Abstract: A system and method of processing a digital image for user assessment of an output image product intended to be generated using the digital image. The method comprises the steps of: (a) accessing the digital image using an imaging device having a viewing member; (b) selecting the output image product intended to include the digital image; (c) digitally modifying at least a portion of the digital image using the imaging device to produce a substantially accurate representation of at least a portion of the output image product; and (d) displaying, using the viewing member, for assessment by the user, the substantially accurate representation of the at least a portion of the output image product.

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: Apparatus for marking a contoured surface having complex topography and preferably with multiple color marking. The apparatus comprises a movable marker for marking the surface and a sensor disposed in sensing relationship to the surface for sensing contour of the surface. A controller interconnecting the marker and the sensor is also provided for actuating the marker and for controllably moving the marker relative to the surface in response to the contour sensed by the sensor, so that the marker follows the contour of the surface at a predetermined distance therefrom and marks the surface.

Abstract: A method of digitizing an image using a portable imaging system to produce an image product. The method comprises the steps of: a service provider transporting the portable imaging system from a first location to a second location; the service provider receiving the image to be digitized from a user at the second location; the service provider scanning the image at the second location using the portable imaging system to produce a digital image; the service provider receiving an order request associated with the digital image from the user; and the service provider providing the digital image to a fulfiller for fulfillment of the order request.

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: The present invention relates to a system and method for providing human visible, detectable and/or readable information on an image side of a print. The human visible, detectable and/or readable information is provided in a manner that is not obtrusive, and positioned in such a way that it is unlikely to obscure any important details of the image. In the system and method of the invention, image pixel data is modified in accordance with predetermined parameters to create a slight variation from the original image pixels. The results is an obtrusive addition of text or information to an image which is provided on a print without disrupting the aesthetic appreciation of the image and which blends in with the image.

Abstract: An imaging system includes an electronic camera having a predetermined field of view for capturing images of image bearing media and a handling mechanism for supporting the image bearing media. The handling mechanism includes a framed region for revealing an image bearing area of the media to the electronic camera and means for supporting the electronic camera in a position that images the framed region while capturing a field of view larger than the image bearing area of the media. A processor associated with the electronic camera provides field of view correction of images captured from the image bearing media by initiating capture of an image of the framed region and determining the coordinates of the image bearing area from the image of the framed region. The coordinates of the image bearing area are then used for field of view correction of subsequently captured images.

Abstract: A system and method of authenticating a digital still image captured using a digital image capture device. To process the digital still image for later authentication, a signature data is transmitted from a remote location to the digital image capture device. Upon capturing the digital still image, an image identification is associated with the digital still image. The signature data is then applied to the captured digital still image to produce an authentication signature representative of the captured digital still image. The authentication signature is associated with the image identification and transmitted from the digital still image to the remote location for storage at the remote location. To verify the authenticity of the digital still image, the digital still image is transmitted to the remote location. The signature data for the transmitted digital still image is accessed and applied to the transmitted digital still image to produce a verification signature.

Abstract: A method of selecting an image bearing product that requires a particular size of a digital image includes a user providing a high resolution digital image in a memory at a first location; a service provider providing information which is displayed at the first location, such displayed information including a plurality of options for image bearing products that can be provided by the service provider that require different sized digital images; the user selecting at least one image bearing product to be provided by the service provider after viewing the displayed images; converting the high resolution to a smaller sized digital image corresponding to the selected image bearing product; and utilizing the smaller sized digital image to provide the selected image bearing product to the user.

Abstract: A method of classifying an individual's personal preference for an image, comprising: viewing an image for a period of time; and ranking the image on a scale extending between a “detached” feeling and an “attached” feeling, where “detached” is a feeling of not being able to personally connect to the object or situation depicted in the image, and “attached” is a feeling of a personal connection to the object or situation depicted in their image.

Abstract: A portable electronic image displayer and audio player, including: a digital memory for storing digital images; a digital memory for storing an audio recording; a display for displaying stored digital images; a music analyzer for analyzing the stored audio recording and for determining when to display a sequence of stored digital images according to the stored audio recording; and an audio reproducer for playing the audio recording.

Abstract: An imaging system and process 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 taken while enjoying the event.

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 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 classifying an individual's personal preference for an on a scale extending viewing an image for a period of time; and ranking the image on a scale extending between a “detached” feeling and an “attached” feeling, where “detached” is a feeling of not being able to personally connect to the object or situation depicted in the image, and “attached” is a feeling of a personal connection to the object of situation depicted in their image.

Abstract: A method, system and software product for managing digital media files for a user. An unique user icon or image content identifier is associated with an unique user that can be used for allowing controlled access by an authorized party to digital media files based on the presence of the icon. The digital image media file can be analyzed for determining if an image content identifier is present. The icon or image identifier allows for the automatically forwarding the digital image to an electronic address over the communication storing the image, based on identifying the feature within the image. The icon may also include metadata that is searchable.

Abstract: A method for providing digital images over a communication network to a user using instruction obtained from a roll of film containing images or wireless image capture device. The instruction may be obtained by analyzing the image for an image content identifier. The instructions may include the obtaining of an offer by a third party over the communication network for providing the service.

Abstract: A receiver for receiving a water-based colorant image transferred by a stamp or the like, including an image receiving structure having a support; an information receiving layer which contains recorded information, such information receiving layer being formed over the support; and a clear hydrophobic protective layer formed over the information receiving layer; and a hydrophilic layer formed over the information receiving layer and selected so as to be able to receive a water-based colorant image.

Abstract: A method of purchasing image bearing products, including the steps of providing a plurality of network connected kiosks having image input and product output capability; generating an identifier; inputting an image at one of the plurality of network connected kiosks; storing the image at a network accessible location; notifying a recipient of the identifier after providing payment for the image bearing product; and using the identifier to retrieve the image from any one of the plurality of network connected kiosks.

Abstract: A method of dispensing image bearing products, including the steps of providing a plurality of network connected kiosks having image input and product output capability; inputting an image at one of the plurality of network connected kiosks; generating an identifier for the image; storing the image at a network accessible location; providing a recipient with the identifier; and using the identifier to retrieve the image.