Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for calibrating multiple printers, and particularly color printers, in a networked environment using data embedded in select color patches in target sheets generated by each printer, which embedded data allows automated processing of the target sheets and association of appropriate target sheet data with the correct printer. The embedded data preferably includes an identification of which of multiple printers a particular target sheet corresponds to, along with data about the target sheet itself.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus 100 that provides an order separator 330 for photographic order fulfillment. The present invention includes one or more output print devices 110 that print one or more photographic prints 320 of a photographic order 402/404/406 using photographic paper 300. Additionally included is a separator print 330 that is a sheet of photographic paper 300 that is larger than the photographic prints 302 of the photographic order 402/404/406. The present invention further includes a system controller 102 that controls the utilization of the photographic paper 300 of the output print devices 110 for the photographic prints 320. The system controller 102 controls whether to create the separator print 330 or the photographic prints 320. The individual separator print 330 creates a tab 401/403/405 separating different photographic orders 402/404/406 of the photographic prints when multiple photographic orders 400 are stacked together.

Abstract: A self-service identification card station is disclosed providing a method for creating, customizing, and dispensing identification cards utilizing information provided by a purchaser about the intended identification card recipient. A purchaser may customize the identification card with the information the purchaser would like to include on the identification card. The self-service identification card station provides for the production of such customized identification cards from identification card blanks stored within the station that are printed with appropriate information on demand. The self-service identification station also allows the purchaser to customize the background of the cards. The self-service order station may be utilized in a retail outlet for public use or at a private location for employee use.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system of order fulfillment that utilizes an order station, a separate fulfillment station, and a separate payment station. The order station presents the consumer with options for placing an order and upon the consumer's completion of the order issues a fulfillment receipt for the order. The consumer pays for the order at the order station, the separate payment station, or the fulfillment station. The consumer then presents the fulfillment receipt at a fulfillment station where the order is fulfilled and provided to the consumer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for printing digital images wherein concurrent with selection of an image by a user, the image is rendered and placed on a storage location before a print order is completed, and printing the image upon selection of a print command. Multiple images may be rendered and placed on the storage location prior to the completion of the print order and printing of all or some of the images will not begin until the print command is given. In another embodiment of the present invention, the images may be placed in a separate cache memory and transferred to a printer buffer upon selection of the print command. A user may create an edited image after the image has been initially selected, rendered, and placed on the storage location. The edited image may then replace the original image on the storage location until the print command is given.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for calibrating multiple printers, and particularly color printers, in a networked environment using data embedded in select color patches in target sheets generated by each printer, which embedded data allows automated processing of the target sheets and association of appropriate target sheet data with the correct printer. The embedded data preferably includes an identification of which of multiple printers a particular target sheet corresponds to, along with data about the target sheet itself.