Developing device and photosensitive material processing method

A method of processing exposed photosensitive material, comprising the steps of:

• producing a visible image by heat-development processing of the exposed photosensitive material;
• reading and recording the visible image as image data;
• and
• destroying the visible image on the photosensitive material from which the visible image has been read and recorded as image data.

An image recording device for use with film, comprising:

• (a) rollers which rotate and convey film along a path of travel;
• (b) a film developer disposed along the path of travel, which receives the film and develops exposures thereon into visible images;
• (c) a light source disposed along the path of travel downstream of the film developer, which irradiates the film with light;
• (d) an image sensor positioned for receiving light irradiated onto the film, and which produces electronic information corresponding to the light received;
• (e) a data processor electronically connected to the image sensor, which receives the electronic information, the data processor having a memory into which the data processor stores data according to the electronic information received;
• and
• (f) an image destroyer disposed along the path of travel downstream of the image sensor, which receives the film and destroys visible images on the film.