Abstract: Disclosed is a printing apparatus including an image input unit, a first image narrowing unit, and gives a high weight for image data photographed during a time period in which the number of shots is large, a second image narrowing unit, and gives a high weight for image data photographed during a time period in which the number of shots is large, a weight synthesis unit, a layout decision unit, an image data extraction unit, an image assignment unit, an image color determination unit, and an additional information adjustment unit. The first image narrowing unit counts a group of a plurality of image data photographed at a predetermined time under a specific setting as one group including a number of shots, and calculates the number of shots for each predetermined time period based on the shooting date and time of the image data.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise systems and methods for third-party control of remote imaging jobs.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for associating an image with a communication characteristic are disclosed. According to one method, a content characteristic of a first image may be identified. Communication of the first image may be monitored to identify a communication characteristic of the first image. Further, the content characteristic may be associated with the communication characteristic. The association between the content and communication characteristics may be used to associate a second image having the content characteristic with the communication characteristic.

Abstract: A method of printing an image and a photo printing system and a digital camera adapted for the printing method are provided. The method of printing an image is a printing method for outputting through a photo printer an image stored in an image storage device. The method includes: setting a temporary printing area on an image to be printed; determining whether or not an option for Paper-full printing in which no space is left on a printing material, is selected; if the Paper-full print option is selected, detecting a face area photographed on the image; determining whether or not the detected face area is included in a printing area; and according to the determination result, adjusting a printing area so that the face area can be included in the printing area.

Abstract: In an image network system used for network print service which receives an order for printing or the like by using a communication network such as the Internet, there are provided a center server capable of providing service which is different depending upon points given to a customer according to an order track record, at a time of using the system, capable of suitably setting a storage capacity and a storage period of an image for a user without placing a burden on the user while importance is placed on an operational efficiency of the system, capable of allowing a user to upload images as many as possible in an album, and useful for prompting an order, and an image network system including the center server.

Abstract: This invention relates to the updating of image processing control data that is related to image data and controls image processing of the image data. An image related data generator generates an image file that includes image data and image processing data pre-stored therein. The image processing control data can be updated according to the following process. The image related data generator sends specification data that specifies image processing control data to be updated to an update data server. Then the image related data generator receives the update data from the update data server. And the image related generator updates the image processing control data stored therein with the update data.

Abstract: Default image data and subject image data are stored separately in nonvolatile memory and when the subject image data stored in the nonvolatile memory is displayed in a standard playback mode, the subject image data is displayed on an LCD at a specific scaling factor (first scaling factor) determined by the image size of the subject image data regardless of whether or not default image data is set for the subject image data. On the other hand, when composite image data is displayed in a print preview mode, scaling processing to display the subject image data on the LCD at a smaller scaling factor than the first scaling factor is performed so that the whole of the composite image data can be displayed on one screen of the display.

Abstract: The color printing control device outputs color material reduction processed data generated by applying a color material reduction process to each pixel of bitmaps converted to color material colors to be used in printing, when it is judged that the color material reduction printing mode is specified. The color material reduction process includes chroma conversion that reduces chroma and under-color removal/black generation that replaces at least a portion of achromatic components generated by overlaying of a plurality of color materials.

Abstract: A printing apparatus that selects and prints images represented by candidate image data files to be output among a plurality of image data files includes an image data file acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of image data files, each having image data regarding an image and additional data regarding at least a photographing condition when the image was taken, and a candidate file selection unit that selects image data files, which have the additional data, not the image data, satisfying one of one or more predetermined selection conditions, among the plurality of image data files as the candidate image data files to be output, and a printing unit that performs printing of images represented by at least some of the candidate image data files.

Abstract: This installation includes: a light source; means for storing film photoresist for exposure and exposed photoresist; a film carrier for positioning said film photoresist at an exposure plane; a projection lens capable of projecting the digital images at the exposure plane; a liquid crystal matrix where the various digital images to be exposed are displayed; a retractable mirror oriented at 45° to an optical axis of the projection lens; and an image analysis device positioned symmetrically to said exposure plane with regard to the plane containing said mirror when the latter is in place on the optical axis. When said mirror is positioned on the optical axis, the image analysis device is suitable for receiving the image transmitted by the liquid crystal matrix issuing from the projection lens. The signals thereby detected are processed using an associated software, for setting the characteristics of the optical members of the installation.

Abstract: An electronic device. The device comprises circuitry for capturing data representing an image and circuitry for detecting a wireless signal associated with an object. The device also comprises circuitry, responsive to the detecting circuitry, for storing image data from said circuitry for capturing and associating and storing, with same image data, additional data included in the wireless signal.

Abstract: A digital photographic display frame includes a processor, a communication module responsive to the processor, and a touch screen display. The touch screen display is responsive to the processor to display a digital photographic image and to provide a touch screen number pad interface. The processor is configured to initiate a voice-over-internet protocol (VoIP) telephone call via the communications module in response to a number entered via the touch screen number pad interface.

Abstract: An automatic advertisement system creates and processes a digital image that includes a user's digital photograph and advertisement images from selected advertisers. The new composed images are larger than the standard photographs in size (e.g., 4?×6?, 5?×7?) to allow the user's photograph to be in the standard size and to allow space for the advertisement images. The system provides a criteria specification tool to allow advertisers to accurately specify their target audiences based on, e.g., zip code, age, education. The system also provides a criteria specification tool to allow the user to specify his/her preferences of advertisement on his/her digital photograph production. The system further provides various layouts to prevent the user from clipping out advertisement images all at once. The system further allows advertisers to track their advertising results and allows the user to maintain his/her privacy.

Abstract: A digital photo frame for storing and displaying photos. The photo frame has a photo-sized display screen rotatably mounted on a support such that the display screen is configurable in landscape-viewing or portrait-viewing orientations by rotation of the screen. A memory stores photo image files tagged as either landscape orientation or portrait orientation and a user interface receives instructions to display photos stored in the memory. A processor is configured for receiving orientation data regarding an orientation of the display screen, retrieving only photo image files from the memory that are tagged with an orientation corresponding to the orientation of the display screen, and displaying the retrieved photo image files as photos on the display screen.

Abstract: This invention relates to the updating of image processing control data that is related to image data and controls image processing of the image data. An image related data generator generates an image file that includes image data and image processing data pre-stored therein. The image processing control data can be updated according to the following process. The image related data generator sends specification data that specifies image processing control data to be updated to an update data server. Then the image related data generator receives the update data from the update data server. And the image related generator updates the image processing control data stored therein with the update data.

Abstract: This invention is to ensure synchronization between images in an information apparatus with those in an external device without bothering a user while reflecting the user's intension of whether to make an image open to the public. Only images in groups with the same group ID are synchronized without synchronizing albums in the information apparatus with albums in the external device. In addition synchronization processing is controlled by switching a flag indicating a flag to inhibit upload to the Web server.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus includes a manipulation member, a protection cover, a latch member, a coupling device, and a control unit. The protection cover covers a removable recording medium attached to the data processing apparatus. The latch member engages the protection cover to set the protection cover in a closed condition. The coupling device couples or uncouples the manipulation member and the latch member. The control unit controls a coupling condition of the manipulation member and the latch member. The control unit selectively transmits a first signal for coupling the manipulation member and the latch member and a second signal for uncoupling the manipulation member and the latch member depending on whether or not data processing for the removable recording medium is in progress.

Abstract: On a recording medium serving as a verification object, a picture whose state changes in accordance with optical conditions is formed. A verification apparatus images a plurality of pictures of the recording medium while changing an optical relationship among a light source for illuminating the recording medium, a camera for imaging a picture of the recording medium, and the recording medium with a condition modifying unit. The verification apparatus displays the plurality of pictures of the recording medium imaged by the camera, on the display unit in a state in which the optical relationship has been changed. The verification apparatus determines imaging conditions for imaging a picture for verification on the basis of the optical relationship at the time of photographing selected pictures among the plurality of pictures displayed on the display unit.

Abstract: In an image processing apparatus, the image data to be recorded/output by an image recording means is specified by information stated on a mark sheet that is read from an image reading means. The image data to be printed/output is analyzed, the number of people in the photographic object in the image data is detected, and a thumbnail image of the image is printed together with a mark sheet having mark areas in which the number of prints of the image can be specified in correspondence to the number of people in the photographic object obtained by detecting the number of faces from the image data or by another method. The mark sheet is read by an image reading means, and an image of the number of prints corresponding to the number of people in the photographic object is printed.

Abstract: A digital camera apparatus and a printing method for printing still and motion image stored in the digital camera. A frame to be printed in motion image data stored in a removable memory is designated. The position information of the designated frame to be printed is held in a memory. Upon printing, the motion image data is read out of the removable memory according to the stored position information and then still image data is formed from the motion image data of the frame specified by the frame position information in the motion image data. The formed still image data is sent to a printer through an interface. Since a still image of the image of the print frame is formed from the motion image and sent to the printer, the printer can print by a process similar to a printing process for the still image and execute the printing without being aware of a motion image format.

Abstract: A method of storing and displaying photos on a digital photo frame is provided. The digital photo frame has a photo-sized display screen rotatably mounted on a support such that the display screen is configurable in landscape-viewing or portrait-viewing orientations by rotation of the screen. The method comprises the steps of: (i) storing photo image files tagged as either landscape orientation or portrait orientation in an internal memory of the digital photo frame; (ii) receiving an instruction to display photos stored in the internal memory; (iii) determining an orientation of the display screen; (iv) retrieving only photo image files from the internal memory that are tagged with an orientation corresponding to the orientation of the display screen; and (v) displaying the retrieved photo image files as photos on the display screen.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a register, a communication unit, a control unit and a display unit. The communication unit receives a write request from an external storage device, the write request being used to write battery capacity information and storage capacity information in the register. The control unit (a) obtains the battery capacity information and the storage capacity information from the register if the start of imaging is detected, (b) detects a condition of a battery of the external storage device using the battery capacity information obtained from the register, and (c) detects a condition of the storage capacity of the external storage device using the storage capacity information obtained from the register. The display unit displays the condition of the battery detected by the control unit, and displays the condition of the storage capacity detected by the control unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing out recovered image data from a photograph is disclosed. The data is recorded in infrared ink on top of the image itself in an encoded fault tolerant digital form enabling the image to be recovered notwithstanding damage to the photograph surface. The apparatus can print out the image after processing the data. If the data is stored then the image can be printed as many times as required. Alternatively, the photograph can be repeatedly passed through the scanner or reader the required number of times. In another form of the invention, the apparatus can also print out the image with the image data again recorded in infra-red ink using a printer which has the necessary number of ink jet nozzles to do so and the apparatus has the necessary processing capacity to process, compress, scramble and encode the data.

Abstract: The preset invention provides an image device, which combined scanning device with video device. Due to the scanning device and video device have image data treating elements are identical in function, thus, the two image data processing elements within the scanning device and video device could combine to be an image device to process the two different image data type and the image data could output by one image device to diminish the cost.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, when a printer which is directly connected to a digital camera via a communication interface and records image data transmitted from the digital camera receives a recording request from the camera, the printer acquires an image data amount to be supplied from the digital camera, and determines whether to be able to receive the whole image data at once and process the image data. In a case where it is determined that the image data is not able to be processed, the printer requests segmented data of the image data stored in the digital camera. The printer receives the segmented data a plurality of number of times, and prints the whole image data.

Abstract: A sheet turnaround assembly including a drive shaft positioned laterally across a transport path from a processing system, a plurality of drive wheels axially coupled to and positioned in a spaced fashion along the drive shaft, and a plurality of continuous belts, one belt corresponding to each drive wheel. Each belt is positioned so that its outside surface is tensioned against and forms a desired wrap angle about the corresponding drive wheel to create an arcuate turnaround path there between extending between input and output nips formed by initial and final points of contact between the belt and the drive wheel. The sheet turnaround is configured to receive a thermally developed sheet of photothermographic imaging media from a thermal processor at the input nip via the transport path.

Abstract: This invention relates to the updating of image processing control data that is related to image data and controls image processing of the image data. An image related data generator generates an image file that includes image data and image processing data pre-stored therein. The image processing control data can be updated according to the following process. The image related data generator sends specification data that specifies image processing control data to be updated to an update data server. Then the image related data generator receives the update data from the update data server. And the image related generator updates the image processing control data stored therein with the update data.

Abstract: A passport and identification card reader minimizes the time and effort required for an operator to read/scan a passport or piece of identification. An immigration official, for example, can slide a passport into place with one hand while tending to other important security activities with the other hand. Once in place, the passport will be automatically detected and read. Numerous passports bound together by a traveler with multiple visas can be held flat in place and accurately read, even with one hand, despite the natural tendency of the passport(s) to return to a closed position.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image processing device which can reduce a storage capacity and perform color correction in accordance with the types of image. The image processing device of the present invention has an input correction section 6 including: input color correction section 24 for, using a matrix coefficient, correcting strength of signals for color components in image data of a supplied image; a matrix coefficient storage section 26 for storing a plurality of matrix coefficients in accordance with types of image; and control section 25 for reading a matrix coefficient corresponding to the type of a supplied image out of the matrix coefficients stored in the matrix coefficient storage section 26 and setting the matrix coefficient that has been read in the input color correction section 24.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for printing diagnostic images in a predefined sequence and a format corresponding to a sheet of film, embodied with or linkable to a data-source of the images, wherein the images are preceded by a header carrying information specifying the number and sort of images to be printed, including text images, with a counter for establishing a number of filmports to be used in dependence of at least the information in the header, wherein each image to be printed corresponds to one filmport, and with a scaling organ for adapting the size of said filmports to cover the format so as to maximise the used area thereof.

Abstract: A photo-printing system includes a laser exposure unit, a reference clock generation unit, an image input unit, and a controller. The image input unit receives first pixel data and second pixel data to be expressed after the first pixel in accordance with image data. In a first control, the first and second pixels are scanned for exposure in a laser emission region state wherein each of the scan-start timings of the first and second pixels are controlled in accordance with a reference clock. In a second control, the first pixel is scanned for exposure in a nonlinear light emission region state, and the second pixel having a density equal to or lower than a predetermined density is scanned for exposure in the laser emission region state, the scan-start timing of the second pixel is advanced with respect to the first control.

Abstract: An integrated multi-function digital photo device comprises a display unit, a printing unit, a housing, and a frame. The integrated device provides for the display and printing of digital photos in one device rather than in multiple devices.

Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed for managing delivery of digital image files to image processing labs for printing. The mechanism involves marking a digital image file with metadata that indicates a processing lab at which an image in the file should be printed. In turn, the mechanism involves reading the metadata indication from the file to identify the processing lab where the image should be printed and responsively sending the image file to that designated processing lab. Such digital image files could be sent to an image hub, which could then read the metadata indications from the files and responsively route the files to designated processing labs for printing.

Abstract: A user enters shipping and billing information only once to an Internet photo server. Subsequently, the user can select locally stored photos for printing or photos stored at the Internet server. In the case of locally stored photos, the Internet server automatically uploads the photos transparently to the user. In either case, the server fulfills the print order and ships the printed photos to the user.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus and an image pickup method perform different processing on signals from respective photoelectric conversion portions in accordance with changes of photographing conditions. The signals to be subjected to the different processing are output from an image pickup region provided with an arrangement of a plurality of arranged pixels each including a plurality of photoelectric conversion portions arranged in a depth direction severally.

Abstract: Film may be scanned by routing a film from a reel through two or more scanning systems, scanning the film in parallel using the scanning systems, and creating a scanning operation dataset from the output of the scanning systems. A film scanner may include a multiple image scanning platform that creates a scanning operation dataset based on a single concurrent scanning operation of multiple images in a reel of film, and a scanning controller structured and arranged to control scanning operations, where each scanning operation involves at least one image and at least one multiple image scanning platform.

Abstract: A photographic printing apparatus includes a transporting section for cutting photosensitive material drawn from one of a plurality of magazines each accommodating therein an elongated photosensitive material into a print size piece by a cutter unit and then feeding this material piece into an exposing unit, an order executing unit for effecting exposure of image data at the exposing unit on the material piece transported by the transporting section and a calibration printing unit for effecting exposure of predetermined calibration data at the exposing unit on the material piece transported by the transporting section.

Abstract: An exposure device which is low in price and has a simple structure.

Abstract: An imaging appliance family is a cooperative system of two or more imaging appliances that are linked together to share images, command and control. Imaging appliances may be linked to each other by introducing the appliances to each other, establishing a communications link, and exchanging appliance information. The appliances may be introduced by a number of different manual or auto-sensing triggers, including buttons and presence detect circuits. Communications may be automatically established in response to the introduction. After communications are established, appliance information is exchanged and the appliances are dynamically configured into a cooperative system. Once linked, the appliances remain logically connected until they are removed from the family.

Abstract: A device and method for displaying images of the gastrointestinal tract, or other body lumens or cavities of a patient, captured by an imager of an in-vivo imaging device. Images taken using white light illumination may be compared with images taken using narrow band illumination by operating a display button.

Abstract: A data structure for a photo book kit includes a first data object, a second data object, and a third data object. The first data object includes first image data to define a first image, and a first image location to define the position of the first image on a page of a photo book. The second data object includes second image data to define a second image and a second image location to define the position of the second image on a cover of the photo book. The third data object includes third image data to define a third image and a third image location to define the position of the third image on a book accessory that is to be assembled with the photo book to form the personalized photo book kit.

Abstract: A manufacturing system for manufacturing a personalized photo book kit includes a computer configured to receive image data from a user, a first printer configured to print a first image on a book page in response to the image data received from the user, a second printer configured to print a second image on a book cover in response to the image data received from the user, and a third printer configured to print a third image on a book accessory in response to the image data received from the user.

Abstract: A digital photo frame is provided. The frame comprises: a photo-sized display screen; an internal memory for storing photo image files; an interface for communication with an external memory device; an integral inkjet printer for printing photos displayed on the display screen; and a processor communicating with the display screen, the internal memory, the interface and the printer. In a preferred form the screen is rotatable into landscape and portrait configurations.

Abstract: A method for processing an image containing a picture and character is provided. First, an image containing a picture and a plurality of characters is received. Afterwards, the picture is separated from the characters to respectively produce an image of the picture and at least one character block. Next, the characters of the at least one character block are recognized. Then, the character data corresponding to the characters of the at least one character block are produced.

Abstract: A system is provided for forming a print shop configuration with a first set of equipment, the first set of equipment being derived from a second set of equipment from a first print shop and a third set of equipment from a second print shop. The system includes a print shop configuration manager for determining whether a selected relationship exists between (1), one or more sets of job requirements and at least one of a set of print processing related cells or (2) two sets of print processing related cells. A possible print shop configuration may be discarded or prioritized, based on the existence of the selected relationship.

Abstract: A photographic processing system comprises: a printing unit 3 for forming photographic prints based on image data read out from a negative film; a CD-R writing device 2 for writing the image data in a CD-R; a sorter 14 having numerous trays 14a for collecting the photographic prints and the CD-R in an order unit; a lateral conveyor 13 for transporting the photographic prints formed by the printing unit 3 to the sorter 14; a CD-R transporting unit 20 for transporting the CD-R having the image data written therein to the sorter 14; and a control unit 40 for controlling the printing unit, the CD-R writing device and the sorter 14 in such a manner as to collect the photographic prints and the CD-R of the same order in a specific receiver among the numerous trays.

Abstract: In a system in which an editing server and a plurality of client computers are capable of communicating with one another, an edited image can be generated by the plurality of client computers. When image data is transmitted from the image server to the client computer, the resolution of image data to be transmitted is reduced in correspondence with the resolution of a monitor display device connected to the client computer. Further, the number of colors of an image represented by the image data is decreased in correspondence with the number of colors which can be displayed on the monitor display device. The data quantity of the image data to be transmitted is reduced, so that time required to transmit the image data is shortened. A client computer and a main image server are connected to each other. A user image to be synthesized on a template image is read in the client computer.

Abstract: In a digital camera having a wireless communicator with a server, a storage controller treats full size image data and display size image data unequally if the full size image data has been already sent to the server. For example, the display size image data is not allowed to be replaced by new digital image data unless the digital camera is not in use over a prescribed time. Own image data and other's image data are treated equally. Image data received from outside and retrieved from inside memory are treated equally. Search key for own image data and related search keys existing in the outside are indicated in a comparable manner. The digital camera receives search key from neighboring advertiser to send it for Internet search of advertisement. Search key received from neighboring notable site is sent for Internet search of photographs of the notable site taken by others.

Abstract: A digital camera of the present invention includes a CMOS sensor that captures a subject image formed by an interchangeable lens to generate image data, a liquid crystal monitor that displays the generated image data, and a microcomputer having a live view mode that controls so that the generated image data is displayed as a moving image in real time on the liquid crystal monitor, and a burst mode that generates a plurality of image data with a single image pickup operation, wherein the microcomputer controls so that, in a live view mode, every time image data is generated in a burst mode, the generated image data is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor. Consequently, the generated image data is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor every time image data is generated in the burst mode, whereby the ease of use can be enhanced.

Abstract: Photo editing menu systems for digital cameras are disclosed. In an exemplary implementation, a method for applying creative effects to digital images with minimal user effort may comprise displaying an image editing menu as a layer over a digital image displayed on a camera. The method may also comprise receiving user input identifying at least one selection from the image editing menu. The method may also comprise applying at least one of the creative effects to the digital image displayed on the camera based on the at least one selection from the image editing menu.