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Abstract

A photographic processing apparatus which allows the throughput time of a client order to be optimized. The processing apparatus includes a modular design and comprises various processing modules to process exposed photographic film material and/or photographic copy material. The individual processing modules each include one or several processing stations, through which the exposed film material and/or photographic copy material passes in succession, according to demand. The inventive operating process for the photographic processing apparatus is characterized in particular in that the control of the throughput speed and processing speed of the film material and/or the copy material is hierarchically designed and comprises two levels. Here the processing speed of the film material or copy material in any preceding processing station is locally controlled in the given module in accordance with the speed of a processing station through which film material or copy material passes at a constant and predetermined rate. At the same time, the various processing modules are connected by way of signal lines to a superordinate central control unit, which assumes the central control functions and which monitors the operation of the individual processing modules to optimize the throughput of film material and/or copy material through the photographic processing apparatus.

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First Claim