Abstract: An apparatus and method for loading and configuring an imaging device driver to facilitate turnkey remote access via the interne to the complete and explicit feature set and capabilities provided by a specific, user selected, retail imaging kiosk or digital photofinishing system.

Abstract: A support and a method for assembling micro-components to binding sites on the support are provided. The support has a pattern of electrical conductors adapted to conduct electrical energy between binding sites. In accordance with the method, an electrical signal is passed through at least one conductive path including at least one of the conductors so that heat is generated by a portion of each conductive path proximate to the binding sites, a first fluid is applied to the support that is adapted to increase in viscosity when heated, and, a carrier fluid having first micro-components adapted to engage the binding sites is applied to the support. Wherein the heat from the at least one conductive path increases the viscosity of the first fluid in areas proximate to the selected binding sites so as to inhibit first micro-components from engaging the binding sites.

Abstract: Imaging methods and systems are provided that use affective information. In one aspect an image of a scene is captured. Affective information is collected. The affective information is associated with the image.

Abstract: In contrast to prior art picture database browsing and retrieving methods which require the tedious opening and perusing of directories, folders and files, the present-inventive graphical user interface system (500) and method produces several display levels (100,200,300,400) of user-friendly geographical/map metaphors from picture metadata with picture icons (116, 216, 316) representing pictures captured at locations on maps. The characteristics of the display levels (100, 200, 300, 400) are programmable by the user. In the preferred embodiment, the size of the picture icons (116, 216, 316) is proportional to the number of pictures captured at the icon location. Further features of the present-inventive graphical user interface (GUI) include a “tool tip” which appears indicating the number of pictures represented by a picture icon (116, 216, 316), when the screen cursor is placed over the picture icon (116, 216, 316).

Abstract: In a first aspect of the present invention, a camera exposure control system is provided. The camera exposure control system has a shutter movable during an exposure period through a path of travel between a first position and a second position and a detector to sense the shutter and to generate a signal when the shutter is at a flash trigger position on the path of travel. A flash circuit is provided and receives the signal generated by the detector causing a flash of light to discharge when the signal is received. A stop is also provided. The stop is selectably movable from a location out of the path of travel of the shutter to a location in the path of travel of the shutter. The location of the stop determines whether the detector can sense the shutter during the exposure.

Abstract: A camera auxiliary light system provides supplemental illumination for a passive ranging system in determining camera-to-object distance, provides a self-timer activation status light to persons in a scene, provides a point of visible light to assist in aiming the camera, and provides red-eye reduction illumination. Thus, multiple functions are performed by a single auxiliary light, thereby reducing the number of camera elements and reducing camera cost, size, and weight. The system includes an auxiliary light source, a mode control switch that selects between a self-timer mode, a red-eye reduction mode, and a flash defeat mode, a light sensor that receives light from the scene and produces a signal that indicates the relative amount of light that was received, and a light source controller that controls operation of the auxiliary light source in response to actuation of a shutter release of the camera.