Patents by Inventor Raymond E. Wess

Raymond E. Wess has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7755662
    Abstract: A digital imaging system is provided that includes a digital camera and a color printer. The digital camera comprises: a housing; an image sensor adapted to capture analog image data; an analog-to-digital converter adapted to convert the analog image data; an image processor adapted to perform first processing and compression of the digital image data to create a first-processed digital image file; a digital memory in the camera housing having a plurality of the first-processed digital image files stored in the digital memory; and a color printer interface to which a digital image file, which is selected from the digital memory, is applied. The color printer comprises: a color-marking apparatus, and a digital camera interface, wherein the image processor in the digital camera is adapted to perform second processing on the selected digital image file before the selected digital image file is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Parulski, Jeffrey A. Small, Douglas W. Couwenhoven, Jason C. VanBlargan, Raymond E. Wess
  • Patent number: 7212229
    Abstract: A system wherein already-existing computing and memory resources in an electronic camera are used to process an image for printing. Rather than duplicating, in printers, computing and memory resources that are already in digital cameras, significant computing and memory resources need exist only in the camera. A digital camera can support many different printers, each with its own set of parameters such as for example print size, pixel size, colorimetry, sensitometry, and artifacts compensation. Printer parameters are uploaded from the printer to the camera to provide a basis for image processing specific to the associated printer; whereby compensation may be done for variations in the printer characteristics which may occur as a result of printer manufacturing variations, and further so that compensation may be done for different media types which may be installed in the printer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Parulski, Jeffrey A. Small, Douglas W. Couwenhoven, Jason C. VanBlargan, Raymond E. Wess
  • Patent number: 7139027
    Abstract: A camera having a removable image bearing medium for camera captured images that includes film or a digital memory includes a display disposed relative to the removable image bearing medium so that the display is removable from the camera with the removable image bearing medium, such display displaying images for information related to captured images. The display is actuated to provide images of one or more captured images or information related to such one or more captured images; and the display being positioned for viewing by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: John R. Fredlund, Raymond E. Wess
  • Patent number: 7088396
    Abstract: A digital camera for capturing images to be provided to a lenticular apparatus, including: a digital camera that can capture digital images; a memory that stores the captured digital images; a processor for processing the captured digital images, a display for displaying a motion sequence of captured images, and a user interface on the digital camera that enables a user to select a subset of the captured digital images and store the selected subset of the captured digital images in the memory prior to transmitting to a lenticular apparatus for constructing a lenticular hardcopy of the subset of the captured digital images, wherein the processor is used to produce a processed motion sequence including the adjacency effects that will be visible in the lenticular hardcopy, and the display is used to display the processed motion sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: John R. Fredlund, Kenneth A. Parulski, Joseph A. Manico, Raymond E. Wess, Martin A. Parker
  • Patent number: 6812962
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically forwarding digital images to a service provider. The apparatus includes a reading device for reading said digital images from a removable digital storage medium and a communication device for automatically forwarding said digital image data over a network to said service provider when a predetermined criteria is met. The service provider may send transmission to the communication device so as to activate the apparatus for transmitting digital images. The apparatus has a unique ID known by the service provider which can be used to identify the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: John R. Fredlund, Richard A. Simon, Robert P. Cloutier, Kenneth A. Parulski, Raymond E. Wess
  • Publication number: 20040212710
    Abstract: A removable data bearing medium having a display which displays images in response to applied voltage and a data containing memory, including an structure for coupling the memory to a first source of voltage for retrievably storing data files; and a structure disposed in the removable image bearing medium for selectively coupling a voltages to the image bearing medium from a second source of voltage, the image bearing medium including material which is effective in a first condition in response to a selectively applied first voltage for displaying an image and effective in a second condition in response to a second voltage lower than the first voltage to prevent the display of an image, the material being selected so that after displaying the image such material continues to display the image after the removal of the applied voltages from the second source of voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Applicant: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: John R. Fredlund, Raymond E. Wess, Joseph A. Manico
  • Publication number: 20040201745
    Abstract: A camera is adapted for electronically capturing an image by using a memory card that includes an integrated image sensor and a memory device for storing images captured by the image sensor when it is located in an optical path inside the camera. In one embodiment, the camera includes a film drive for positioning a photographic film in a first image exposure plane within the camera enclosure; an optical system defining an optical path for forming the image on the first image plane; a receptacle for receiving the removable memory card through an exterior opening in the enclosure and guiding the memory card into the optical path. The presence of the memory card in the receptacle is sensed and a camera control stage then adjusts the optical system to form the image at a second image plane on the surface of the image sensor and disables the film drive, thereby preventing the film from being advanced when the image sensor is used to capture the image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Applicant: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Raymond E. Wess, John R. Fredlund
  • Patent number: 6724427
    Abstract: A camera having a removable image bearing medium and an electronic charging unit for providing a source of high voltage, includes a display on the removable image bearing medium. The camera selectively couples such high voltage to the display, the display including material which is effective in a first condition in response to a selectively applied high voltage for changing the condition of the material to display an image and effective in a second condition for preventing the display of the image, the material being selected so that after displaying the image such material continues to display the image after the removal of the applied high voltage. The camera further causes the high voltage in the charging unit to be applied to the display for causing the material to be effective in the first condition to produce the image and for removing the applied high voltage so that the material continues to display the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: John R. Fredlund, Raymond E. Wess
  • Publication number: 20030128287
    Abstract: A digital camera for capturing images to be provided to a lenticular apparatus, including: a digital camera that can capture digital images; a memory that stores the captured digital images; a processor for processing the captured digital images, a display for displaying a motion sequence of captured images, and a user interface on the digital camera that enables a user to select a subset of the captured digital images and store the selected subset of the captured digital images in the memory prior to transmitting to a lenticular apparatus for constructing a lenticular hardcopy of the subset of the captured digital images, wherein the processor is used to produce a processed motion sequence including the adjacency effects that will be visible in the lenticular hardcopy, and the display is used to display the processed motion sequence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Applicant: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: John R. Fredlund, Kenneth A. Parulski, Joseph A. Manico, Raymond E. Wess, Martin A. Parker
  • Patent number: 6556237
    Abstract: An imaging system includes an electronic camera having a predetermined field of view for capturing images of image bearing media and a handling mechanism for supporting the image bearing media. The handling mechanism includes a framed region for revealing an image bearing area of the media to the electronic camera and means for supporting the electronic camera in a position that images the framed region while capturing a field of view larger than the image bearing area of the media. A processor associated with the electronic camera provides field of view correction of images captured from the image bearing media by initiating capture of an image of the framed region and determining the coordinates of the image bearing area from the image of the framed region. The coordinates of the image bearing area are then used for field of view correction of subsequently captured images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: John R. Fredlund, Raymond E. Wess
  • Patent number: 6443446
    Abstract: An apparatus for transferring media (2) to and from an information transfer device (1) consisting of a media supply tray (36) for holding the media (2) and a drive roller (8). The first idle roller (10) forms a first nip for moving the media (2) from the media supply tray (36) to the information transfer device (1). The drive motor (4) is connected to the drive roller (8) for rotating the drive roller (8). The deflector (44) is located between the first nip and the information transfer device (1). The second idle roller (18) forms a second nip with the drive roller (8) for moving the media (2) from the information transfer device (1) to an exit tray (34) when the deflector (44) is in a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Ronald H. Kiesow, Raymond E. Wess
  • Patent number: 6320669
    Abstract: A method for obtaining a consumer video segment for the creation of motion sequence cards having a first step of selecting from a consumer's recording media the motion segment that is to be recorded on a motion-sequence card, a second step of recording the selected motion segment on a copy recording media, a third step of marking key frames of the video segments in the selected motion segment with an audio tone, and lastly a forth step of forwarding the selected motion segments recorded on the copy recording media to a motion sequence card fabrication site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Raymond E. Wess, John A. Agostinelli
  • Patent number: 6321040
    Abstract: A method and system of placing information on a photosensitive film having a magnetic layer provides for the storage of image data on the magnetic layer of the film in a manner which permits the image data to be easily recalled and displayed on a monitor. The system and method can utilize an enabled Advance Photo System camera which is capable of reading digital data magnetically encoded on film. The information can be compressed and written onto the film at the time of film processing. The enabled Advanced Photo System camera reads this information and is connectable to a host computer for permitting the transfer of the information from the camera to the computer. At the computer, the digital image data can be decompressed and viewed by a user for downstream manipulation of the images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Raymond E. Wess, Robert P. Cloutier, John R. Fredlund
  • Publication number: 20010013894
    Abstract: A system wherein already-existing computing and memory resources in an electronic camera are used to process an image for printing. Rather than duplicating, in printers, computing and memory resources that are already in digital cameras, significant computing and memory resources need exist only in the camera. A digital camera can support many different printers, each with its own set of parameters such as for example print size, pixel size, colorimetry, sensitometry, and artifacts compensation. Printer parameters are uploaded from the printer to the camera to provide a basis for image processing specific to the associated printer; whereby compensation may be done for variations in the printer characteristics which may occur as a result of printer manufacturing variations, and further so that compensation may be done for different media types which may be installed in the printer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Publication date: August 16, 2001
    Applicant: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Parulski, Jeffrey A. Small, Douglas W. Couwenhoven, Jason C. VanBlargan, Raymond E. Wess
  • Publication number: 20010012168
    Abstract: An audio warning device is used in conjunction with a tape player for providing a warning tone when a tape has not been removed from the tape player after the tape player has ejected the tape. Provided is a tape player, a warning tone generator for generating a tone when activated, and an activation device positioned proximate the tape player and responsive to the ejection of a tape from the tape player for activating the warning tone generator when the tape is ejected from, but not removed from, the tape player.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 1998
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventors: RAYMOND E. WESS, RONALD H. KIESOW
  • Patent number: 6198544
    Abstract: A system for forming a motion card from frames of video selected by a user from a sequence of video frames that have been previously recorded on a video tape incorporates a kiosk that contains a video tape player, a processor receives a sequence of video frames from the video tape player, a display is used to display a selected range of video frames received by the processor, and step-by-step interactive instructions for the user for enabling the user to select video frames from the displayed selected range of video frames for preview display is improved by enabling the processing and display of video frames as if they were formed on the motion card so as to provide a high degree of correspondence between the displayed motion card and the to be formed motion card. A viewable simulation of the adjacency effect that will be present in the formed motion card enables the operator to improve the selection of the frames to be used in the formed motion card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Raymond E. Wess, John A. Agostinelli, Girish V. Prabhu
  • Patent number: 6092303
    Abstract: A drying apparatus and method utilizes the combination of radiant heat and air to quickly dry photosensitive material. The arrangement of the drying apparatus is such that radiant heat is first applied to photosensitive material at a radiant heat application section to substantially dry the photosensitive material without emulsion side contact and, thereafter, an air flow is directed onto both sides of the photosensitive material after it leaves the radiant heat application section. A plurality of air flow nozzles are used to direct the air onto the photosensitive material with the nozzles being oriented so as to direct air away from the radiant heat application section of the drying apparatus. This provides for an efficient and quick drying of photosensitive material in a compact unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Ralph L. Piccinino, Jr., Kevin H. Blakely, Daniel C. Davis, Raymond E. Wess
  • Patent number: 6058621
    Abstract: A drying apparatus and method utilizes radiant heat and forced air to provide for rapid drying of photosensitive material without emulsion side contact. The forced air is supplied through air passages formed between cover members that partially surround radiant heating bars, and is directed onto the photosensitive material where it impinges upon the photosensitive material. As the air passes through the air passages, it is heated by radiant heat from the heating bars. The heated air increases the drying effect of the drying apparatus and at the same time, impinges on the photosensitive material in a manner which assists in holding the photosensitive material firmly against, for example, drive rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Ralph L. Piccinino, Jr., Kevin H. Blakely, Daniel C. Davis, Raymond E. Wess
  • Patent number: 5997678
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for imprinting a sublimation transfer onto a generally cup-shaped or tubular structure. The apparatus includes a support structure for holding of the structure. A blower is provided for providing a flow of heating air to the interior surface of the structure. A control device is provided for directing the flow of heating air in a uniform manner about the interior surface of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Raymond E. Wess, Carlos F. Rezende, Daniel C. Davis
  • Patent number: 5974272
    Abstract: A parallax corrected image capture system and method for capturing images using such an apparatus. The system has a first camera and a second camera, at least one of which has a variable focus objective lens the focus of which can be adjusted by a first drive. A range finder supplies a distance signal indicating the distance from the capture system to an object in a scene to be captured while a parallax corrector adjusts the angle between an optical axis of the first camera and an optical axis of the second camera. A processor system controls the first drive and the parallax corrector in accordance with the range finder distance signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Ronald H. Kiesow, Raymond E. Wess