Dye transfer prints utilizing digital technology
AssigneeChromax Limited
InventorsEdward Delvers, Bruce Richardson, Sharon Brazil
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Motion picture prints made with the dye transfer, or imbibition (IB) process have a reputation for superior image quality and permanence. The process offers unique control over the dynamic range and color gamut of the prints. This invention provides for the insertion of a digital link in the traditional path of the image between the original record and the dye transfer print. The digital link provides digital means for alerting the color information in the image thereby simplifying the chemistry of the process, and enabling the manufacture of dye prints as a theatrical release medium for images originated either electronically or on film.
Claims12
In a prior art dye transfer printing process for generating motion picture film print wherein said prior art dye transfer printing process comprises the steps of;
- (a) presenting a film bearing a color image;
- (b) generating at least one color-separated matrix film from said film bearing a color image;
- (c) applying a dye to said at least one color-separated matrix film wherein said dye has color crossover characteristics particular to said dye;
- and
- (d) bringing said matrix film into registrable contact with a blank film until a portion of said dye in said matrix film is imbibed by said blank film to form a color prim of said color image, the improvement comprising the additional step of generating a digital representation of said color image and inputting said digital representation of said color image into a computer means operable for manipulating said digital representation of said color image and manipulating said digital representation of said color image by said computer means to generate a color corrected edited digital image, then using said color corrected edited digital image to generate at least one color-separated matrix film as in step (b) above.
A system for producing color balanced dye transfer printed release film from a film bearing a color image comprising:
- (a) a digital film scanner operable for receiving said film bearing a color image and generating a digital representation of said color image and presenting said digital representation of said color image at an output;
- (b) a programmer computer means operable for receiving said digital representation of said color image from said digital film scanner and manipulating said digital representation of said color image to produce a color-corrected edited digital print image;
- (c) means for producing a matrix film from said color-corrected edited digital print image;
- (d) transfer printing means operable for preparing dye transfer prints from said matrix film.
A system for producing color balanced dye transfer printed release film from a electronically generated digital color image comprising:
- (a) a programmable computer means operable for receiving said digital representation of said color image and manipulating said digital representation of said color image to produce a color-corrected edited digital print image;
- (b) means for recording said edited digital print image;
- (c) means for producing a color separated matrix film from said color-corrected edited digital print image;
- (d) dye transfer printing means operable for preparing dye transfer prints from said color separated matrix film.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.