Abstract: A method of ordering prints of digital photographs stored online comprises storing the digital photographs in an online album (34). The album owner (12) enters their credit card information (38) online. The album owner transmits an Internet link (26) to at least one viewer (37) and notifies at least one viewer that photographic prints (30) ordered from the online album (34) have been prepaid.

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.

Abstract: A method for microfluidic display and printing includes the steps of: providing colored inks needed for printing colored pixels; pumping the colored inks through capillary microchannels into delivery chambers where the colored inks are mixed to provide a desired color for each pixel, having the correct hue and tone scale; arranging the delivery chambers so as to provide a viewable representation of the image prior to printing; and evacuating the delivery chambers when it is not desired to print an image and moving a receiver into engagement with the delivery chambers when it is desired to print an image for transferring colored ink to a reflective receiver to thereby form an image having colored pixels.

Abstract: In a camera, apparatus and methods for recording or storing voiced in messages in message memory associated with an exposed image frame for reproduction as an annotation with prints made from the exposed image frames. The camera includes a voice recognition system for voice recognition of words spoken by the user before the words are stored in message memory. Fixed and adjustable vocabularies are provided for use in the voice recognition. The adjustable vocabulary may be loaded into the camera by a vocabulary memory card or through an interface with a docking station of a personal computer or vending machine so that an adjustable vocabulary of words of interest to the camera user or related to a scene or event of photographic interest may be employed in the voice recognition. The messages may be recorded on magnetic film layers or stored in camera on-board memory or in detachable message memory modules to be forwarded with the exposed film strip to a photofinisher for read out and printing on the prints.

Abstract: A color video printer having a color viewer for viewing a color video image before printing to permit evaluation of the image and if necessary, preprinting adjustments to the characteristics of the image. The color video printer includes a monochrome display device (CRT) for displaying an image of a color video signal to be copied and an exposure station which is located along a first optical path from the display device and at which is positioned a self-processing photographic element. An optical assembly is movable between a position out of the first optical path and a position intercepting the first optical path to establish a second optical path between the display device and a color image viewing station. First and second rotatable filters have respective red, green and blue filters which are sequentially moved into the first and second optical paths in synchronism with the field frequency of the video signal.

Abstract: A still camera comprised of a dual, normal and telephoto, lens with flash, incorporates features which allow controlling several camera functions with a single sliding multi-position flash housing. Position "normal" configures the camera so that the viewfinder has a normal field of view, the flash is unextended, and an objective lens of normal focal length is in exposure position. Position "tele" configures the camera so that the viewfinder has a narrow field of view, a telephoto lens is in exposure position, and the flash is fully extended. Additional positions of the flash housing and lens and viewfinder are also disclosed.

Abstract: A color video printer for producing a color photographic copy from a color video signal. The printer includes a monochrome cathode ray tube (CRT) and an exposure station located along an optical path from the CRT. The printer includes a rotatable filter wheel having red, green and blue filters sequentially movable into the optical path in synchronism with the field frequency of the color video signal to filter monchrome images produced by the CRT. A video signal circuit provides a color video signal including three concurrent red, green and blue component video signals repeated at broadcast field frequency. A gate is electrically connected between the video signal circuit and the CRT to selectively apply, when actuated, one of the three concurrent color component video signals to the CRT.

Abstract: A motorized disk film camera which is of simple, compact and inexpensive construction and yet provides one-button operation to expose the film and actuate a motor which disengages the film and cocks the shutter, then advances the locates the film. The camera requires no separate operation to initialize a cartridge when it is loaded into the camera. The shutter actuation does not require a long button stroke and the motor drive and control is simple and inexpensive.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for producing "hard" color copies of a video image utilizing line pattern rotation to reduce the visual perception of "raster" lines and improved image quality. Line pattern rotation is accomplished by rotating the raster line pattern of a CRT relative to the displayed image between each exposure of the color components of the composite video image.

Abstract: A disk film camera which is of simple, compact and inexpensive construction and yet which provides one-button operation to locate the film, expose the film, disengage the film and advance the next frame. The camera requires no separate operation to initialize a cartridge when it is loaded into the camera. A photographer is free to change his mind about taking a picture at any time after moving the shutter button until the shutter is actually released, without adversely affecting the operation of the camera, such as by jamming it or by placing any component of the camera (such as a spring) in a stressed condition for an indeterminate period of time.

Abstract: In a camera, a piezoelectric generator is struck by a hammer to produce an electrical pulse for flash firing. The resulting mechanical shock to the piezoelectric generator is transmitted through the generator to a shutter blade, which is actuated by the shock to initiate a film exposure in synchronization with flash firing.