Abstract: Data points, calendar entries, trends, behavioral patterns may be used to predict and pre-emptively build digital and printable products with selected collections of images without the user's active participation. The collections are selected from files on the user's device, cloud-based photo library, or other libraries shared among other individuals and grouped into thematic products. Based on analysis of the user's collections and on-line behaviors, the system may estimate types and volumes of potential media-centric products, and the resources needed for producing and distributing such media-centric products for a projected period of time. A user interface may take the form of a “virtual curator”, which is a graphical or animated persona for augmenting and managing interactions between the user and the system managing the user's stored media assets. The virtual curator can assume one of many personas, as appropriate, with each user.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a computer-implemented method that receives a digital image input, the digital image input containing one or more dynamic salient objects arranged over a background. The method also includes performing a tracking operation, the tracking operation identifying the dynamic salient object over one or more frames of the digital image input as the dynamic salient object moves over the background. The method further includes performing a clustering operation, in parallel with the tracking operation, on the digital image input, the clustering operation identifying boundary conditions of the dynamic salient object. Additionally, the method includes combining a first output from the tracking operation and a second output from the clustering operation to generate a third output. The method further includes performing a segmentation operation on the third output, the segmentation operation extracting the dynamic salient object from the digital image input.

Abstract: A method for determining an impact score for a digital image includes providing the digital image wherein the digital image includes faces; using a processor to determine an image feature for the faces; using the processor to compute an object impact score for the faces, wherein the object impact score is based at least upon one of the determined image features; weighting the object impact score for the faces based on one of the determined image features for a face; using the processor to compute an impact score for the digital image by combining the weighted object impact scores for the faces in the image; and storing the computed impact score in a processor accessible memory.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a printer using a reflective scanner is disclosed. Because the reflective scanner used for calibration may only be able to accurately measure a limited density range that is less than the full density range of the printer, some information from the reflective scanner is disregarded or deemphasized during the calibration process. A calibration page is printed and scanned. Lookup tables (LUTs) that comprise the printer calibration values are updated based on adjustments calculated from the scanner for density regions where the scanner produces relatively accurate measurements, but updated based on the preexisting settings for density regions where the scanner produces relatively inaccurate measurements. In transitions regions between accurate and inaccurate regions, the LUTs are adjusted based on a combination of measurements from the scanner and the preexisting settings.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments directed to a multi-media image system, which includes using a processor for forming a multi-media image product. According to certain embodiments, the system stores an image collection on a digital storage system; associates an identifier with the image collection: provides the identifier for distribution to a plurality of individuals; receives images from the recipients of the identifier; and forming a multi-media image product using the images stored on the digital storage system and received from the recipients of the identifier.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting the presence of metallic objects in media to be conveyed in a medium transport system are disclosed. One or more induction sensors are included in the medium transport system to detect the presence of metal in the transported media, with detection signals sent from the sensors to a system processing unit. An ultrasonic detector is employed in some embodiments to output another detection signal. One or more microphones may also be included, for detecting the sound created as the medium is being transported. The system processing unit analyzes various detection signals and analyzes computed sound values from the microphones, to determine the presence and location of metal in the media. A position jam detector may assist in determining jams of the media along the medium transport path.

Abstract: A local area network tracking system and method of use is described herein. An exemplary embodiment of the system comprises a central tracker server that registers and tracks third-party vendor kiosks when the kiosks connect to a retail store local area network. The unique tracker server system is configured to efficiently route web application traffic on the same retail store local area network. The tracker server stores a local IP address and a unique identifier for each vendor kiosk connected to a particular retail store network. Customers connected to the network are routed to the tracker server to obtain the IP address for a suitable vendor kiosk, with which the customer can establish a direct wireless connection to that kiosk over the retail store network. The system described herein can be implemented without modifying any aspect of the retail store LAN infrastructure.

Abstract: A system and method for performing real-time quality inspection of objects is disclosed. The system and method include a transport to move objects being inspected, allowing the inspection to be performed in-line. At least one optical acquisition unit is provided that captured optical images of the objects being inspected. The captured optical images are matched to CAD models of objects, and the matched CAD model is extracted. A laser with an illumination light beam has a wavelength in the violet or ultraviolet range then conducts scans of the objects, which are formed into three-dimensional point clouds. The point clouds are compared to the extracted CAD models for each object, where CTF are compared to user input or CAD model information and the object is determined to be acceptable or defective based on the extent of deviation between the point cloud and the CAD model.

Abstract: Systems and methods facilitate iteratively inspecting a high resolution image of a camera subassembly glass element, to determine whether dust is present, and cleaning of same. By examining the size, number, and location of the dust particles it can be determined whether the dust is likely to cause issues when the camera subassembly is integrated into a fully assembled document scanner. Other anomalies, contaminants, and defects which could affect camera image quality, such as scratches on the glass covering, can also be detected. Software may control the capturing of the high resolution images of the camera subassembly glass and can determine a fail state if the anomaly is above a predetermined threshold. The systems and method can be used as acceptance criteria of individual camera subassemblies from a manufacturer.

Abstract: Described herein is a multi-user retail photo kiosk system that includes multiple touch screen and Graphic User Interface (GUI) controlled consumer photo editing, photo print and product selection, and photo order placement terminals and multiple photo printers. The user photo kiosk terminals can receive images. Billing and payment is accomplished using barcoded receipts provided at the user terminal for payments for purchased photo products. A printer array incorporating various printers capable of producing prints or various sizes and formats can be configured as a horizontal counter or as a vertical tower and includes means to alert the user that their photo print order is complete. In addition, the system automatically notifies operators if equipment service, maintenance, media refilling, and/or post printing finishing procedures are required.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a computer-implemented method that receives a digital image input, the digital image input containing one or more dynamic salient objects arranged over a background. The method also includes performing a tracking operation, the tracking operation identifying the dynamic salient object over one or more frames of the digital image input as the dynamic salient object moves over the background. The method further includes performing a clustering operation, in parallel with the tracking operation, on the digital image input, the clustering operation identifying boundary conditions of the dynamic salient object. Additionally, the method includes combining a first output from the tracking operation and a second output from the clustering operation to generate a third output. The method further includes performing a segmentation operation on the third output, the segmentation operation extracting the dynamic salient object from the digital image input.

Abstract: A system and method for performing real-time quality inspection of objects is disclosed. The system and method include a transport to move objects being inspected, allowing the inspection to be performed in-line. At least one optical acquisition unit is provided that captured optical images of the objects being inspected. The captured optical images are matched to CAD models of objects, and the matched CAD model is extracted. A laser with an illumination light beam has a wavelength in the violet or ultraviolet range then conducts scans of the objects, which are formed into three-dimensional point clouds. The point clouds are compared to the extracted CAD models for each object, where CTF are compared to user input or CAD model information and the object is determined to be acceptable or defective based on the extent of deviation between the point cloud and the CAD model.

Abstract: A computer system for selecting image products includes a display for displaying digital images, and for displaying representations of image products. Digital images are composited into the displayed representations to form digitally composited image product views. Programming controls displaying the composited image product views separately from the unselected representations. One or more of the displayed composited image product views are selected and assembled or fabricated.

Abstract: This invention relates to a conductive thermal image receiver element that has an aqueous coatable dye-receiving layer. The dye-receiving layer comprises a conductive polymeric material, a dispersant, one or more surfactants, one or more antifoamers, a water-dispersible release agent, a crosslinking agent, and a polymer binder matrix consisting essentially of a water-dispersible polyester and a water-dispersible acrylic polymer. This invention also relates to a method for making this thermal image receiver element as well as method for using it to provide a dye image by thermal transfer from a donor element.

Abstract: A plurality of server computers connected to computer network processes tasks that are unequally distributed among the server computers. A server sends a task-available message over the computer network to the remaining server computers to request assistance. The received task-available message is processed by some of the servers while others of the servers do not process the message because they are too busy. The servers that process the message respond by requesting a task from the message sending server.

Abstract: A method of recoding a photograph for use in a personal photo identification document such as a passport includes using a digital image capture system, including a digital camera, a computer processor, and memory to store specifications and requirements for a photo print in order to be compliant for use in a user selected photo ID such as a passport for a selected country or jurisdiction, using the digital image capture system to capture a facial image, using facial image processing techniques to provide automatic detection of a face and facial feature points on the facial image, processing the facial image and generating a visual indication of compliance, and when compliant, generating the photograph based on the compliant facial image.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a computer-implemented method that receives a digital image input, the digital image input containing one or more dynamic salient objects arranged over a background. The method also includes performing a tracking operation, the tracking operation identifying the dynamic salient object over one or more frames of the digital image input as the dynamic salient object moves over the background. The method further includes performing a clustering operation, in parallel with the tracking operation, on the digital image input, the clustering operation identifying boundary conditions of the dynamic salient object. Additionally, the method includes combining a first output from the tracking operation and a second output from the clustering operation to generate a third output. The method further includes performing a segmentation operation on the third output, the segmentation operation extracting the dynamic salient object from the digital image input.

Abstract: A method for creating navigable views includes receiving digital images, computing a set of feature points for each of the digital images, selecting one of the digital images as a reference image, identifying a salient region of interest in the reference image, identifying other digital images containing a region of interest similar to the salient region of interest in the reference image using the set of feature points computed for each of other digital images, designating a reference location for the salient region of interest in the reference image, aligning the other digital images to the image that contains the designated reference location, ordering the image that contains the designated reference location and the other digital images, and generating a navigable view.

Abstract: A method for graph-based spatiotemporal video segmentation and automatic target object extraction in high-dimensional feature space includes using a processor to automatically analyze an entire volumetric video sequence; using the processor to construct a high-dimensional feature space that includes color, motion, time, and location information so that pixels in the entire volumetric video sequence are reorganized according to their unique and distinguishable feature vectors; using the processor to create a graph model that fuses the appearance, spatial, and temporal information of all pixels of the video sequence in the high-dimensional feature space; and using the processor to group pixels in the graph model that are inherently similar and assign the same labels to them to form semantic spatiotemporal key segments.

Abstract: A system for generating an image display comprising a digital camera for capturing digital images, a computer for automatically selecting a digital image template having a designated location for disposing one of the captured digital images, and the computer for selecting one of the captured digital images to be disposed therein, an electronic display for displaying the digital template with the captured digital image disposed in the designated location, and a transmission channel for transmitting to the electronic display the captured digital images.