JPH0213794B2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a recording method using a photosensitive plastic film for selectively generating a wavelet image pattern in the frame area of the photosensitive plastic film by electrostatic charging and thermal deformation of the image pattern. and monitoring devices.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,547,628 and 3,291,601 describe recording and monitoring devices that utilize a transparent, three-layer photosensitive plastic film that is transparent to image projection light. Both of these patents describe devices for sequentially transporting photosensitive plastic film to at least four locations. At a first location 1, the thermally deformable photoconductive surface layer is uniformly electrostatically charged. At a second location 2, this uniformly charged surface layer is exposed to a light image to activate radiation having a uniform electrostatic charge in the area of the light-hit area in the image projected thereon. It is selectively discharged by oxidation. A heating device at the third location 3 heats the surface layer so that it softens and can produce wave-like deformations in the image areas where the electrostatic charge remains. 4th place 4
A Schilleren optical projector projects a beam of light through the deformed film to produce a readable replica of the deformably imprinted image on the film. Such devices and their operation are expensive, complex, and undesirable.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,781,106 and 3,992,090 describe devices using a four-layer photosensitive plastic film with a fourth or outer layer of thin, highly reflective material;
No. 3,869,201 describes microfissure using such a film. The apparatus described in the above-mentioned U.S. Pat. Successive frames of the film are sequentially generated, viewed, and then selectively modified, added to, or updated as needed. However, the device described above is somewhat complex and has the disadvantage that the viewing screen used in the projection mode is constructed as part of the document holding station or document holder for the document to be reproduced on film. Therefore, the projection mode cannot be used when the original is in a predetermined position for copying. Furthermore,
The optical system relies on a beam splitting device and only specular or reflective photosensitive plastic films can be used; these types of films currently available are extremely delicate and easily damaged, with the reflective layer scratching during normal handling. There are drawbacks.

As described in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. As a recording film sheet, the dimensions are approximately 105 mm long x 148 mm wide, and 12.5 mm long x 148 mm wide.
A rectangular pattern is provided with seven horizontal rows of panels or frame areas capable of recording 98 message images measuring 10 mm wide, each row having 14 panels or frame areas. For convenience, the above-mentioned 98 frame areas are arranged from the top to the bottom of each of the above-mentioned seven columns as described in the above-mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 3,992,090.
to G, respectively, and each of the 14 columns corresponding to the aforementioned 14 frame areas in each column is designated by the numbers 1 to 14 from left to right, respectively, and by using a pair of rectangular coordinates. can do. The above-mentioned U.S. patent no.
As further described in specification no. 3992090,
A film sheet may be supported on the carrier in the form of a special film and transported along a diagonal path and selectively positioned in a fixed optical path for recording a desired frame area of said film. For the purpose of making such a recording, the image rays are projected through an objective lens and focused onto a transverse film support device which defines a reflective surface area of a photosensitive plastic film in the form of a film frame. It has a lateral platen located behind the film section. An optical aperture is provided between the objective lens unit and the plantain support film area so that the back surface of the film opposite the reflective surface can fit into the platen opening. A movably mounted heated metal block is pressed forward into the platen aperture and into contact with the back side of the film to heat and soften the area of the film located between the optical aperture and the platen aperture. Try to get it. Electrostatic charging of the frame area is effected by a corona generating element supported at a fixed position spaced above the plane of the film. The film is moved against the platen and the heated metal block by the generation of a large potential difference between the conductive surfaces of both the platen and the heated metal block on the one hand and the conductive layer of the multilayer photosensitive plastic film on the other hand. Bring it into close contact. The recording devices described above make it difficult to read or monitor images recorded on film.

In view of the prior art described above, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved recording and monitoring device for use in transparent photosensitive plastic microfisces. It is another object of the present invention to separate the document holding area from the inspection area, eliminate the need for expensive duplication of optical systems, and provide a properly configured and arranged recording and recording system without the use of beam splitters or similar devices. We are trying to provide monitoring equipment. Another object of the present invention is to
It is suitable to further secure the film to the platen, to prevent corona leakage, to ensure that the operator or user is informed that the selected frame has already been exposed, and to permit virtually instantaneous viewing. The aim is to provide recording and monitoring equipment that has been configured to:

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the base magnification is increased slightly to 25x, i.e., the document is reduced by a factor of 25 between the document surface and the focal image plane within the frame area on the film stock. be done. This increased scale ratio provides sufficient margin for errors in accurate positioning of the file and other components when recording originals as large as 8.5 x 11 inches; This can be tolerated even if consideration is not given to the position of the outer peripheral edge.

To monitor, i.e. read, the image recorded in the frame area, we utilize the same objective lens system and select an image path length of 8.5×11
An image slightly smaller than an inch is displayed on the viewing screen. Due to varying path lengths and other factors inherent in the use of this type of recording film, it is necessary to vary the position of the lens system between recording and monitoring modes of operation.

Furthermore, it is desirable in the monitor mode to allow the operator or user to control the adjustment of the focus of the image on the viewing screen. However, the focusing of the image onto the surface of the photosensitive plastic film must be very precise when operating in the recording mode and is therefore usually preferred to be left to factory adjustment. In order to satisfy various other similar requirements, according to the invention, the device is suitably configured to remove all manual adjustment elements of the lens system focus when the device is operating in recording mode; The lens system is also configured to automatically switch the lens system to an offset base relative to the monitor path length when the device is switched to a monitor mode of operation to allow operator-controlled adjustments to be made. .

As a modification of the invention, another lens system of 32 magnification can be placed within the standard size frame area of 11x14.
It can be provided only in a recording mode for copying at a scale up to inches. However, since the area of the viewing screen remains a fixed size, it is desirable to constantly use its full capacity, and therefore the frame area remains fixed, regardless of what magnification is selected for the recording mode.
Only the 25x lens system is used in monitor mode.

To securely clamp the film stock, a container or box containing the corona-generating element is movably mounted so that the corona container can push the film down against the platen structure beneath it. Another advantage is that neither the corona discharge nor the image-carrying beam leaks laterally into adjacent frame areas, a phenomenon known as cross-talk when such a leakage phenomenon occurs. Defects occur.

Furthermore, stray rays are prevented from entering the frame area being processed, thereby preventing blurring.
Heat is applied to the backside of the film by forcing a heated metal block through holes formed in the platen in much the same manner as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,992,090, but in accordance with the practice of the present invention. In this case, an efficient vacuum suction structure is provided in order to bring the film into close contact with the block much more reliably than can be achieved using the principle of electrostatic adhesion described in the above-mentioned US patent specification. .

Generally, means for monitoring the device is provided to ensure that no inadvertent recording is made on already exposed frame areas of the flash. Preferably, the device is always in monitor mode when the flash is inserted and indexed to the frame area to be recorded. If an image has already been recorded in the indexed frame area, this recorded image will appear on the screen to alert the operator, who will then be able to move the image to the unrecorded frame area. can be advanced or the image recorded in the frame area can be erased and then recorded again. If it is desired to automatically indicate what has already been recorded in the frame area, a sensor device can be used to do so. Such a sensor detects that the frame in the exposed frame area has undergone deformation due to the imaging heat applied to this area, and that this deformation can be detected as an indication that the frame area has already been recorded. It operates based on phenomena. Another method is to project and develop a mark in a safe boundary area between the area of the frame that can be developed in its entirety and the area that is positioned to receive the image of the largest document, and to make this mark suitable for automatic indication. It can be detected by a sensor.

According to the present invention, a photosensitive plastic film recording and monitoring device for selectively forming an image pattern in the form of small waves in a frame area of a photosensitive plastic film by electrostatic charging and thermal deformation of the image pattern is provided. a holding location, a device for flood illuminating said document holding location, means for projecting an image from said document holding location onto a first optical path, and an image surface perpendicular to said first optical path. means for indexably supporting a readable file by transmission of a photosensitive plastic film at a selectable frame position at said document holding location; a focusing means disposed in the first optical path between the image plane and the document holding location for focusing; a projection light source disposed on the opposite side of the image plane from the focusing means; a viewing screen and a reflector device selectively operable to interrupt said first optical path and switch to a second optical path extending sequentially from said projection light source through said image plane and said focusing means to said viewing screen; means for applying an electrostatic charge to the film in the image plane in a frame area intersected by the first optical path during a recording cycle; and means for forming an image on the film in the frame area during the recording cycle. characterized in that it comprises means for applying heat and operator actuated control means for operating said selectively operable reflector device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Many advantages of the invention which are not apparent from the foregoing description will become apparent and may be better understood through the detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the following drawings.

The invention will now be explained with reference to the drawings. The same reference numerals indicate the same or similar parts throughout the drawings.

In FIG. 1, a photosensitive plastic film recording and monitoring device according to the present invention is generally indicated at 30. All components except the keyboard 31 are housed within the outer case 32. The outer case 32 is provided with an opening 33 to allow access to the viewing screen 34, and an opening 35 to allow access to the document holding location 36. The document holding location 36 is provided with a flat horizontal surface on which a frame 37 indicating the reproduction range is displayed to indicate the maximum document range to the user. Another opening 38 is provided above the keyboard 31 to allow insertion of a photosensitive plastic film film on which an image is to be recorded.
A power switch 39 is provided to control the main power supply to the internal components, as well as a manual adjustment knob 40 and a key operated switch 175 for reasons explained below.

Keyboard 31 is provided with an array of control buttons for determining various functional modes of the device and for selecting frame areas on the fish.
A center group 41 having 21 buttons displaying ``A'' to ``G'' and ``1'' to ``14'' is used to enable selection of a desired frame on the fish by rectangular coordinates. The remaining buttons are a "Hi-Lo monitor" button 42, a "shoot" button 43, a "frame forward" button 44, an "unload" button 45, an "erase" button 46, and an "ON-OFF" monitor button 17.
6 will be provided. Additionally, a signal lamp 177 is provided to indicate that the device is ready for photocopying.

As shown in FIG. 2, an illumination device such as flood lights 47 and 48 for illuminating the original holding place 36 is provided at the original holding place. Although only two flood lights 47, 48 are shown in FIG. 2, in the preferred embodiment four lights are preferably used, with the second pair of lights located at the rear of the two lights shown in the figure. established in A first reflector 49 is provided as a device for projecting the image from document holding location 36 into a first optical path, the beginning of which is indicated by dash-dotted lines 50 and 51.

The image plane 52 is inserted into the device.
This image plane is located at the first
Located perpendicular to the optical path. An optical image of the document held in the document holding location is displayed on the image surface 52.
An objective lens system 53 is provided in the first optical path between the image plane 52 and the document holding location 36 for focusing onto the surface of the file located at the surface of the file. A projection light source, generally indicated by 54, is composed of a projection lamp 55, a reflecting mirror 56, and a condensing lens system 57, and is provided on the side of the image plane 52 opposite to the focusing means 53.

A reflector device 58 is rotatably mounted and selectively operable to intercept the first optical path and direct light from the projection light source 54 through the image plane 52 and focusing means 53 to the viewing screen 34 (see below). 2, but as shown in FIG. 3, it is possible to switch to a second optical path extending to the front of the page of FIG. 2). Second
3 and 4, the second optical path is reflected from the reflector device 58 to the reflector device 59, further reflected to the reflector 60, and finally projected onto the viewing screen 34. . Actuator 1
A light shutter 178 controlled by 79 is provided above the focusing means 53 so that the first optical path can be independently blocked from the image plane as will be described below.

The arm end of the lever arm 62 has a container 61 fitted therein with a corona-generating element for applying an electrostatic change to the flash located at the image plane 52 within the frame area intersected by the first optical path during the recording cycle. It can be attached to. A heated metal block 63 is also attached to the end of the carrier member 64 for applying imaging heat to the film within the frame area during the recording cycle.

First, when power switch 39 is actuated to apply power to the apparatus, flood lights 47 and 48 are turned on, shutter 178 is retracted, and rotatable reflector device 58 is positioned as shown in FIG. The reflector devices 58 are interconnected to an electrical switch 65 which is connected to the projection light source 54 so that the reflector device 58 is in the position shown in FIG. The projection light source 54 can only be energized when in a position forming two optical paths.
Although not shown in the drawings, a fishing carrier is provided in opening 38 (see FIG. 1) of shell 32.
This carrier has a U.S. patent number.
3,992,090 can be used, as long as it is large enough to support a file without the extra index portion as described in that patent. Insert the file into the carrier and set the index position by pressing one of the letter buttons A through G to select the desired horizontal column in the file and pressing one of the numeric buttons to select the vertical column in the file. select. By depressing the first pair of index buttons described above, the flash carrier is automatically moved into position in the image plane 52 and positioned at the desired frame position by a suitable XY coordinate movement mechanism. Ru. During this positioning operation,
Corona container 61 is raised to the raised position under the control of actuator 66. At the same time that the XY coordinate movement mechanism is located at the selected position, a control signal is sent to lower the corona box 61 so that the bottom surface of the corona box 61 is applied to the top surface of the film and presses the film against the platen 67.

The focusing means 53 is mounted on the turret plate 68 and the turret plate 68 can be moved about the fulcrum 69 by means of a lifting linkage 70 controlled by the manual control knob 40. As shown in FIG. 2, the lifting link mechanism 70 is connected by a link 71 to a rotatable reflector device 58 for purposes described below. Further actuators 72 and 73 are provided for controlling the heated metal block support member 64 and the rotatable reflector arrangement 58, respectively.

When the film is inserted into the system, the system's logic circuitry first selects a dim level for lighting the projection lamp 55. Next, the user says “Hi-Lo
A "monitor" button 42 allows the light intensity of the projection lamp 55 to be selected to a low level or a high level. Low levels are generally chosen to increase lamp life. A viewing screen 34 displays to the user the image recorded within the selected frame on the fish. If the selected frame is not recorded, this will appear on the viewing screen 34. Conversely, if the user selects a recorded frame on the camera; the items recorded in that frame will appear on the viewing screen 34 and the user will be prompted to operate the control knob 40. Therefore, the user can focus clearly.

When the selected frame is not recorded and the user positions the original document to be photographed within the dimension and position indication frame line 37 on the document holding place 36, the user presses the photograph button 43. Can be done. Mercury vapor floodlights 47 and 4
When the signal lamp 177 indicating that the camera 8 is illuminated at maximum brightness is on, the operation of the photographing button 43 is activated via an appropriate control circuit, usually after a warming-up delay of about 5 minutes. Initiate device sequence operation. During the warm-up period mentioned above,
An interlock circuit is activated to prevent the initiation of a capture or erase cycle, or alternatively, an annotation cycle under conditions as described below. After pressing button 43, the first step is to rotate reflector device 58 from the position shown in FIG. 2 to the position shown in FIG. Upon starting the rotation of the reflecting mirror device 58,
The switch 65 is activated to cut off the lighting of the projection lamp 55. As the reflector device 58 approaches the position shown in FIG. 5, the lifting linkage 70 is disconnected from the lens mount 68 via the link 71, removing user control and adjusting the focusing means 53 to the factory preset adjustment. The image on the image plane 52 is focused to an ideal state. As shown in FIG. 5, in this state, the first optical path extends from the document location 36 through the reflectors 49 and 58 to the lens 53, through the tubular corona container 61, and then completely onto the image plane 52. There is.

At the same time that the reflector device 58 reaches the position shown in FIG. Adds an electrostatic charge to the object. At the same time, an optical image is projected from the document location 36 onto the frame of the camera by the device described above. An electrostatic image pattern is thus formed within the photosensitive plastic layer of the flash. The corona-generating element is energized for about 2 seconds when shut off, and after this energization, depending on the adjustable setting of the device, the heated metal block 63 is moved from the position shown in FIG. Move the platen 67 to the position shown in Figure 5.
It contacts the lower surface of the film at the image plane 52 through the hole. The details will be explained later.
However, before the heated metal block contacts the film, the shutter 178 is activated by the actuator 17.
9 to block the first optical path, thereby preventing image blurring that may occur if the film is vibrated or jolted by contact with the heating block.

The temperature of the heating metal block 63 is maintained at a predetermined temperature level by an electric heater controlled by a thermostat, and at this temperature level, by contacting the surface of the film for about 1 second, unevenness is generated on the film. It shall be possible to do so. After approximately 1 second of contact with the film, heated metal block 63 is retracted to the position shown in FIG.

Although not shown in the drawings, when the heating metal block 63 contacts the film on the platen 67 by appropriately interlocking the support member 64 of the heating block 63 and the electric control circuit, the reflector device 58 is shown in FIG. It is configured to start the return movement to the standby position shown in FIG. When the heated metal block 63 falls from the platen 67 as it begins to retreat, the shutter 17
At the same time, the automatic delayed indexing operation to the next adjacent frame position of the fish is started. This delay time is adjustable within the range of zero to two seconds by means of a device not shown, and during this delay time the reflector device 58 is maintained in monitor mode so that the user can monitor the image frame that has just been developed. This is the time when quality can be quickly observed. After the scheduled delay, the indexing operation starts automatically, and with this start, the corona container 61 is moved by the actuator 66.
During the indexing operation, the corona container 6 is raised by
1 away from the film surface.

If the user wishes to inspect the image recorded in the frame after recording, press coordinate selector button 4.
You can return the position of the fish to the desired frame by pressing 1. After making sure that the image being recorded is satisfactory, press the two corresponding coordinate buttons or press the frame advance button 44.
The camera can be advanced to the next recordable frame by indexing the camera to the next frame. Each time the frame advance button 44 is pressed, the frame can be advanced by one frame.
can also be suitably used for the purpose of scanning a series of frames. In this state, the original copy on the document holding location 36 can be replaced and recorded in the next frame.

If the user determines that there is no need to monitor the flash after each exposure cycle, the user can press button 176 to lock rotatable reflector 58 in the position shown in FIG. After locking in this manner, the imaging cycle can be started without the delay caused by rotating the reflector device 58. By later pressing the button 176 again, the operation of the reflecting mirror device 58 described above can be restored.

If it is desired to erase a recording from a recorded frame, hold the spring-loaded key switch 175 in the actuated position and press the erase button 46.
, thereby placing the apparatus in the position shown in FIG. The block 63 is brought into contact with the fish. After erasing, return the heating metal block 63 to the position shown in FIG.
Monitor erased frames. This allows a new image to be recorded in the erased frame as required.

Next, the heating metal block 63 and its support member 64 will be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 6 to 11. One end of the support member 64 is bifurcated to provide two arms 74 and 75, a horizontal bar 76 is fixed to the arm ends of these arms with screws 77 and 78, and flanges are provided at both ends of the horizontal bar 76. rollers 79 and 80 are provided. A vertical pin 81 is attached to the center of the horizontal bar 76 by a screw 82. pin 81
A valve closing surface 83 is tapered at the upper end and a valve closing surface 84 is provided in a conical valve seat 84 formed at the upper end of an axial bore 85 extending upwardly and partially through the bottom wall of the heated metal block 63. Allowing surfaces 83 to cooperate. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, pins 81 are positioned within holes 85 to freely support heated metal block 63 on the pins by gravity. Heated metal block 63 is provided with lateral passages 86 and 87 leading from the upper end of hole 85 to the outside of the block at a position below shoulder 88. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a plate 89 is secured to the bottom of the heated metal block 63 and an arm 90 is attached to one side of the plate 89.
This arm is loosely fitted into a notch formed in a bracket 91 fixed to the block support member 64. By thus engaging arm 90 with bracket 91, block 63 is prevented from rotating about pin 81. Heating metal block 6
Another arm 92 is also fixed to the lower surface of 3, and this arm is extended so as to be positioned below the horizontal bar and the screw 82 with a slight gap therebetween. Arm 9
2 that the heated metal block 63 is moved vertically upward from the pin 81 to a distance greater than the gap between the arm 92 and the lower surface of the crossbar 76 or, more precisely, the gap with the head of the screw 82. prevent. Sufficient play is provided between the heated metal block 63 and the pin 81 so that the heated metal block 63 can separate from the pin 81 to open the passage between the hole 85 and the transverse passages 86 and 87. .

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a second horizontal bar 93 is attached to the upper surface of the heating metal block support member 64, and flanged rollers 94 and 95 provided at both ends of the horizontal bar are attached to the respective support rails. Guide support on 96 and 97. A vacuum actuator is provided as the actuator 72,
The output arm 98 is heated by the metal block support member 64.
It is rotatably connected to the lower end of an arm 99 connected to the lower side of the arm 99. The heating metal block support member 64 is always biased by a spring to the position shown by the solid line in FIG. 9, and the roller 80 is movably supported on the support plate 100, and the roller 79 (see FIG. 6) is moved in a manner not shown. It is movably supported on a supporting plate. When applying negative pressure to actuator 72 via an input line (not shown), arm 98 is pulled to the left in FIG.
3 in the lower position, the rollers 79, 8
0, 94 and 95, the heating metal block support member 64 is moved to the left. Furthermore, when the actuator 72 operates, the roller 95 engages with the stop member 101, thereby preventing it from moving to the left, and the stop member 101 acts as a fulcrum to hold the heated metal block support member 64 against the horizontal bar. 93, thereby heating the metal block 63.
is raised to the upper position shown by the chain line in FIG. Due to this rise, the top surface of the heating metal block rises through the hole 102 in the top surface of the platen 67, and the first
As shown in FIG.
The frame area of the fish film 103, which is held in a state where it is engaged with the periphery of the film 02, is in close contact with the frame area.

During all operation of the device, negative pressure is applied to the heated metal block 63 and film 10 in the raised position via a lateral passage 105 formed in conduit 104 and platen 67.
3 and the periphery of the hole 102. When the heated metal block 63 is retracted as shown in FIG. 10, the pressure within the platen holes 102 is substantially atmospheric. However, as the heated metal block 63 rises and begins to enter the hole 102, the heated metal block 63 acts as a valve, hermetically sealing off the above-mentioned space and attracting the fish film 103 by a vacuum effect. , the upper surface of the heating metal block 63 is brought into close contact. While the heating metal block 63 is raised, the pin 81
is in the valve closed position relative to the valve seat 84.
However, at the end of a recording or erasing cycle, as support member actuator 72 begins to release heated metal support member 64, the initial downward movement of crossbar 76 causes pin 81 to move toward valve seat 84.
passageways 86 and 87.
The trajectory from the hole 87 to the hole 87 is opened. This causes the negative pressure or vacuum in the space between the heating metal block 63 and the film 103 to communicate with the atmosphere, eliminating the blocking function and causing the pin 81 to descend downward. When the vacuum line connected to the conduit 104 is cut off from the supply line to the actuator 72, the hole 85
The negative pressure acting on the actuator 72 is also rapidly relieved by breaking the vacuum by opening the passages between the actuator 72 and the passages 86 and 87.

Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, air holes 106 are provided in the area of the support plate adjacent to the platen 67 to communicate with a network of passageways provided in a skeleton shape on the underside of the support plate. A source of positive pressure air is connected to the air source by means of a device not shown. As a result, the air cushion table is provided on the support plate to allow the fish to float, thereby preventing scratches from forming on the surface of the fish.

Next, details of the corona generating element, its storage container 61, and attachment member shown in FIGS. 12, 13, and 14 will be explained. Corona container 6
1 is attached to the lower end of the support member 108 between a pair of insulating arms 62a and 62b hinged at 107.

The support member 108 is suspended from a mounting plate 109 and is provided with transverse slots 110 for weakening the support member 108 to provide flexibility to the support member 108. The support column 111 is rigidly suspended and supported from a mounting plate 109 at a position slightly in front of the support member 108. To enable adjustment of the hinge point 107 toward and away from the support member 111, a bolt 112 passed through the support member 108 is screwed into the support member 111, and a set screw 113 is screwed into the support member 108 for support. Place it against the side of 111.

The actuator 66 is suspended from a mounting plate 109, and its armature piece 114 is connected to the lever arms 62a and 62b by a horizontal pin 115.

To enable adjustment of the lateral position of the arms 62a and 62b, a set screw 116 is provided supported in the slotted end of a post 117 suspended from the mounting plate 109, and rests against the arm 62a and is secured to the slotted end of the post 117. The plate spring 118 supported by the arm 62b is applied against the arm 62b.

Adjustment of the hinge point 107 and the lateral position of the arms 62a and 62b is achieved by adjusting the land area 1 projecting on the outer lower surface of the corona container 61, as shown in FIG.
required to position 20. The land area 120 has the shape of a Roman numeral and has dimensions that correspond to the spacing provided on the body between adjacent frame areas. The bottom of the corona container 61 is opened within the entire rectangular space defined by the central portion of the land area 120. A circular opening 121 is provided at the upper end of the corona container 61, and a pillar 119 and a second
A cylindrical light deflecting plate supported by a light blocking plate 123 attached to the lower end of the column 124 is connected to the circular opening 1.
21 so that it can be inserted and removed freely. The light blocking plate 123 and the light deflecting plate 122 remain stationary, while the corona container 61 can pivot vertically in FIG. 12.

As shown in FIG. 14, a corona generating element or wire 125 is attached and protrudes from the center of the hollow interior of the corona container 61, and the corona container 61 is constructed of an electrically insulating material, preferably a plastic material such as Delrin. good.

As can be seen from the foregoing, the corona box 61 has a first opening defined by a land area 120, which upon energizing the corona element 125 by applying an appropriate voltage to the conductor 126, A corona discharge can be emitted through the above-mentioned first opening. The entire surface of the land area 120 lies within one common surface and the device is properly mounted relative to the platen 67 as shown in FIGS. The land area 120 is positioned parallel and downwardly so that the axis of the land area 120 can be precisely aligned with the hole in the platen 67.
The desired axial position can be obtained by adjusting the corona container 61 relative to the support as described with respect to FIGS. 12 and 13.
As described above, the corona container 61 has the second opening 1.
21 at a position facing the first opening, and the corona container 6
1 to allow light to pass through these apertures. The corona generating wire 125 is made thin so that interference with the light beam passing through the corona container 61 is negligible.

The embodiment according to the invention described above utilizes a single set of optical systems, with only one type of magnification for recording and reading, and the magnification used is 25x. However, flexibility can be substantially increased by providing extra lens elements to make the focal length selectable to provide various magnifications. The keyboard shown in FIG. 15 is substantially similar to the keyboard shown in FIG. 1, but is constructed to allow for 32x magnification recording. As mentioned earlier in this specification, only the 25x lens system is used for monitor or read mode.

Next, the mechanism for attaching and operating the multiple lenses shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 will be described in detail.
Two lenses 130 and 131 are attached to one end of the mounting plate or turret plate 68. In the preferred embodiment shown, lens 130 has a focal length of 41 mm and provides 25x magnification; the other lens 131
has a focal length of 32mm and provides 32x magnification. Two pins 132 are attached to the other end of the turret plate 68.
and 133 are provided, and these pins protrude from the lower surface of the turret plate 68 to connect members 136 and 13.
7 respectively into slots 134 and 135 formed therein. Pin 132 serves as a pivot point for turret movement in the horizontal plane. Adjustment of the position of this pivot point is accomplished by loosening the screw 138 and repositioning the screw within a slot 139 formed in the bridging member 140. Member 137
The turret plate 6 is mounted so that it can be moved in the longitudinal direction under the control of a vacuum actuator 141.
8 from one position to the stop 142 and the stop 14
The device is configured to function as an operating device for switching to a second position relative to No. 2. Stops 142 and 143 can be adjusted in conjunction with the adjustment of member 136 to center lenses 130 and 131 in the desired optical path.

In order to vertically support the turret plate 68, a pair of plastic guides 69a and 69b are attached to the disk 1.
The pin 70 located in the vertical hole 44 is provided at one end of an imaginary triangle whose apex is the position of the pin 70, and the upper end of the disk 144 is made to protrude vertically upward from the upper surface of the bridging member 140. A disk 144 is secured to the side edge of the bridging member 140 as shown in the drawings. The pin 70 is connected to the disk 14 when the device is operated in recording or photographing mode.
The turret plate 68 is supported on the outer periphery of the disc 144 in the lower position retracted into the hole 4. More precisely, an adjustable support plate 145 attached to the lower surface of the turret plate 68 is supported on the outer periphery of the disc 144.

As shown in FIG. 17, the support plate 145 is loosely attached at both ends to the underside of the turret plate 68 by headed pins located at 146 and 147, and the headed pins are inserted into grooves formed at both ends of the support plate 145. Each is inserted upward through the hole. A pair of adjustable setscrews 148 and 149 are attached to the turret plate 6.
8 is passed through from the upper surface and applied to the support plate, so that the distance between the lower surface of the turret plate 68 and the support plate 145 can be adjusted. Stop the turret plate 68 14
2 and the support plate 145 is placed against the disk 14.
4, by adjusting the screw 148, the focusing of the lens 130 can be finely adjusted. Similarly, with the turret plate 68 engaged with the stop 143, the focusing of the lens 131 can be finely adjusted by means of the set screw 149. These are all adjusted at the factory to ensure proper focus for operation of the device in shooting or recording mode.

A pair of levers 150 and 151 are connected to the pivot pin 1
52 and 153, respectively, connecting these levers to the bridging member 140 and its associated frame as shown in the drawings.

One end of the lever 151 is made to protrude below the pin 70 to determine the height of the pin 70. The other end of the lever 151 is connected to a link 71 connected to the rotatable reflector device 58 described above. One cable can be used as the link 71. Lever 1
One end of the lever 150 is engaged with the outer end of the lever 151 and pressed against the outer end of the lever 151 from above by the spring force of the spring 154. An eccentric member 155 connected to a shaft 156 is placed against the other end of the lever 150.

Shaft 156 connects to adjustment knob 40 . Accordingly, when applying upward tension to the link 71 in FIG. 17, the right end of the lever 150 is moved downward to disengage the eccentric member 155. At the same time, the lever 151 is rotated to move the pin 70 to the disk 1.
44 below. This removes manual adjustment and at the same time eliminates focusing adjustment of the lens system for accurate positioning of disk 144 and support plate 145. When loosening the link 71, the pin 70 rises and engages the support plate 145, while the lever 150 rotates to loosen the eccentric member 1.
Multiply 55. This moves the focus position of turret plate 68 to the predetermined distance average position, upon which any adjustments introduced by knob 40 and eccentric member 155 are applied.

The operation of the device using the two lens systems described above is substantially the same as described above with respect to FIGS. 1-5. However, when the fish is first inserted, the lens turret is automatically positioned at 25x. If you then attempt to copy an original that is no larger than 8.5 x 11 inches,
It is enough to press the shooting button. This results in exactly the same operation as described above with reference to FIGS. 1-5. However, if the document is larger than 8.5 x 11 inches (approximately 11 x 14 inches in the example shown), please use the
Press the double button. Upon pressing the photograph button, the turret 68 is moved to position the lens system 131 within the optical path, while the rotatable reflector device 58 is rotated to the photographic or recording position. As previously mentioned,
When the heating metal block 63 contacts the film,
The rotatable reflector device 58 returns to the monitoring position. Shutter 178 operates in the same manner as described above. If the lens system is at the 32x position, the lens system simultaneously returns to the 25x position. This sequence of operation causes the device to operate in a monitor mode with the projection lamp on until the heated metal block 63 has been retracted. If 32x mode is selected, the turret will move in position each time the shooting button is pressed until the 25x button is pressed and 25x mode is selected.

Instead of relying on reading the frame area of the flash on viewing screen 34, the exposed frame area can be detected by a sensor. An embodiment comprising such a device will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 to 23. A keyboard configured to be used in such a device is shown in FIG. 1st
The keyboard shown in Figure 8 is shown in Figure 15 (Hi-
It differs in that it has a ``monitor'' switch that has a different function than a keyboard that has a ``monitor'' switch. Furthermore, instead of the "frame advance" switch there is provided a switch which has at least partially a slightly different function and is designated as an "exposure frame" switch. Finally, an ``Annotation'' switch replaces the ``On-Off Monitor'' switch.

First, to explain from FIG. 19, the device of this example is the device described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 and the device modified by providing two lens systems shown in FIGS. 15 to 17. substantially the same. Furthermore, a surface observation sensor 161 is installed at one end of the movable light shield 160 connected to the actuator 162.
to allow movement into and out of the optical path. As shown in detail in FIGS. 22 and 23, a movable shader 160 is pivotally mounted on the outer casing 164 at 163 and when engaged with a stop element 165, the outer casing 16
The hole 159 in 4 is closed. The actuator 162 may be of the vacuum type, and upon energizing the actuator, the actuator rotates the movable shield 160 in the direction of the hour hand in FIG. 22 to fully expose the hole 159. and remove the optical surface viewing device 161 from the optical path.

FIG. 19 shows the standby mode of an embodiment according to the invention. By turning on the power switch, the floodlights 47 and 48 are turned on to illuminate the document place 36 and pass the image placed on the document place 36 through the reflectors 49 and 58, temporarily blocking the optical path. The optical surface viewing device 161 is projected onto the back surface of the optical surface viewing device 161. The optical surface viewing device 161 can be of the type commonly used for web control, comprising a small light source and a photosensitive diode. As shown in FIG. 19, the fish is clamped to the image surface 52 by the corona container 61 which is pushed down onto the image surface 52 and presses the fish against the platen 67 in the same manner as described above. An optical surface viewing device 161 is mounted on the optical axis above the regular lens 130 (25 magnification lens), projecting the light from the light source through the lens 130 and the corona vessel 61 onto the frame area of the fish and directing it upward. reflect. If the fish is completely flat, its reflection is detected by the photosensitive diode and releases the control so that the exposure cycle can begin. As shown in FIG. 18, the indicator lamp 166 provided within the "exposure frame" button is turned off.

If an image has already been recorded in the frame area located below the lens 130, the film may be curved or deformed and the sensor 16
1 so that this reflected light does not enter the photosensitive diode. As a result, optical surface viewing device 161 cannot receive a return signal and activates the interlock system, which illuminates signal light 166 and prevents the capture cycle from starting even if the "capture" button is pressed.

If the operator or user wishes to annotate the recorded frame area, he or she first activates the keylock switch 175 and simultaneously presses the "Annotate" button to release the device's lockout and begin the capture cycle. make it possible.

If a document is already placed in the document holding location 36 and the "Exposure Frame" lamp 166 is not illuminated, the user can press the "Capture" button to begin the capture cycle. As a result, the actuator 162 retracts the movable light shield 160 along with the optical surface viewing device 161 and simultaneously
If 32 magnification has already been selected, the position of the lens turret 68 is switched and the lens 131
into position. The rotatably mounted reflector 58 is already in the recording position. As the optical movable shield 160 moves out of the optical path, an image is projected through the corona container 61 onto the frame area of the film and the corona generating element is energized to generate an electrostatic pattern. The remainder of the operating cycle described above is performed except that the rotatable reflector device 58 does not automatically transition to monitor mode.
Other embodiments of the invention are substantially the same as described above. Rather, at the end of the imaging cycle, movable shield 160 is returned to a position covering hole 159 in housing 164. FIG. 20 shows the relative positioning of the components during the recording cycle, while FIG. 19 shows the waiting state that is expected to occur at the end of the recording or imaging cycle, as described above. If lens 131, which is a 32 magnification lens, is selected for the shooting cycle, turret 6
8 returns to its original position and positions the regular lens 130 in the optical path for cooperation with the optical surface viewing device 161.

If it is desired to view the frame area of the fish, press the "Monitor" button on the keyboard as shown in FIG. 18 and move the rotatable reflector device 58 to the position shown in FIG. Switch to mode. Simultaneously with the rotation of reflector device 58, movable shield 160 is actuated to retract optical surface viewing device 161 through aperture 159. If you wish to return to recording mode,
Press the "monitor" button twice (this switch may be an on-off or double throw type) to return the components of the device to the standby position shown in FIG.

When the exposure frame signal beam 166 illuminates,
Since the exposure frame area is on the underside of the optical surface viewing device 161, the fish can be advanced to the next frame area by pressing the "Exposure Frame" button on the keyboard of FIG. 18. The function of advancing this fish is the same as described above for the other embodiments.

If it is desired to remove the fish from the device, as in all previously described embodiments, the "eject" button is pressed to index the fish carrier to a central position and advance it to the entrance opening on the front side of the device. .

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the total area of the frame area that can receive the image on the fish is approximately 9.119 x 11.735 mm. By reducing the size of 8.5 x 11 inches at 25x magnification, approximately
Covering an area of size 8.636 x 11.176 mm,
On the other hand, by scaling 11 x 14 inches to a 32x magnification, it can cover an area of approximately 8.731 x 11.113 mm. This leaves a narrow unused peripheral area. If the document holding location 36 is provided so that a suitable mark can be projected into this peripheral area, or alternatively if the mark is developed in the peripheral area by some other device, the image is printed within the relevant frame area. In this case, the presence of the image of the mark in the peripheral area can be detected by a suitable sensor as another device for providing an exposure frame indication.

Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention when carrying out the present invention.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a recording and monitoring device using a photosensitive plastic film according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the basic components of the device of FIG. 1 showing monitor mode operation, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a partial plan view of the reflector and inspection screen provided in the apparatus shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 4 is a side view of the reflector and inspection screen shown in FIG.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram similar to FIG. 2 shown in recording or photographing mode, FIG. 6 is a partial plan view of the heating metal block and its support member used in the device of FIG. 1, and FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram similar to FIG. FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 7--7 in FIG. 6, FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a portion related to the heating metal block support member in FIG. 6, and FIG. 9 is a line diagram showing the movement of the portion shown in FIG. 8. side view, Figure 10 is the 6th
Partial sectional view detailing the relationship between the heated metal block, platen, microfissure and corona vessel as a cross section taken along line 10--10 in Figure 1.
Figure 1 is a partial sectional view similar to Figure 10 showing the heating metal block and corona container in image forming relation to the flash film, and Figure 12 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the mounting and operating mechanism of the corona container. 13 is a bottom view of the part shown in FIG. 12, FIG. 14 is an enlarged partial sectional view taken along the line 14-14 in FIG. 12 as seen in the direction of the arrow, and FIG. FIG. 16 is an enlarged plan view of a keyboard according to another embodiment of the present invention configured to provide a magnification of 17 is a perspective view of the key portion shown in FIG. 16 to explain the various movements and adjustments in the device; FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a keyboard according to another embodiment with a surface optical surface viewing device; A plan view, FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram similar to FIG. 5 showing a device according to another embodiment comprising a surface optical surface viewing device in standby mode, and FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram similar to FIG. 19 showing a device in recording mode. Fig. 21 is a schematic diagram similar to Fig. 19 shown in monitor mode, and Fig. 22 shows the optical surface inspection device and movable light shield provided in the embodiments shown in Figs. 18 to 21. A partial plan view of , Figure 23 is 23-2 in Figure 22.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along three lines in the direction of the arrow. 30... Recording and monitoring device, 31... Keyboard, 32... Outer case, 33... Opening, 34... Inspection screen, 35... Opening, 36... Original holding place,
47, 48... Flood light, 49... First reflecting mirror, 52... Image plane, 53... Objective lens system, 5
4... Light source, 55... Projection lamp, 56... Reflector, 5
7...Condenser lens system, 58...Reflector device, 59,6
0...Reflector, 61...Corona container, 63...Heating metal block, 64...Support member, 67...Platen, 7
0... Lifting link mechanism, 178... Movable light shield.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A recording and monitoring device for a photosensitive transparent plastic film for selectively forming an uneven image in a frame area of the photosensitive transparent plastic film by imaged electrostatic charging and thermal deformation, comprising: Manuscript holding location 36
means 47, 48 for flood illuminating said document holding location 36; means 49 for projecting an image from said document holding location 36 onto a first optical path 50, 51; and said first optical path 50. .
means 53 disposed between said image plane at 0,51 and said document holding location 36 for focusing an optical document image of said document holding location 36 onto a cleaning plane of said image plane; A projection light source 54 located on the opposite side of the focusing means 53, an observation screen 34, and the projection light source 5
4 to said image plane and said focusing means 5
a first position for establishing said first optical path excluding a second optical path extending through said viewing screen 34 through said viewing screen 34; a rotatably mounted reflector arrangement 58 capable of assuming two positions; a controlled electrical switch means 65 of said reflector arrangement 58; said electrical switch means 65 interconnected with said projection light source 54, connection means 5 for operating the projection light source 54 only when the mirror device 58 is in the second position;
8,73; means for applying an electrostatic charge to the film in the image plane within a frame area intersected by the first optical path during a recording cycle; and forming an image on the film within the frame area during the recording cycle. Recording and monitoring device for photosensitive transparent plastic film, comprising means 63 for applying heat and operator activation control means 40 for operating said reflector device 58. 2. In a recording and monitoring device for a photosensitive transparent plastic film for selectively forming a concavo-convex image in a frame area of the photosensitive transparent plastic film by imaged electrostatic charging and thermal deformation, the document holding location 36
means 47, 48 for flood illuminating said document holding location 36; means 49 for projecting an image from said document holding location 36 onto a first optical path 50, 51; and said first optical path 50. . means 53 disposed between the image plane in the first optical passageway 50, 51 and the document holding location 36 for focusing the optical document image in the document holding location 36 onto the surface of the file in the image plane; , the focusing means 53 of the image plane
a projection light source 54 located on the opposite side, an observation screen 34, and the first optical passages 50, 51.
a reflector device 58 selectively operable to interrupt the projection light source 54 and establish a second optical path extending from the image plane and through the focusing means 53 to the viewing screen 34; first means 6 for determining a first focus adjustment for the focusing means 53 effective for sharply focusing the optical image on the surface of the lens;
9, and second means 70 for determining a second focus adjustment for the focusing means 53 that is effective for sharply focusing the light beam traversing the second optical path on the viewing screen 34; means 40 included in the second means 70 and prompting the operator to make manual adjustments;
and interconnecting said selectively operable reflector device 58 means to said second means 70, and whenever said selectively operable reflector device 58 does not interrupt said first optical path 50,51. means 7 for separating said second means 70 from control over the focusing means 53;
1; said first optical path 50 during a recording cycle;
means for applying an electrostatic charge to the image plane body within the frame area intersected by 51;
means 63 for applying imaging heat to the film within the frame area during the recording cycle;
and operator activation control means 40 for operating said selectively operable reflector device 58. 3. Document holding location 36 in a recording and monitoring device for photosensitive transparent plastic film for selectively forming an uneven image in the frame area of the photosensitive transparent plastic film by imaged electrostatic charging and thermal deformation.
means 47, 48 for flood illuminating said document holding location 36; means 49 for projecting an image from said document holding location 36 onto a first optical path 50, 51; and said first optical path 50. , 51; means 38 for indexably supporting a transmission-readable microfissure of photosensitive transparent plastic film at selectable frame positions in an image plane perpendicular to said first optical path 50;
51 and the document holding location 3
means 53 having a plurality of selectable focal lengths and for focusing the optical document image of the document holding location 36 onto the surface of the file in the image plane; focus means 53
a projection light source 54 located on the opposite side, a viewing screen 34, and the first optical passages 50, 51.
a reflector device 58 selectively operable to interrupt the projection light source 54 and establish a second optical path extending from the image plane and through the focusing means 53 to the viewing screen 34; means 68 coupled to means 53 for selecting a predetermined focal length when said second optical path is established;
132; means 141 operable under operator control to select and use one of said plurality of focal lengths during a recording cycle; and means 141 for selecting and using one of said plurality of focal lengths during a recording cycle; means 61 for applying an electrostatic charge to the film in the image plane; means 63 for applying imaging heat to the film in the frame area during the recording cycle; and for operating the selectively operable reflector device. Operator start control means 4
Recording and monitoring device for photosensitive transparent plastic film having 0. 4. Document holding location 36 in a recording and monitoring device for photosensitive transparent plastic film for selectively forming an uneven image in the frame area of the photosensitive transparent plastic film by imaged electrostatic charging and thermal deformation.
means 47, 48 for flood illuminating said document holding location 36; means 49 for projecting an image from said document holding location 36 onto a first optical path 50, 51; and said first optical path 50. .
means 53 disposed between said image plane of 0,51 and said document holding location 36 for focusing an optical document image of said document holding location 36 onto the surface of said image plane; A projection light source 54 located opposite to the focusing means 53 interrupts the first optical path 50, 51 with the viewing screen 34 and passes from the projection light source 54 through the image plane and through the focusing means 53. a reflector device 58 selectively operable to establish a second optical path extending to said viewing screen 34 and said first optical path 5 during a recording cycle;
a corona generating element 12, the charge applying means being mounted in a container 61 that confines corona;
5, and when the corona generating element 125 is energized, it emits corona discharge from inside the container 61 through a first opening provided in the container 61, and on the outer surface of the container 61, the first opening is provided. A land area 120 is provided which defines and lies in a common plane, such that said container 61 has a second opening 121 provided opposite said first opening;
is provided above the image plane and connected to the first
a platen structure 67 for holding at least a portion of the fish, with optical passageways 50, 51 passing through said opening of said container 61, and further provided with an aperture 102 approximately corresponding to one frame area; the land area 12 from a first position above the platen structure along optical paths 50, 51;
the corona container 61 to a second position in which the 0 is pressed against the fish on the platen structure 67 to clamp the fish against the platen structure.
means 66 for moving the container, the land area 120 being positioned to engage the platen structure in close contact with the edge of the hole, and the container moving means 66 having a means 63 for applying imaging heat to the film within the frame area during the recording cycle, and for operating the selectively operable reflector device 58; 1. A recording and monitoring device for photosensitive transparent plastic film having an operator start control means 40 of. 5. Document holding location 36 in a recording and monitoring device for photosensitive transparent plastic film for selectively forming an uneven image in the frame area of the photosensitive transparent plastic film by imaged electrostatic charging and thermal deformation.
means 47, 48 for flood illuminating said document holding location 36; means 49 for projecting an image from said document holding location 36 onto a first optical path 50, 51; said first optical path 50, means 38 for indexably supporting a transmission-readable microfissure of photosensitive transparent plastic film at selectable frame positions in an image plane perpendicular to 51; and said first optical passageway 50,5.
1 and the document holding location 36
means 53 for focusing the optical document image of the document holding location 36 onto the surface of the file in the image plane, and a projection located on the opposite side of the image plane to the focusing means 53; light source 5
4, a viewing screen 34, and a second optical path interrupting the first optical path 50, 51 and extending from the projection light source 54 through the image plane and the focusing means 53 to the viewing screen 34; Reflector device 5 that can be selectively operated to establish
8 and said first optical path 50 during a recording cycle.
means 61 for applying an electrostatic charge to the image plane body within the frame area intersected by 51;
and means 63 for applying imaging heat to the film within the frame area during the recording cycle.
The selectively operable reflecting mirror device 58 mounted on the movable light shield 160 is connected to the first optical path 50,
an optical surface viewing device 1 positioned on the optical axis above the focusing means 53 when not interrupting 51;
61, wherein the light shield 160 and the surface viewing device 161 are retracted during a recording cycle, so that whenever the second optical path is established, the surface viewing device 161 means 166 for emitting a signal in response to the presence of the frame area of the exposure frame of the flash and further responding to the signal to prompt an operator to perform a next operation; and the selectively operable reflector device 58. and an operator activation control means 40 for operating a photosensitive transparent plastic film recording and monitoring device. 6. Document holding location 36 in a recording and monitoring device for photosensitive transparent plastic film for selectively forming an uneven image in the frame area of the photosensitive transparent plastic film by imaged electrostatic charging and thermal deformation.
means 47, 48 for flood illuminating said document holding location 36; means 49 for projecting an image from said document holding location 36 onto a first optical path 50, 51; and said first optical path 50. .
51 and the document holding location 3
means 53 for focusing the optical document image of the document holding location 36 onto the surface of the file in the image plane; a projection light source 54 , a viewing screen 34 and a second optical path interrupting the first optical path 50 , 51 and extending from the projection light source 54 through the image plane and the focusing means 53 to the viewing screen 34 . a reflector device 58 selectively operable to establish a path; and during said cycle said first optical path 5
means 63 for applying an electrostatic charge to the film in the image plane within a frame area where 0,51 intersect; and means 63 for applying imaging heat to the film within the frame area during the recording cycle;
and means 66 operatively associated with the charge application means, the heat application means 63 and the indexably supporting means 38, the operatively associated means 66 being responsive to operator activation. The selectively operable reflector device 58 is moved from the first state in which the second optical path is established to the first optical path 5.
0 and 51, the charge application means is activated to apply the charge for a predetermined time, and the heat application means 63 is activated to apply the image forming heat for a predetermined time. Applying heat to the frame area, and substantially simultaneously with energizing the heat application means 63, the selectively operable reflector device 58 is returned to the first state, and upon expiry of the predetermined heat application time, the indexable reflector device 58 is returned to the first state. A recording and monitoring device for photosensitive transparent plastic film, wherein means 38 for supporting said film are energized to advance said film to the next successive frame position in a predetermined pattern.