| 摘要 |
<p>In the processing of thermal films (10), following processing, negatives are scanned and the resulting image files are digitally manipulated to render a desired output. Since it is desirable to return thermally processed films to a control location for silver recovery, the negatives are not returned to the consumer. The present invention provides for a method and apparatus for addressing privacy concerns when negatives are not returned following processing and scanning. In the method and apparatus of the present invention, after processing and scanning, the film or negative can be rendered unscannable by heating it to a temperature that develops the entire film to its maximum density and destroys the images on the film. The processing apparatus and method of the present invention can include a second heater for heating the film to an unscannable or image destroying state, or can utilize an adjustable heater having multiple heating settings. As a further option, the film can be physically destroyed by use of for example, a shredder or illuminator downstream of the scanner. <IMAGE></p> |
