Abstract: The invention relates to a device for digitally generating images on photo-sensitive material comprising a light source, a liquid crystal display (LCD) unit and imaging optics. According to the invention, the LCD unit and the imaging optics are mounted in the same lens tube.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating and/or implementing an image capture procedure for an image capture device are provided. One of many possible embodiments is an image capture device for capturing images. Briefly described, one such image capture device comprises: a user interface device; logic comprising information corresponding to an image capture procedure, the image capture procedure enumerating a plurality of predefined situations for capturing an image, the plurality of predefined situations for capturing an image associated with a predefined event; logic for displaying the image capture procedure on the user interface device; and logic for capturing an image.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus controls to print a plurality of sequential still images, which can be observed as a flip moving image, on the basis of moving image data. The image processing apparatus provides a window which has a start point button, end point button, seek bar, and the like. The user designates a desired still image extraction range from the moving image data by operating the start and end point buttons. This window also provides a preview button. When the user clicks the preview button, a predetermined number of sequential still images are generated from the designated still image extraction range in the moving image. These sequential still images are displayed while being sequentially switched in the order they appear in the moving image data.

Abstract: An image management apparatus that transmits image data to an image processing apparatus is provided. The image management apparatus includes a sound input unit that inputs voice message relating to image data photographed by a digital camera. When one of the image data is selected and a voice message relating to the selected image data is input via the sound input unit, a translation unit of the image management apparatus automatically extracts keywords from the voice message. The translation unit determines one of the keywords as a title, and sets the title as a file name of the image data. The extracted keywords are set as data for searching images, and transmitted together with the selected image data to the image processing apparatus.

Abstract: In an image taking apparatus in which a plurality of different types of image are previously defined to correspond to different sets of shooting conditions so that the type of an image to be taken is determined according to the shooting conditions under which the image is going to be taken, different types of image are discriminated more precisely than ever. After the type of the image is determined, the shooting conditions are still monitored so that, if a change is detected therein, the type of the image is re-determined. The type of the image is re-determined either when there has been even a slight change in the shooting conditions or when the shooting conditions have changed out of a predetermined range, and either when a change in the shooting conditions has persisted for a predetermined period of time or when the shooting conditions have become stable after a change therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image forming apparatus includes a scanner unit which scans a plurality of photographic images and which outputs image information upon receiving instruction of automatic edit processing, an extracting unit which extracts a position and a size of each of the plurality of photographic images, an image editing unit which outputs an edit image, in which the plurality of photographic images are laid out within a predetermined layout, on the basis of the position and the size of each of the plurality of photographic images, and a printer unit which prints the edit image on an image forming medium. According to the present invention, scanning a plurality of photographs at the same time allows a photograph album to be automatically printed out.

Abstract: An image reading method controls an image reading system including an image reading apparatus having a mechanism for scanning photographic film and a host computer receiving image data from the image reading apparatus. The method has steps of detecting each of image component of dust resulting from dust stuck to the photographic film which is read by the image reading apparatus, and removing only the image component of the dust resulting from the read dust to correct the image data.

Abstract: A system for generating a photographic product from a digital image. A gateway server receives a request from a photographer for a list of options for photographic products. The gateway server transmits a display of a list of options to the photographer. The photographer submits an order for a photographic product to the gateway server. The gateway server then transmits the order to a fulfillment center to process the order. The gateway server then transmits routing information to the photographer for transmitting a digital image to the fulfillment center.

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: Disclosed is an electronic apparatus wherein, when a video camera is employed as a TV telephone or a portable telephone is employed as a TV telephone and when the direction the display face of an LCD panel is directed (the display direction) is the opposite of that of a lens (the photographing direction), the image of an object photographed through the lens is displayed as the main picture on the LCD panel, and wherein, when the direction the display face of the LCD panel is directed (the display direction) is the same as that of the lens (the photographing direction), an image transmitted by a communication partner is displayed as the main picture on the LCD panel.

Abstract: A photographic film scanning device includes an image scanner including a first casing having a transparent top surface and an optical scanning module movably arranged inside the first casing. A film driving assembly includes a second casing having a detachable bottom removably positioned on the top surface of the first casing. A light-transmitting window is defined in the bottom, having a length and a width. A film driving mechanism is arranged inside the second casing, including a film container for containing a length of film and a film spool for windingly receiving the film roll, respectively arranged on opposite longitudinal ends of the window. A motor drives a toothed wheel engaging perforations defined in the film for moving the film across the length of the window. A light source projects light through the film and the window toward the optical scanning module for performing scanning operation of the film.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photographic recording arrangement for the recording of photographic images onto a band-shaped medium, with a medium source which a supplies a band-shaped medium, with a clamping arrangement which provides a clamping track and a band-shaped medium output at the beginning of the track through which the band-shaped medium is supplied by the medium source along which clamping track the band-shaped medium is guided and tightened and at the end of which track the guided band-shaped medium is clamped by a first holding mechanism for tightening, with at least one recording apparatus for the recording of images onto the tightened band-shaped medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of reading an image, which comprises exposing a color photosensitive material having at least three photosensitive layers containing blue-, green- and red-photosensitive silver halide emulsions, respectively, on a transparent support, processing the exposed color photosensitive material at a processing temperature of 50° C. or more to form a silver image, and substantially reading the silver image.

Abstract: An imaging module and light shuttering method for a digital image capturing device. The imaging module includes an electronic imaging sensor device including a plurality of pixel elements. The imaging module further includes an electronically actuatable shutter device including a plurality of individually addressable and actuatable shutter elements. Each shutter element substantially corresponds to at least one of the plurality of pixel elements of the image sensor device.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pseudo-zoom camera and an image processing system using the camera in which any of the pseudo-zoom magnification and the pseudo-zoom magnification number, or any of the pseudo-zoom magnification and the pseudo-zoom magnification number in combination with the picture area are recorded as pseudo-zoom information.

Abstract: A photographic processing apparatus according to the present invention exposes photographic papers using a laser beam modulated based on image data and includes laser beam emitting device and changeover means for changing over the intensity of the laser beam outputted from the laser beam emitting device in a plurality of levels (for example, three levels consisting of a high level, a middle level and a low level).

Abstract: A preferred embodiment for the inventive portable picture storage device comprises an input for receiving a plurality of pictures, a storage area for storing the plurality of pictures, and a plurality of user interface indicator. Each indicator is associated with a respective meta data of a plurality of meta data, and each meta data indicates at least one disposition of a plurality of dispositions. At least one picture of the plurality of pictures is associated with a meta data and thereby at least one disposition, via activation of an indicator.

Abstract: An optical chassis pasted with plating film reflection thin plates includes: a shell body, a light source, plural reflection elements, a lens set, and an imaging apparatus. The thin plates of flexible material in lieu of prior glass material constitute the reflection elements. The reflection material is plated on one side surface of the thin plates, and the glue is coated on the other side surface of the thin plates. The thin plates, coated with glue, may be directly pasted onto appropriate positions of an optical chassis as the reflection elements. Not only the present invention completely gets rid of the prior positioning devices, such as spring pieces, screws, and the like, but also it decreases the number of parts, saves assembly time and lowers the production cost. And, further it is without lowering the quality of image scanning, which is resulted from no loose or no movement of the reflection elements.

Abstract: Images of film that has been developed are captured by image sensing, thereby being converted to original digital image data representing these images. The original digital image data is converted to reduced digital image data representing images that are reduced in size. The reduced digital image data is stored on a user's disk, and the original digital image data is stored on a laboratory recording medium together with an identification code identifying the roll of film. The identification code is applied to the film and to the user's disk on which the reduced digital image data has been stored. The original digital image data is read out of the laboratory recording medium and photographs of the images represented by this data are printed. The identification code may be recorded on the user's disk instead of being applied thereto. A program (hypertext) for reproducing the images also is stored on the user's disk.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a video processing apparatus which makes it possible to print a picture having an arbitrary size without forging an original picture. A video processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a print size selecting means 51 for selecting a print size of a printer 3 by selecting a size of a picture frame, a CPU 43 for determining the number of pixels of a video data corresponding to the selected print size, and a memory controller 33 for processing the video data in accordance with the number of pixels so that pixels of a video data output from a camera 1 should be in one-to-one correspondence with pixels of a video data to be printed by the printer 3. It is not necessary to subject the original picture to video processings such as a decimating processing, an interpolation processing or the like.

Abstract: A hand-held image capture and communication appliance and method of using same are provided wherein images may be captured and saved in an internal memory. The appliance includes a processor for manipulating and exhibiting the images on a built-in display screen. Program code stored in the internal memory and executed by the processor includes a delete page module for purging the memory of captured images when they are no longer needed. The delete page module includes a code segment for displaying an animation, which, in the preferred embodiment, is designed to convey the concept to the user that a delete operation is irreversible. One implementation of the animation shows the deleted page or group of pages turn into ashes, which is a metaphor for the permanence of the delete operation. A confirmation prompt is provided prior to carrying out the delete operation to inform the user how many pages or images will be deleted and what percentage of memory will be freed.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a scorecard preparation system, an image system, an automatic editing system and a motion analysis system wherein the scorecard preparation system body comprises an input terminal, such as a mobile terminal, the step of forwarding the data by inputting the movements of players and other information in a chronological manner by means of the input terminal, the step of forwarding the data, a data recording medium such as a tape, an FD or a data server which incorporates real time data forwarded by utilizing a network, a plurality pieces of image information, such as a bird's eye view image or a zoom image of the above players, the step of encoding and forwarding them and an image recording medium such as a VCR, a DVD or an image server, which contain the above described digitalized image data, and the screen of the above described data input terminal, by means of which the user (audience) can access, through the Internet, either the above described data medium or image medium, or

Abstract: A system is provided that enables images read by an image data reading apparatus 10 shared by photographing apparatuses 2A˜2D to be confirmed without confusion. Information registration terminals 3A˜3D for registering sheet identification information I in relation to patient information K are installed together with corresponding monitors 4A˜4D, for the respective photographing apparatuses 2A˜2D. The terminals, the monitors and the image data reading apparatus 10 are connected to a network 15. One of the terminals 3A registers the patient information K and the identification information I of a sheet used for photographing by the corresponding photographing apparatus 2A, and the image data reading apparatus 10 reads image data S from the sheet. The image data S are transferred automatically to the monitor 4A corresponding to the terminal 3A that registered the information, and a visible image of the image data S is displayed on the corresponding monitor 4A.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for providing calibration of photographic media. More particularly, the method and apparatus are based on measurements of areas of minimum optical density of a given photographic medium. Such measurements, when combined with reference optical density vs. exposure calibration data for related photographic media, provide an estimate of the optical density vs. exposure relationship of the given photographic medium. The method and apparatus of this invention are especially applicable for the calibration of photographic media used in hybrid imaging applications.

Abstract: An AF control portion of a digital camera has therein a histogram generating circuit for generating a histogram of widths of edges in an AF area, a noise eliminating portion for eliminating noise components from the histogram, a histogram evaluating portion for calculating an evaluation value indicative of the degree of achieving focus from the histogram, and a contrast calculating circuit for calculating contrast in the AF area. Further, a driving amount determining portion for determining an amount of driving a focusing lens, and a driving direction determining portion for determining a direction of driving the focusing lens are provided. The driving direction determining portion determines the direction of driving the focusing lens by using contrast. The driving amount determining portion positions the focusing lens to an in-focus position promptly with high precision while changing the driving amount by using the evaluation value of the histogram and the contrast.

Abstract: An input apparatus reads a patient ID from an ID card and transmits it to a computer. On the basis of the patient ID, the computer obtains corresponding patient information containing a photograph of the patient's face and the patient's name, from a medical database, and then transmits the patient information to the digital camera together with the patient ID. The digital camera displays the patient information on the liquid crystal monitor to enable confirmation of the patient, who is a subject to be photographed. After the patient has been confirmed, the patient ID is filled in a header part of an image file for the image photographed using the digital camera, and the image file is transmitted to the medical database or the like.

Abstract: In an imaging apparatus such as a digital still camera, a scene is judged with using an image data outputted from an area sensor in a preparation state in which an image displayed on a monitor display serves as a viewfinder, and another image data to be recorded in a recording medium in an image recording mode is compensated corresponding to a result of judgment of the scene. By such the compensation, an image using the image data recorded in the recording medium can properly be reproduced by an image outputting apparatus such as a printer.

Abstract: A digital exposure type photo processing apparatus having an illuminating optical system (30) for emitting light to a film (1), a photoelectric converter (50) for reading light transmitted through the film and converting the light into image data, an image processing device (60) for processing the image data to generate print data, and a digital printer (4) for exposing photographic paper based on the print data. The photoelectric converter (50) reads the transmitted light in a size larger than each image frame of said film, and converts the light into image data. The image processing device (60) includes an actual image extractor (62) for dividing the image data into actual image data corresponding to the image frame, and peripheral image data corresponding to regions around the image frame. The print data is generated from the actual image data so obtained.

Abstract: An electronic camera having a printer with a portable printing function and a sheet feed device suitable for use with the printer. The electronic camera includes an image storage device it photoelectrically convert an optical image to picture data, a first memory to store picture data, and a printer unit to print the picture data. The printed picture data may be fed by a sheet drive mechanism having vibration member and a piezoelectric element fixed to the vibration member and expanding and contracting according to an applied voltage, and a driver which applies to the piezoelectric element a voltage including an alternating component, and at least one projection formed on the vibration member in a position in the neighborhood of a peak of the standing wave, and a sheet separation unit formed on the vibration member, outside the range of the standing wave.

Abstract: A film scanner, such as a telecine, includes a light source, collection optics and one or more light sensors to reduce image signals representative of an image on film. In addition, a reflector arrangement is provided which has an internally reflective cavity, such as an integrating sphere, to captor light which may have been scattered from the usual light path and provided to an additional sensor. Compensations can thus be made for light scattered in any direction.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus including at least an imaging device having a plurality of photoelectric transfer devices arranged in matrix-shape to detect a light irradiated to each photoelectric transfer device and transfer to electric signal, and imaging means for imaging an image of a photogenic object on a surface of the imaging devices. The imaging means images at least two similar images of the photogenic subject on different area of the surface of the imaging device, and the imaging apparatus further includes electric signal processing means to form one image of photogenic subject from at least two images of photogenic subject. Since a plurality of images of photogenic subject can be formed on the imaging device by a plurality of image formation lenses, a thinner imaging apparatus can be realized.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus capable of shortening the reading processing time in image reading of high definition. In an image reading apparatus having a plurality of reading definition values, the state of a reading subject is monitored with first definition. On the basis of a result of the monitoring, image reading is conducted with second definition higher in definition than the first definition. A function of giving a stillness determination on an image of low definition is added. Switchover of the image to the high definition and read processing start are automatically carried out.

Abstract: A method of developing a latent image on a photographic element (such as imagewise exposed photographic film) by absorbing a dye precursor into the film, applying a developer solution to the film to develop the latent image and form a dye in the film, scanning the film with light, and detecting at least one of light reflected away from and light transmitted through the film.

Abstract: A photography scanning device is provided for automatically scanning either photographs or transparencies. The scanning device is provided with a sheet feeding and handling mechanism that does not bend a photo or transparency to a degree that it is damaged as it passes from a sheet feeding stack, to a scanning station, and on to a sheet receiving stack.

Abstract: A capturing and viewing appliance and method are used for capturing and communicating images. The capturing and viewing appliance is an instrument used to capture and communicate images to other devices with communication capabilities. The capturing and viewing appliance includes a processor for manipulating and viewing the images on a built-in display. Program code stored in internal memory includes a menu/image navigation application program which allows the user to use navigation buttons to view multiple images as well as navigate menus. According to another aspect of the invention, the menu/image navigation interface provides a user-friendly interface for effective communication of functionality of an appliance or other device to the user through use of animated transitions.

Abstract: A method for remotely selecting and ordering photographic prints, includes the steps of: sending a photographic film bearing a plurality of latent images to a photofinisher; developing the photographic film to produce visible images and scanning the visible images to create a digital image file at the photo finisher; producing an index print having a plurality of images from the photographic film along with an index number associated with each image and an order number; sending the index print to a customer; selecting images for which prints are desired from the index print; ordering photographic prints via telephone from the customer's home to the photofinisher, specifying the order number and the index numbers associated with the images for which prints are desired; and making photographic prints of the selected images at the photofinisher and sending the photographic prints to the customer.

Abstract: The invention is a method of editing, storing and using digital photographic images for the purpose of producing finished collections of photographs. In the inventive method, digitized photographic images are first combined with editing information, and that combination is utilized by the originating photographer to prepare the finished photographs. The originating photographer also provides instructions for further editing, collating, masking and grouping the photographs for presentation and sale over a network, such as the Internet.

Abstract: An imaging device is tethered to a processor-based system by a high-bandwidth serial bus. Image data produced in the imaging device is minimally processed before being transferred to the processor-based system for more extensive image processing. In particular, compression inside the imaging device may be avoided, for some image resolutions. Where higher throughput of image data through the high-bandwidth bus is desired, the imaging device performs scaled color interpolation on the image data before its transmission to the processor-based system.

Abstract: A capturing and viewing appliance and method are provided for capturing and communicating images to other appliances and devices with communication capabilities. The capturing and viewing appliance includes a processor for manipulating and viewing the images on a built-in display. Program code stored in internal memory includes a menu navigation interface application program which allows the user to use navigation buttons and operational buttons to operate the menu navigation interface in operating the appliance. According to another aspect of the invention, the menu navigation interface provides a user-friendly interface for operating an appliance or other device through reuse of the navigation buttons and operational buttons in menu activation and deactivation as well as menu item selection.

Abstract: A capturing and viewing appliance and method are provided for capturing and communicating images to other devices with communication capabilities. The capturing and viewing appliance includes a processor for manipulating and viewing the images on a built-in display. Program code stored in internal memory includes an error utility interface which informs the user of an error in operating the appliance. According to another aspect of the invention, the error interface provides a user-friendly interface for learning how to correctly operate the appliance after an error in operation has occurred. Through the use of icons, operational buttons, and animated sequences the present invention presents a novel user interface which makes the error interface and method a solution in devices with limited resources which need to be able to communicate with users correct methods of operating an appliance.

Abstract: A plurality of picture image data obtained from a film in one film handling operation by a film scanner with the automatic film feeding function are output as prints by a digital printer and also as files in a recording medium by a file outputting device. In the system for providing the above two kinds of output services, the numbers of film scanners, file outputting devices, and digital printers are determined so that the processing performance of each kind of apparatus in a unit time times the number of each kind of apparatus is almost the same, to make each kind of apparatus comprising the system demonstrate its full performance.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus can read images on film and is capable of alternating between 35 mm film and a roll of film. The apparatus includes a light source, a photoelectric converter, a film transport that transports film past a reading position to which the light is emitted and the photoelectric converter reads, and two insertion openings. The light source illuminates the film so that the photoelectric converter can read the illuminated images and output an image signal. The film transport transports the film to the reading position. A first insertion opening is used for inserting a roll of film (e.g., in a cartridge), while a second insertion opening is used for inserting 35 mm film (e.g., on a film mount).

Abstract: A digital film processing system is provided. Each scanning module in the system has a removable mounting panel to which the scanning and transportation components are secured. An opening or door can be provided between the modules to compensate for film buckling. The film can be tensioned during scanning for control over its position. Tape can be attached to side edges of the film, and the tape can be moved through the system, avoiding contact with the film. Also, a belt transport system can be utilized to contact the film (or attached tape) only on the lateral edges. The film may be threaded through the system by using a leader attached to the lead edge of the film. To transport the film and leader, a transport mechanism having a roller connecting a pair of sprockets may be used, and a single drive unit may be provided to pull the film.

Abstract: In the image reading method, a film having images recorded in a plurality of frames in a longitudinal direction is transported to read the images photoelectrically at an image reading position by an image reading device. This method transports the film in a first direction along a read and transport path including the image reading position to perform a first image reading for reading the images by the image reading device, returns a forward end of the film to the read and transport path on an entry or exit side of the read and transport path after the first image reading has been finished, and transports the film along the read and transport path in the first direction or in a second direction opposite to the first direction to perform a second image reading in which the images are read by the image reading device at the image reading position in a sequence of frames that was applied to the first image reading.

Abstract: A smart camera system provides focused images to an operator at a host computer by processing digital images at the imaging location prior to sending them to the host computer. The smart camera has a resident digital signal processor for preprocessing digital images prior to transmitting the images to the host. The preprocessing includes image feature extraction and filtering, convolution and deconvolution methods, correction of parallax and perspective image error and image compression. Compression of the digital images in the smart camera at the imaging location permits the transmission of very high resolution color or high resolution grayscale images at real-time frame rates such as 30 frames per second over a high speed serial bus to a host computer or to any other node on the network, including any remote address on the Internet.

Abstract: There is disclosed a film scanner for scanning picture frames on photographic film. A plurality of filmstrips are spliced into a long photographic film web (17) and wound around a reel when placed in a film supply device (42) of the film scanner. The photographic film web is advanced from the supply reel through a film passageway to a film wind-up device (44). The film supply device and the film wind-up device are provided with loop formers (83, 91) for forming loops (17c, 17d) of the photographic film web before and behind a movable film table (52). After a picture frame of the photographic film web is positioned and fixed in a light permeable window (56) of the film table, the film table is moved back and forth along the film passageway. In synchronism with the reciprocating movement of the film table, the film scanner sequentially makes pre-scanning, focusing and fine scanning.

Abstract: A photographic laboratory digital image sequencing apparatus for generating a sequence of digital images of a customer order before passing the digital images to a printer for printing, comprising an image input, through which the digital images are received, an image output which outputs the digital images, an image memory for storing the digital images of the customer order, a determining unit which determines positions of the stored digital images in an output sequence by referring to reference data, said image output outputting the digital images of the customer order from the memory according to the output sequence.

Abstract: A color photothermographic element comprising at least three light-sensitive units which have their individual sensitivities in different wavelength regions, each of the units comprising at least one light-sensitive silver-halide emulsion, binder, and dye-providing coupler, and a blocked developer in the presence of a thermal solvent represented by the following structure: 1

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of processing color photographic film that has been imagewise exposed in a camera, said film having at least three light-sensitive units which have their individual sensitivities in different wavelength regions, each of the units comprising at least one light-sensitive silver-halide emulsion, binder, and dye-providing coupler, which method in order comprises: (a) thermally developing the film step without any externally applied developing agent, comprising heating said film to a temperature greater than 80° C.

Abstract: An image forming system is provided with an image memory for storing a number of frame images, a composite image generator for generating a composite image bearing frame images, and a composite image recorder for recording generated composite image on a recording medium having a base layer, an adhesive layer, and a recording layer. The system is further provided with a separation former for forming a perforation line on the recording medium for dividing a specified frame image from the other frame image.