flags  241  provide reference position for sensors (not shown) to provide position information for the travel blocks.  
         [0046]    Lens  58  has affixed thereto a lens focus motor mount  280 . Attached to lens focus motor mount  280  is the lens focus drive motor  281 , focus motor mount plate  283  and standoffs  285 , all held together by conventional fasteners  100  with associated nuts, lock washers and washers. Affixed to lens assembly  58  is lens pulley adapter  236 , to which is affixed lens focus sensor flag  287 . Lens pulley drive  284  drives lens pulley  238 , and in turn, lens pulley adapter  236  to alter the lens focus. The lens  58  is appropriately spaced from camera  15  by spacers  282 . Sensor  286  is mounted to spacer block  288  by conventional fasteners.  
         [0047]    It can be seen from this description that the various components described, including the travel blocks, shafts, lens, and rotating rings, result in an articulated camera assembly which may be urged to move vertically (the Z-axis) horizontally (the Y-axis), rotated (the R-axis), and vary in focus in relation to the plane of a negative being transported in the apparatus. Movements in each of these axes may be under computer control, or may be manual, depending on the operator&#39;s preference.  
         [0048]    The structure and function of the lamp house may be seen by reference to FIGS.  9 A- 9 D. The lamp house consists of a top  54 , a right side  56 , and a left side  59 . Affixed to a top plate  54  are a negative glass  48  and a diffuser glass  49 , a film guide assembly  57  is affixed to top  54  plate by suitable fasteners. Anti curl rollers are affixed to film guide assembly  57  to stabilize the film edges as the film is transported across the lamp house top  54 . A LED light source printed circuit board  62  is mounted directly beneath the mixing chamber (not shown) by guides  73  affixed to bracket  61 . The LED light source printed circuit board  62  is comprised of red, green and blue light emitting diodes, each group (R, G &amp; B) is individually computer-controlled for precise exposure time. Each LED group is selectively operable allowing all, or any portion, of the array of light emitting diodes to be operated as desired.  
         [0049]    To assist in the dissipation of the heat generated within the lamp house, the lamp house is provided with a lamp house fan  14 , which is affixed by fasteners  100  to the lamp house right side  56 , and provided with a lamp house guard  66 , a filter  68  and a fan cover  70 .  
         [0050]    Because the apparatus relies upon a pneumatic power source to hold down the film and to operate the punch, a pneumatic source and distribution system is required, as shown in FIG. 12. The vacuum sources may be a venturi vacuum pump  200 , which is selectively activated. A high pressure air inlet  302  is mounted to either the housing  28  or base plate  36  so as to be physically secure. Typically, the air inlet is provided with a quick disconnect nipple  301  which allows for easy connection and disconnection of a source of high pressure air. The inner inlet is connected by appropriate pneumatic tubing  303  to an on-off valve  304  which opens and closes in response to the application or removal of main system power to the station. The valve routes high pressure air to an air regulator  306  which is provided with an outlet pressure indicator  308 , as well as a regulator to provide a known pressure of high pressure air to the remaining components of the pneumatic system. The regulator high pressure air is then routed to a T  310  which provides regulated high pressure air to the valve stack  312  as well as to the pneumatic manifold  314 .  
         [0051]    A further understanding of the system will be best understood by first understanding the vacuum system, comprising the vacuum pump  200 , the vacuum controller  316  and the associated tubing  318 . The vacuum pump provides a source of vacuum to the punch receptacle  210 . Coupled with pressure from the manifold  314  provided to the punch assembly  332  through punch waste pressure line  320 , punch waste is routed through the punch waste discharge tubing  322  to the punch receptacle  210 .  
         [0052]    Turning now to the pressure side of the pneumatic system, it can be seen that high pressure air is routed to valve stack  312 , consisting of ten pneumatic valves. The position of each of the ten pneumatic valves is determined by electrical signals from the computer  14 . The outlet  313  of each of the valves in the ten valve stack is connected by tubing arrays  330  to the punch assembly  332 , thereby positioning the individual punches of the punch assembly  332  in a predetermined order. Typically, this punch system order is a binary code of ten bits, allowing encoding of numbers up to 2 10 . Once the valve stack  312  has sent the appropriate pneumatic signals to the editor punch assembly  332 , an appropriate signal is sent to the editor punch assembly valve  334  to provide punching pneumatic pressure to the editor punch assembly  332 , thereby driving the selected punch elements of the punch assembly  332  through the edge of the film. The pneumatic manifold  314  also provides a selective signal to the film hold-down cylinder  340 , to operate the necessary film hold-down elements (not shown) to hold the film against the lamp house top  54  and negative glass  48  during image capture and encoding. The front tool plate  38  and rear tool plate  40  and base plate  36  are shown in ghost view in relation to the main pneumatic components in FIG. 12A. In one embodiment of the invention, the valve stack  312  is secured to the rear tool plate  40 . The pneumatic manifold  314  is preferably mounted to the base plate  36 . Air inlet  302 , valve  304  and a regulator  306  may be mounted in any location within the housing  28 , but are typically affixed to rear cover  34 . Vacuum pump  200  may likewise be mounted anywhere within the housing  78 , and in one embodiment is affixed to the interior side of the front tool plate  38 . Punch assembly  332  is secured to front tool plate  38 . Punch receptacle  210  is mounted to the front or exterior side of front tool plate  38  where it is easily accessible to the operator for emptying.  
         [0053]    Activation of the punch assembly  332  mechanism itself forces individual punch elements to and through the film surface. As the punch system is actuated, a vacuum is applied to the punch chip reservoir  210 , which is mounted to be easily removed from the apparatus so that it can be emptied and reattached. The vacuum facilitates separation of the chips punched from the film, urging them into the reservoir  210 .  
         [0054]    With reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, detailed operation of the complete system proceeds as follows: A long roll of film  13  is mounted to feed spool  80 . The free end of the film is routed around idler roller  116 , tensioning roller  130 , particle transfer rollers  120 , guide roller  124  and across the optical stage of the lamp house  50 . The film  13  is then fed across guide rollers  160 , drive roller  174 , particle transfer rollers  120 , and tensioning roller  180  to a take-up spool  82  mounted on take-up spool shaft  83 . The film feed shaft  81  and film take-up spool shaft  83  are driven, respectively, by film drive motors and film take-up spool motors (not shown), which serve to position the longitudinal or X-axis of the film in a desired position in relation to camera  15  and lamp house  50 . Utilizing selective film drive techniques which are well known, the X-axis or position of the longitudinal centerline of the film can be precisely located in relation to the optical center of the lens  58  associated with camera  15 . One edge of the film is positioned in relation to a film punch  332  located proximate the discharge end of the lamp house  50 . A film chip reservoir  210  is provided to receive film chips generated by the film punch. During initial processing of the film long roll, the edge of each frame of the film is detected by edge sensor  90 , and thereafter provided with a discrete punch code by punch  332 . This discrete punch code serves to corelate and identify each frame of the long roll of film and associated digital data created and stored during the editing processes.  
         [0055]    To facilitate servicing of the various components, certain elements of the housing are readily removable. Rear cover  34  is provided with a plurality of quarter turn fasteners  400 , which, in turn, are provided with spring elements  402 , washers  404  and split rings  408  designed to secure the quarter turn fasteners within holes  406  around the perimeter of the rear cover  34 . The quarter turn fasteners  400  are likewise positioned to engage holes  409  and quarter turn fastener retainers  410  which are affixed to the perimeter of housing sides  30  and  32 . Preferably, the quarter turn fastener retainers  410  are affixed to the perimeter of the housing sides by rivets  412 . In this fashion, the rear cover can be removed from the station quickly without the need for sophisticated tools. The rear cover  34  is also provided with a top shroud  35  which, in one embodiment, is also provided with a cooling fan  402 , a cooling fan guard  43 , air filter  68  and cooling fan cover  44 . The lamp house  50  portion of the station is likewise provided with a front cover  53  provided with operating switches  418  for providing both electric and pneumatic power to the device. It is typical to provide an identification plate  420  affixed to the front of the lamp house cover  53  to provide the manufacturer&#39;s name, as well as the model name, operating voltages, and other specifications for the system.  
         [0056]    As each frame of the film long roll is detected and punched, it is simultaneously presented to the lamp house  50  stage. The lamp house is then illuminated, thereby presenting an image to camera  15 . The image so presented is simultaneously displayed on computer monitor  18  as depicted in FIG. 1. Utilizing the visual image provided by computer monitor  18 , the operator can provide multiple editing and positioning information. Specifically, the operator can view the image for color balance, common defects such as retinal reflection (“red eye”), closed eyes (“blink”), poor color balance, skin blemishes and other fundamental defects affecting the appearance of the photographic subject. At the same time, the operator can position the camera  15  in both the Y and Z axis and can rotate the camera about its central optical axis, the “R” axis, as well as apply cropping information. This permits a preliminarily edited image to be created in either landscape or portrait format or selectively rotated to a format intermediate landscape and portrait for artistic purposes.  
         [0057]    Once the image has been evaluated and preliminarily edited as above-described, the image, together with its identifying code, camera position and associated preliminary edits is stored as a digital image. The finished image may be stored as a raw image and the editing information stored separately, or the image may be fully edited and only the edited image stored. The operator continues the editing process throughout each desired image of the long roll of film. Each image with its associated editing information is stored in a data base, wherein each data base record is discretely identified by the film frame code. Utilizing this code, therefore, the data for each individual image is easily retrieved.  
         [0058]    Operation of the invention continues with transmission of the image and editing data to the originating photographer. Typically, this transmission takes place over a wide area network such as the internet, enabling the originating photographer to view the preliminarily edited photographs without the need for generating printed proofs. The originating photographer can easily review the photographs in the company of the ultimate customer, or can transmit the digital images to the ultimate customer for comment and ordering. After the originating photographer reviews the images and obtains an order from the customer, the originating photographer will transmit additional editing information to the photographic laboratory, together with ordering information.  
         [0059]    At this stage, the output process begins. The original long roll film is again loaded into the image capture and encoding station which is, as previously discussed, provided with the necessary edge detection and punch code reader hardware insuring that the registration of the film during the original editing process can be precisely duplicated during the output process. Punch assembly  332  incorporates a punch code reader which permits identification of each frame. As each frame is detected and identified, therefore, the film positioning information from the original editing process is used to re-register the film  13  and camera  15  in the precise position established during the original editing step. Each frame is identified as one which will or will not be printed, as an initial step. Those frames which will not be printed are bypassed, and only those frames which will be printed are the subject of further processing. As each frame to be printed is presented to the optical stage of the image capture and encoding station, the original editing information provided in the original editing step, together with the editing data provided by the originating photographer are retrieved by the computer and applied to the image capture and encoding station, thereby simultaneously positioning the camera in Y and R axis as well as focus. Appropriate cropping and color balance information, as well as detailed edits of the photographic image are applied. With each of the above parameters thereby established and applied, the final image is then captured and output, either directly to digital output, or the parameters may be utilized to drive a conventional photographic printer, thereby regulating image size, cropping, color balance, masking, matting and orientation. Having thus described my invention, numerous insubstantial variations will be obvious to those skilled in the art, without departing from the invention, which I claim as follows: