Abstract: An index print of photographic images is created on a CD containing digital data representing those images. Photographic images are digitized to produce digital image data which is stored on the CD. This digital image data is also used to create an index print containing thumbnail images of all of the photographs stored on the CD. The index print is then affixed to the top surface of the CD either by being printed on a label that is adhered to the disk surface, or by being printed directly on the surface of the disk.

Abstract: The image scanning system (52) of the present invention scans slides and film strips containing photographic images and creates a corresponding plurality of digital representations of the photographic images. The system (52) includes a touch screen monitor (96), a computer (54), a scanner (62), a high speed interface (112) and a printer (98). The scanner (62) includes a light source (172) for projecting light through the film strip. A light sensor (124) senses the light projected through the film strip and generates pixel data. A film drive advances the film strip between the light source (172) and the light sensor (124). A lens located between the light source and the light sensor directs the light projected through the film strip onto the light sensor (124). The pixel data is transmitted through the high speed interface (112) to the computer (54) for processing operations. After the pixel data has been processed, digital images are displayed on the monitor (96) and may also be printed out.

Abstract: A system and method for scanning a photographic film using a scanner automatedly identifies the film as either a positive or negative and controls the scanner settings to perform the scan accordingly. The method includes performing a pre-scan of the film, sampling a color density of at least one location of the film, comparing the color density to a standard range indicating an orange bias for the at least one location, and setting the scanner to treat the film as a negative if the color density is within the standard range and to otherwise treat the film as a positive.

Abstract: A system for supplying a processing solution to a printing device, such as a photographic processor or a printer, which includes a supply tank with processing solution or ink and a delivery system between the supply tank and a printing device. The delivery system has a retaining vessel with retained fluid, in the vessel, and a reference probe to signal a level probe when fluid reaches a predetermined level on receipt of a replenish signal from the controller for the printing device. The power supply actuates a three-way valve in order to flow a volume of the processing solution from the supply tank to the retaining vessel. A power supply receives the adjustable liquid level probe signal from the adjustable liquid level probe. Then switches the three-way valve to flow the retained fluid from the retaining vessel to the printer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic print inspection method in which photographic prints are scanned to obtain digitized images. The scanned digitized image of the photographic print is compared to digital image data which represents the original captured image. The resulting digital correction data indicates whether or not there are defects in the print media or faults in the printer process, including the digitizing steps. Signal processing transformations may be used to decide how to separate media defects from processing faults and how to correct for the latter. The method of the present invention can be used as a final quality check so that any defective prints can be rejected and remade before orders go out to a customer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a processing solution supply cartridge that utilizes a single developer solution holding area having interconnected compartments for a single-part developer concentrate. The holding area has interconnected compartments and includes valves that permit the cartridge to be utilized on an existing processor or processing machine. The design of the present invention assures a complete emptying of the cartridge by permitting the simultaneous replenishment of single-part developer through the valves into the processing machine.

Abstract: A system and method of detecting a type of media for an imaging apparatus. In the system and method of the present invention, a backside of the media is scanned or read to detect the presence of indicia on the backside of the media. The spacing between the repeated indicia on the media is measured for the purpose of detecting the type of media. That is, the system of the present invention includes a sensor that makes sequential spatial measurements of a moving media that contains repeated indicia to determine a repeat frequency and repeat distance of the indicia. The repeat distance is then compared against known values to determine the type of media present.

Abstract: In a film extraction apparatus, a flexible stripper blade tongue is held in a relaxed condition with the tongue extending downwardly of the blade by a natural curvature in the tongue near the tongue's juncture with the remainder of the blade. Inducing stress in the blade to create a slight degree of curvature of the tongue forces the tongue into a longitudinally straight and stiffened condition allowing the tongue to be driven through the cartridge mouth. Relaxation of the stress on the blade returns the tongue into its normal, downwardly-extending condition with the end of the tongue resting on the outer layer of the film irrespective of the roll diameter. Presence of the stripper blade upper surface across the gap between the cartridge mouth and a following film channel serves to guide the film into the film channel during the film extraction procedure.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of digital imaging. It relates to a method for determining the coordinates of a subject of interest in a digital image, so as to be able to then display this subject of interest on the screen of a terminal with low display capacity. The present invention enables, from the screen of a terminal with sufficient display capacity, at least one subject of interest in an original still digital image to be selected, and the coordinates of said subject of interest to be determined. The application of the present invention consists in preparing the display operation of subjects of interest of digital images on the screens of terminals with low display capacity.

Abstract: A waste container is received in a photographic processing machine along with a chemical supply container. The supply container is oriented at an angle to horizontal. Ports are provided into the containers with an associated snap cap oriented such that the neck extends vertically when received in the processing machine. A shipping cassette system includes two stacked upper and lower cassettes, each having a plurality of vertical walls that laterally surround an interior volume. A processing machine includes a cap opening bar and a mounting mechanism with a pivot point aligning the bar with the caps of a chemical delivery container assembly along a side of the caps opposite to the side along which the hinges are aligned such that rotation of the cap opening bar about the pivot point simultaneously opens the fluid supply ports by rotating the caps about their hinges.

Abstract: A photographic processor and method for developing photographic images utilizes a frame and an exposure section that receives and expose print media to record an image on the print media. The exposure section includes a transport system that transports the print media to an exposing mechanism. After the exposing mechanism, the print media goes to a chemical development section contained that develops the exposed print media. A print media supply section secured to a shuttle system attached to the frame wherein the print media supply section provides print media from two or more magazines. The shuttle system sequentially moves one of the magazines to a position in line with the entry to the exposure section and then away from the entry. The shuttle system then moves other magazines from the position in line with the entry to the exposure section and then away from the entry.

Abstract: The present invention is in the technical field of analyzing and processing digitized color images. More specifically it relates to a method of determining the chromaticity of an illuminant (white reference) of a color image representing a natural scene of objects or entities. The present invention uses the principle of the constancy of dichromatic color, but it also uses spatial color segmentation of the image and relevant filtering to select the regions of the image to be analyzed, that is to extract the analyzed regions non-compliant with the chromatic model. The invention is applicable for improving the performance of the means of analysis and recognition of the shapes of objects in an image.

Abstract: Improved index prints for photofinishing services are provided where the imagettes are grouped by event or subject matter. Permanently attached index print labels incorporating these and other features are provided for digital still image storage devices are also provided. A magnifying storage case which allows easier viewing of the index prints is also provided.

Abstract: A digital photography system includes a digital camera and a digital printer. The digital camera includes an image display and the digital printer includes user interface controls to control the images displayed on the camera and to select images to be printed.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for capturing photographic images from film using a digital camera and encoding image information as digital data to facilitate editing and printing of finished photographs. The apparatus includes a film transport, an optical stage, sensors for detecting the position and identification marks on individual frames of the film, a digital camera and a computer system for controlling the apparatus and manipulating image and editing data. A feature of the invention is an articulating digital camera which is movable in relation to the optical stage of the device. The camera is positioned, under computer control, in the Y, Z and rotation (R) axis in relation to the images on the film. This permits a broad range of editing tasks to be performed in conjunction with the capture and storage of the digital images created by the device.

Abstract: A digital printer is operationally associated with a digital storage medium interface and a graphic user interface to display and select images stored on the digital storage medium for local or remote printing. The graphical user interface includes user controls and an image display for displaying the images for printing. The graphical user interface enables a user to select, from, for example, a removable memory having images stored thereon, a subset of images to be printed. The graphical user interface is further adapted to permit communication via a network to a fulfillment center to enable remote printing and/or request photo products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image-forming device that comprises a roller that includes a plurality of micromembers. The micromembers are preferably hook or loop-like members made of a compliant material such as plastic or rubber. The micromembers on the roller essentially define a compliant surface, which is self-correcting for unintentional media thickness variations within a print area. The roller is rotational such that when the roller contacts the media the rotational or spinning force is converted to a compressional force, which is sufficient to rupture the microcapsules in the media.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of digital imaging. It relates to a method and a system for selecting a subject of interest in a digital image, so as to be able to then display this subject of interest on the screen of a terminal with low display capacity. The present invention enables the display directly and automatically on the screen of a terminal with low display capacity, of subjects of interest, previously selected in an original image. This is done based on a simple operation or request executed from the terminal with low display capacity. This enables the image to be exploited correctly, by viewing the subjects of interest of the original image, in the best possible conditions of image rendering, given the display capacity of said terminal. The application of the present invention is in the area of the users of terminals with low display capacity.

Abstract: A photographic article. According to one embodiment, the photographic article comprises: a first image area comprising a photographic film negative of an image; and a second image area, different than the first image area, comprising a positive image of the image.

Abstract: A hybrid camera includes a pair of imaging systems for capturing images on contained photographic film and an electronic imager, respectively, the film having a magnetic layer. An exterior imaging display allows the user to review the captured image and an input device allows the user to selectively input album related data onto the magnetic layer of the film. The album-related data allows the photo finisher to automatically produce the images in an album-like format. The camera also allows annotated text corresponding to the image to be selectively added to an album print.