Ronald L Manning

US Patent:

42999049, Nov 10, 1981

Filed:

Nov 28, 1978

Appl. No.:

5/964119

Inventors:

Richard R. Pettijohn - Portola Valley CA
Charles Leung - Redwood City CA
Ronald G. Manning - Menlo Park CA
Zoila Reyes - Menlo Park CA
Malcolm Thackray - Menlo Park CA

Assignee:

SRI International - Menlo Park CA

International Classification:

G03C 517

US Classification:

430139

Abstract:

A method of enhancing photographic images of low optical density is disclosed which includes use of a luminescent system, the components of which system include, at least, photoluminescent material and a source of photons for exciting the same to luminescence. A photoluminescent replica of the low optical density photographic image is produced which replica is exposed to photons required for luminescence of the photoluminescent image replica which luminescence is recorded, or photographed, for an amount of time necessary to achieve enhancement of the photographic film image. The image enhancement method may be used for the enhancement of photographic images produced by photographic processes including, for example, those which involve the use of different radiant energy sensitive material such as silver halide as used in `conventional` photography, photoconductive material as used in electrophotography, organic compounds as used in diazo photographic processes, and the like.