Method and apparatus for digital film processing using a scanning station having a single sensor

A method for creating a digital image file from a developing film, comprising:

• applying developer to film to cause the film to begin to develop;
• moving the film relative to a scanning station having a single sensor unit during a first time period such that a front surface of the film faces the sensor unit;
• during the first time period, applying radiation to a frame of the developing film;
• sensing front radiation reflected from the frame during the first time period using the single sensor unit;
• creating front digital data from the sensed front reflected radiation;
• moving the film relative to the scanning station during a second time period such that a back surface of the film faces the single sensor unit, the back surface being opposite the front surface;
• during the second time period, applying radiation to the frame;
• sensing back radiation reflected from the frame during the second time period using the single sensor unit;
• creating back digital data from the sensed back reflected radiation;
• transmitting radiation through the frame;
• sensing radiation transmitted through the film frame using the single sensor unit;
• creating transmitted digital data from the sensed transmitted radiation;
• and
• combining the front digital data, the back digital data, and the transmitted digital data to form a digital image file which represents the film frame.

A digital film development system, comprising:

• a source configured to apply radiation to a developing film strip;
• a single sensor unit configured to sense radiation from the developing film strip;
• and
• a transportation system adapted to pass the developing film strip in front of the single sensor unit multiple times such that opposite sides of the developing film strip face the sensor during each pass.