Abstract: A system, method, and software product for managing digital images. A server is provided for controlling access to a user image storage device having at least one digital image file of an image. The server has a communication device capable of communicating with a plurality of user computers wherein at least one of the user computers having the at least one digital image file. A software program permits automatic controlled access to the at least one digital image file on the user computer by a third party and monitors access by the third party without any further authorization by the user.

Abstract: A system for associating content-relevant metadata with digital image files. The system searches memory for at least one image file deficient of content-relevant metadata and analyzes the at least one image file for determining existing content-relevant metadata. The at least one image file and at least a portion of candidate content-relevant metadata is presented to the to a user. The user is allowed to acknowledge the portion of the candidate content-relevant metadata presented, which can then be stored in a database.

Abstract: A portable imaging system transportable by a user between a first and second location for scanning an image for later production of an image product. The system includes (a) a first and second member movable between an open and closed position; (b) a scanning area accessible when the system is in the open position for receiving and scanning the image to produce a digital image; (c) memory for storing the digital image; and (d) a communication port adapted to transmit the digital image from the portable imaging system to a device for later production of the imaging product comprising the digital image. In a preferred embodiment, the system includes a display for displaying the digital image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for printing and/or displaying a customer image order in which 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 method is provided for determining an area of importance in an archival image. In accordance with the method, an evaluation images is obtained during composition of an archival image and the archival image is obtained. The evaluation image is compared to the archival image to determine common image elements and area of importance data is determined that identifies the common image elements. The area of importance data is associated with the archival image.

Abstract: An imaging system and method which enables viewers and/or attendees of entertainment events, such as athletic events or concerts, to order and obtain photographic products that are associated with the event. The system and method offers attendees at the entertainment event a choice of imaging services, such as a photographic product or photopackage, that includes images of the participants at the entertainment event, as well as images of the attendee and his/her family or friends at the event, preferably at their seats, and preferably while enjoying the event.

Abstract: A cartridge having a donor ribbon; a supply housing having an exterior surface and further having a supply projection extending away from the exterior surface of the supply housing, said supply projection allowing the donor ribbon to pass from the supply area to a supply waypoint, and a take-up housing having an exterior surface and having a take-up projection extending away from the exterior surface of the take-up housing said take-up projection allowing the donor ribbon to pass from a take-up waypoint to the take-up area. A connecting portion holds the supply housing and the take-up spool with a separation area therebetween, said connecting portion providing a printing path from the supply waypoint to the take-up waypoint, wherein the supply waypoint is positioned at a supply side separation from supply housing and the take-up waypoint is positioned at a take-up separation from the take-up housing.

Abstract: A method of offering a customized promotional product to a user. The method comprises the steps of: accessing a user-supplied digital image at a digital imaging device; providing a digital image representative of a promotional product, the promotional product digital image having a predetermined image location adapted to receive at least a portion of the user-supplied digital image; generating a modified user image by modifying the at least a portion of the user-supplied digital image to simulate an application of the at least a portion of the user-supplied image to the promotional product; generating a customized digital image representative of the customized promotional product, the customized digital image comprising the promotional product digital image having the modified user image disposed within the predetermined image location; and displaying the customized digital image to the user on a display of the digital imaging device.

Abstract: A system for automatically transferring a plurality of digital video segments stored by a digital camera onto a separate storage medium. The system includes the digital camera and a docking unit. The digital camera includes a lens for providing an optical image; an image sensor for receiving the optical image provided by the lens to produce an image signal; a processor responsive to the image signal for producing the plurality of digital video segments; a digital memory for storing the plurality of digital video segments; a color image display for reviewing the digital video segments; and a docking interface to permit the digital camera to be connected to the docking unit. The docking unit includes a connector for receiving the docking interface in the digital camera and for connecting the digital camera to the docking unit; and a recorder for recording onto the separate storage medium.

Abstract: In a photographic processing method, an image unit having a plurality of printable image frames is received. The image frames include a data frame having subchannel information. An indicator of the presence of the subchannel information is detected. A bitstream of all of the image frames is generated. Responsive to the indicator, the data frame is extracted from the bitstream and subchannel information is read from the data frame. Fulfillment of image frames of the bitstream is provided in accordance with the subchannel information. If no indicator is detected, then the image frames are fulfilled in accordance with a different, default subchannel.

Abstract: A display module adapted to receive a removable display device having a display for displaying digital images stored on the device. The display module includes a body having planar support surface, a recessed area, and a movable support member pivotable relative to the planar support surface. The movable support member is adapted to receive the digital image display device. The support member is movable between a first and a second position. The first position provides a viewing position, and the second position provides a storage position wherein the display device is substantially disposed within the recessed area.

Abstract: A system, method, and software product for managing digital images. A server is provided for controlling access to a user image storage device having at least one digital image file of an image. The server has a communication device capable of communicating with a plurality of user computers wherein at least one of the user computers having the at least one digital image file. A software program permits automatic controlled access to the at least one digital image file on the user computer by a third party and monitors access by the third party without any further authorization by the user.

Abstract: A method of offering a customized promotional product to a user. The method comprises the steps of: accessing a user-supplied digital image at a digital imaging device; providing a digital image representative of a promotional product, the promotional product digital image having a predetermined image location adapted to receive at least a portion of the user-supplied digital image; generating a modified user image by modifying the at least a portion of the user-supplied digital image to simulate an application of the at least a portion of the user-supplied image to the promotional product; generating a customized digital image representative of the customized promotional product, the customized digital image comprising the promotional product digital image having the modified user image disposed within the predetermined image location; and displaying the customized digital image to the user on a display of the digital imaging device.

Abstract: A modular digital imaging system adapted to transfer digital images. In one embodiment, the system includes a plurality of modules which are stackable to form a customizable unit. A first one of the plurality of modules provides a first function and has a first electrical connector and at least one attachment member. A second one of the plurality of modules provides a second function different than the first function and has a second electrical connector matable with the first electrical connector. The second module further comprises at least one attachment feature complementing the attachment member whereby the at least one attachment member mates with the at least one attachment feature to securely attach the first and second modules when the first and second modules are stacked. The electrical connector is employed to transfer the digital images between modules when securely attached.

Abstract: A method for facilitating orders for image services, including the steps of: storing at least one high resolution digital image file and an associated identifier on a photofinisher's image storage device; storing the at least one high resolution digital image file and the associated identifier to a memory device; delivering the memory device to the user; selecting the at least one high resolution digital image file for display and at least one image service with user selection creating at least one image service order using the user selection software; the photofinisher receiving the at least one image service order from the user over a communication network; and fulfilling the at least one image service order using the at least one stored high resolution digital image file in the photofinisher's image storage device to fulfill the at least one image service order.

Abstract: A method for obtaining custom cut images products by an ordinary unskilled user/consumer wherein the consumer at a first location identifies a subject within a digital image for producing a cut image product. A software program automatically differentiates the selected subject from the background. The consumer then places an order over a communication network to a production facility at a second location that is remote from the first location for producing a cut image product using the selected subject on a cut sheet of media.

Abstract: A camera having a removable image bearing medium for camera captured images that includes film or a digital memory includes a display disposed relative to the removable image bearing medium so that the display is removable from the camera with the removable image bearing medium, such display displaying images for information related to captured images. The display is actuated to provide images of one or more captured images or information related to such one or more captured images; and the display being positioned for viewing by a user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for modifying images. The method includes the steps of analyzing a digital image file of an image so as to identify at least one predetermined colorimetric parameter; and automatically modifying that portion of said image having said at least one predetermined colorimetric parameter to a second predetermined colorimetric parameter so as to produce a modified digital image.

Abstract: A digital camera for capturing images to be provided to a lenticular apparatus, including: a digital camera that can capture digital images; a memory that stores the captured digital images; a processor for processing the captured digital images, a display for displaying a motion sequence of captured images, and a user interface on the digital camera that enables a user to select a subset of the captured digital images and store the selected subset of the captured digital images in the memory prior to transmitting to a lenticular apparatus for constructing a lenticular hardcopy of the subset of the captured digital images, wherein the processor is used to produce a processed motion sequence including the adjacency effects that will be visible in the lenticular hardcopy, and the display is used to display the processed motion sequence.

Abstract: A method and digital camera for capturing images to be provided to a service provider. The camera includes a capture device for capturing digital images; a memory for storing the captured digital images; an interface to a communications device for transmitting the stored images to a service provider; wherein the digital interface automatically transfers images to the network service provider during a specified time period. Rechargeable batteries may be provided for powering the digital camera; wherein the communications device recharges the batteries using the interface. The camera may further include a display for displaying digital files stored in the digital memory and displaying the at least one order status confirmation file on the display.