Photo film processing system
A bar code representative of a print order reception number is assigned to each filmstrip. An auto film loader is provided with a bar code reader to read the print order reception number from the filmstrip, and determines a film type of the existing filmstrip based on the print order reception number, before feeding the filmstrip to an image reading apparatus. A film sorter is disposed behind the image reading apparatus. If the filmstrip fed through the image reading apparatus is a negative film, a lid of the film sorter is closed to guide the filmstrip to a negative film cutter-inserter section. If the filmstrip fed through the image reading apparatus is not a negative film, a lid of the film sorter is opened to guide the filmstrip to a film catcher.
1 . A photo film processing system comprising:
an auto film loader for supplying a photo filmstrip automatically in a sequential fashion;
a film working device for reading image data or making photo prints from picture frames of said photo filmstrips;
a film type discrimination device for discriminating said photo filmstrips between a negative type and other types; and
a sorting device disposed in a position downstream of said film working device, for sorting said photo filmstrips according to film types discriminated by said film type discrimination device.
2 . A photo film processing system as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising a device for recording data on said filmstrips for allowing to discriminate the film type with reference to said data, and a sensor disposed in said film type discrimination device, for reading said data from said filmstrips.
3 . A photo film processing system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said film type discrimination device is an image processor that can discriminates the film type based on said image data read by said film wording device.
4 . A photo film processing system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said sorting device comprises a lid that forms a guide surface of a film path for guiding said photo filmstrips after being fed out from said film working device, a driving device for driving said lid to open and close, and a control device for controlling said driving device of said lid in accordance with the film type discriminated by said film type discrimination device, such that said lid is closed for the negative type filmstrips and is opened for other types of filmstrips, to distribute said photo filmstrips into two directions.
5 . A photo film processing system as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising a negative film cutter-inserter disposed in a position downstream of said sorting device, said negative film cutter-inserter cutting said photo filmstrips into pieces and inserting said pieces into preservation bags, wherein said sorting device feeds said photo filmstrip to said negative film cutter-inserter when said film type discrimination device discriminates said photo filmstrip as the negative type.