Abstract: A hard copy print, method and system for producing the hard copy print. The hard copy print has a print side and a back side. The print side has information thereon which identifies the electronic location at which a digital record of the image can be accessed electronically. This information is preferably written in a machine readable form so as to allow automatic accessing of the digitally stored images. The system includes a digital storage device for storing of a digital record file of the image on the hard copy print.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a photo album page. The apparatus includes a first supply of a media having a front and back side, a first print head located adjacent the front side of the media; a first transport mechanism for advancing the first supply of media in a first processing path; a second supply of a second media having a front and back side, the front side of the second media is such that digital images may be printed thereon; a second print head for providing images on the front side of the second media; a second first transport mechanism for advancing the first media along a first processing path, the first path and second path being positioned such that initially the paths are initially separated and later combined to form a single processing path such that the back sides of first media and second media will be co-extensive with each other; and a securing mechanism for bringing together and securing the first media and second media so as to form a substantially integral web.

Abstract: A personal postal product and a system for producing same. The postal product includes a personal image area for receiving a personal image and an official postal image area having a machine-readable code. The machine-readable code is configured so as to extend around at least a portion of the personalized image area. The code may be colored and coordinated with a color present in the personal image The personal image area and official postal image have may a variety of shapes. The system includes a computer for processing image data, a data entry device for entering a digital and a printer for producing the postal indicia.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for displaying photofinishing goods and/or services that are being offered for sale. An apparatus is provided which includes a display device for displaying photofinishing goods and/or services that are being offered for sale and a computer for controlling what is displayed on the display device. A computer software program is also provide for programming the computer so that a plurality of the photofinishing goods and/or services will be displayed on the display device and for program monitoring the sales the photofinishing goods. The system allows for the remote reprogramming of the computer for modifying and or re-arranging the position of the photofinishing goods and/or services on the display device.

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: A system for capturing an image of an instruction provided on a card by a camera. The fixture includes support surface having a cradle for receiving a camera. A support member extending from the support surface for supporting the support surface a fixed distance from a surface on which the fixture is placed. The instruction card is placed in the fixtures. The photofinisher during scanning of the developed film automatically reads a coded instruction and fulfills the order in accordance with the instruction.

Abstract: A method for providing and reading micro-discrete indicia on a gemstone using near-field optics.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing photographic material has a chamber which is manufactured such that temperature uniformity is maintained across the chamber.

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: A processing apparatus is provided which can be easily transported to whatever location is required. The apparatus has no open tanks of processing solution, the possibility of spillage of the solutions being therefore eliminated.

Abstract: A solution delivery system for a processor holds and delivers the processing solutions at working temperature. The solutions are held in an airtight chamber in which they are heated to the correct temperature. The solution is then transferred to a holding chamber until released into the processor.

Abstract: A method of informing a customer that their photofinishing order is ready to picked up at a retailer. An electronic notification is sent to the customer when the order has been completed, the notification containing at least one image of the plurality of image in the customer order. A notice may also be sent to retail provider where the order is to picked-up by the customer. The method also includes the ability for the consumer to direct that the order be sent to a particular retail establishment.

Abstract: A control tool for monitoring a predetermined process condition in a photographic process and method of making the control tool. The control tool includes a support element having a plurality of rows, each row having a plurality of visual density patches and representing a different process condition. At least one of the rows is used for monitoring a process condition being monitored and at least one of the other of the rows identifies an out-of-control process condition. The plurality of rows of visual density patches are designed to be correlated with a process control strip that has been processed in the photographic process to be monitored, the support element further having textual information identifying at least one process condition and describing the process condition that may need to be corrected in response to correlation of the control strip to the control tool.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for printing a customer image order, each containing a plurality of images. A digital record of a customer order containing a plurality of images is obtained. Digital enhancement is made to at least one of the plurality of images. The amount of digital enhancement made to each of the images enhanced is determined and a rating based on the amount of correction made to each image is obtained. The customer image order is printed with at least one enhancement print and one without any enhancement so that they can be compared.

Abstract: A roller for use in a coating machine comprises a metal core 1 having a dielectric cover 2. The cover is provided with an engraved pattern of ridges and grooves. The core is also provided with a pattern in register with the pattern in the cover such that an electrostatic field generated above a web supported on the roller may be made substantially uniform.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method of processing at least one digital image of at least one photographic image and distributing at least one visual print produced from the at least one digital image. The method includes the steps of storing at least one digital image of at least one photographic image on at least one image server at a first location. Selective authorized access to the at least one digital image of the at least one photographic image from a second location is then facilitated. Orders are received for at least one visual print of the at least one photographic image from the second location. Based upon the orders at least one visual image is produced from the stored digital image at the first location in response to the at least one order.

Abstract: A method of identifying whether a particular brand of photochemicals has been used in the processing of photographic prints by providing information relating to the process chemistry on the back of the prints.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manufacture of a two-sided image product is disclosed, comprising the steps of: providing a web of media having an image bearing side and a non-image bearing side; printing a plurality of undetermined images on the image bearing side; applying an adhesive to the non image bearing side; moving the web of media in a direction longitudinal to the web; forming a crease line on the web of media, the crease line running in the longitudinal direction along the web; and folding the web of media along the crease line so that the non-image bearing side contacts itself so as to adhere the non-image bearing side to itself.

Abstract: A method of processing light sensitive material by the surface application of fresh processing solution to the surface of a moving belt by means of an applicator. The material to be processed is brought into moving contact with the moving belt, the resulting relative motion providing a high level of agitation and mixing of the processing solution.

Abstract: A color film comprises a support layer, a layer formed of a color filter array having at least three spectrally distinguishable types of color element and an emulsion layer unit. The film further includes means for emitting or reflecting light which has been modulated by the filter array but not by the image pattern formed in the emulsion layer.