Abstract: This patent discloses methods for modifying cube corner retroreflective patterns by stretching a cube corner retroreflector. Stretching may either permanent through inelastic stretching usually under heat or elastic stretching using a controlled stretching mechanism.

Abstract: A kit for organizing a plurality of images obtained from a predetermined source. The kit includes an image retaining device for capturing of images which may have a unique ID, a registration card for use in accessing a photoservice provider which has on file the unique ID for registering the image retaining device to a customer, and computer software program for allowing the consumer to accomplish certain operations at the network photoservice provider.

Abstract: A system and method for organizing images obtained from at least one image retaining device having a unique identification. The system includes a computer having a database for storing digital images and a management section for managing customer orders and stored digital images. The management section is capable of receiving and storing a unique identification of at least one image retaining device and registering the image retaining device to a customer account. After reaching a predetermined period of time or number of images obtained from image sources, the system automatically provides a product and/or service to a recipient designated by the customer incorporating the plurality of customer provided images.

Abstract: A method of rendering a low-resolution thumbnail image at an embedded imaging device is described. An original digital negative is captured at the embedded imaging device at an original resolution and a thumbnail digital image of the original digital negative is generated at a first resolution. The thumbnail digital image is displayed on a display device coupled to the embedded imaging device and modified to form a first resultant image at the first resolution. A first edit list based upon the modifying is generated and associated with the first resultant image and linked to the original digital negative. The linked first edit list, the original digital negative, and the first resultant image are stored at the embedded imaging device and displayed at the display device.

Abstract: A system, method and computer software product for controlling the operation of a device in accordance with a user's personal profile or local environment. The device is designed for interaction with a user based on the personal or an environment profile and includes a wireless communication device for communicating with a computer. The computer providing instructions to the device for controlling the operation of the device based on gathered data and in response to a stored user's personal profile.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer software program for controlling operation of a photofinishing lab having a plurality of output devices for producing a plurality of different output products for a plurality of different job orders wherein each of the output devices capable of outputting one or more of the plurality of different output products. The system includes a controller for monitoring and controlling operations of the plurality of different output devices with respect to the job orders in queue. A display device connected to the controller displays the operational status of each of the plurality of the output devices in a predetermined format. The controller producing a visual indication when the operational efficiency reaches a predetermined criteria and automatically adjusting the operational status of at least one of the plurality of output devices or prep device for in response to reaching the predetermined criterion.

Abstract: An electronic camera and system for capturing of digital images, and wireless transmission of the captured images to a recipient. The camera includes a selection device for creating an electronic content identifier to be associated with a digital image file in the camera that identifies a recipient that the associated digital image file is to be forwarded.

Abstract: A digital reading and/or writing system and method for reading and/or digital data recorded on a digital recording medium. The system includes a first array having a plurality of near-field solid immersion optical lenses and a second array having a plurality organic micro-cavity lasers with the capability of light intensity modulation. The first array being positioned with respect to the second array such that each near-field optical lens of the first array is associated with at least one organic micro-cavity laser in the second array wherein each of the plurality of organic micro-cavity lasers with the capability of light intensity modulation providing light to its associated near-field solid immersion optical lens that is used for reading digital data on the digital recording medium.

Abstract: A method for providing digital images over a communication network to a user using instruction obtained from a roll of film containing images or wireless image capture device. The instruction may be obtained by analyzing the image for an image content identifier. The instructions may include the obtaining of an offer by a third party over the communication network for providing the service.

Abstract: A method of processing digital images which gradually substitutes a processed and/or filtered version of the input data for the original data. The method is applied to shadow regions of a color digital image to remove residual dark area color casts.

Abstract: A media that is used for making an authenticable original document and a method for making the document. The media has an area on which a custom three dimensional physical indicia identifier can be formed thereon by a user. The area of the media is made of a material such that when the three dimensional physical indicia is digitally scanned a unique digital file is produced.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for printing an authenticatable image having an embedded image into a receiver having a discernible physical characteristic, such that the printed image can be used to authenticate the receiver which includes scanning the receiver to produce information related to the discernible physical characteristic of the receiver, and providing a carrier which includes information related to the scanned receiver discernible physical characteristic. The method also includes combining the carrier with an input image to form the authenticatable image having the embedded image, and printing the authenticatable image having the embedded image onto the receiver.

Abstract: A method and system for providing assistance in recreating a digital image file on a user computer from information obtained over a communication network retained at a remote location with respect to the image file. Images store on a user computer are so as to obtain a low resolution digital image files of high resolution digital image files stored on the storage device along with storage parameters of the high resolutions digital image files. This information is used in the reconstruction of the user image data base.

Abstract: A method of storing and viewing a collection of digital images includes the steps of: providing a plurality of users with a unique user ID associated with a URL identifying a network photoservice provider; providing each one of the plurality of users with a separate password to the unique user ID; at least one of the plurality of users transferring a set of digital images to the unique user ID employing their separate passwords; and viewing the images located at the unique user ID using the separate password.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer software product for capturing and distributing memories of a deceased individual. An electronic storage memory database is provided having controls for allowing selective entry of information into said database with respect to said selected individual. Individuals can be pre-authorization for accessing said database for viewing or entering of data into the database with respect to a deceased individual. Also a gatekeeper can be designated for providing editorial control over entry of said data.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically determining the shipping weight and cost of a plurality of photofinishing items from a service provider without physically weighing the photofinishing order. A computer system receives photofinishing orders from the customers and associates an order ID with respect to each of the photofinishing orders. The orders are filled and sent to a packing station for assembling the photofinishing order. Each order is placed in a shipping package having the order ID thereon in a machine readable format. A reading device reads order ID and obtains information for determining the associated estimated weight for each package. A printer produces a manifest to be used in shipping the plurality of photofinishing orders wherein the manifest provides the estimated weight and cost for each of the orders that is given to the shipping agent for shipment to customers.

Abstract: A management system and method of assigning credit for unprintable images provided by a customer. When unprintable frames are submitted for processing, such as scanning, printing or storage, the method allows the photofinisher to keep track of the number of image submitted for processing and assigns credit for to the customer's account for unprintable images. As an example of redeeming such credit, when the number of unprintable images equals a pre-set criterion, such as the number of frames in a roll, a free roll of film could be issued to the customer.

Abstract: A method of storing and viewing a collection of digital images includes the steps of: providing a plurality of users with a unique user ID associated with a URL identifying a network photoservice provider; providing each one of the plurality of users with a separate password to the unique user ID; at least one of the plurality of users transferring a set of digital images to the unique user ID employing their separate passwords; and viewing the images located at the unique user ID using the separate password.

Abstract: A method of making a material comprises the steps of coating a support with a solution, the solution comprising a polymer and at least one blowing agent. Activation of the blowing agent is prevented until after coating.

Abstract: An official postal product, and a method and apparatus for making the official postal product. The official postal product includes a first image area having an official postal indicia a second image area having a personal image. A protective coating is placed over the second image area such that official cancellation mark placed over the second area will not permanently adhere to the personal image.