Abstract: A system for storing digital images and accessing and storing digital image information using a communication network includes a plurality of independently controlled digital storage repositories associated with one or more different authorization groups, wherein a first digital storage repository includes a first digital image with associated first semantic information and wherein a second digital storage repository in a common authorization group with the first digital storage repository includes a second digital image with associated second semantic information and an associated second category, and wherein the processor of the first digital storage repository uses its computer program to independently access and match the first semantic information with the second semantic information, to associate the second category with the first semantic information, and to store the second category in association with the first semantic information in the first digital storage repository.

Abstract: A distributed image acquisition and storage system connected to a communication network includes one or more digital cameras, each digital camera having a digital image sensor that acquires digital images, a unique camera identifier, and a current user identifier, and further includes one or more storage devices, each storage device having a digital memory that store the acquired digital images and a unique storage identifier, and further including a computer server. Connections, communications, and access privileges between the various system components is described.

Abstract: A method and system simplifies the creation process of a multimedia story for a user. It does this by using input and/or derived metadata, by providing constraints on the usability of assets, by automatically suggesting a theme for a story, and identifying appropriate assets and effects to be included in a story, which assets and effects are owned by the user or a third party.

Abstract: A system and method simplifying the creation process for multimedia slideshows, collages, movies, and other imaging products. Users can share their stories using imaging services, which will handle the formatting and delivery of content for recipients. Recipients can then easily request output from the shared stories in the form of prints, DVDs, collage, poster, picture book or custom output.

Abstract: A system for scanning film image frames containing both an image and recorded information optically imprinted on the image by a camera and reproducing the image with enhanced text reproduction. In print or Photo CD image reproductions, the text appears outside the reproduced image or is enhanced within the reproduced image for better readability. Recorded information is detected in the lateral and longitudinal stripe regions of the film image frame where such information is typically exposed by a camera having the capability is analyzed for its characteristic color hue and pattern. When present, the recorded characters or code patterns are recognized or decoded into ASCII code and formatted for printing or writing to Photo CD to appear as enhanced font text. In a full frame operating mode, an ID code of the data bits corresponding to the characters or code is generated for use in a re-touching algorithm to fill in the data bits so that the full image frame may be printed or recorded to Photo CD.

Abstract: A flexible film holder having a format which is consistent with a first filmstrip size. The film holder comprises a first sheet member and second sheet member which are secured to each other so as to form a longitudinally extended pocket therebetween for receiving and holding a filmstrip having a size smaller than the first filmstrip size.

Abstract: An apparatus and method that stores image data on a disk along with an application program that operates on those images. The application program is limited to interacting with only the images on the disk. This interaction limitation is accomplished by creating a unique signature for each image from the data of the image and including that signature in the application. Prior to executing image processing operations on any retrieved image the application checks the signature of the image with the signature in the application and if there is not a match the application program is disabled.

Abstract: An image print includes one or more positive images representing one or more corresponding images located on an image recording medium. An alphabetic description is provided on the image print for at least one of the one or more positive images which identifies a designated aspect ratio for at least one of the one or more corresponding images.

Abstract: A unitary dual sided album leaf and method of making the same. The method includes the steps of: providing an image retaining media having an image forming side and a back side; printing a plurality of images on the image forming side of the image retaining media, the image retaining media being composed into first and second image retaining sections and; folding the image retaining media along a predetermined line, the first and second image retaining sections being positioned such that when the image retaining media is folded, the back side of the first and second image retaining sections will be substantially co-extensive with each other so as to form the first and second sides of the album leaf.

Abstract: An index print includes a recording sheet having positive images corresponding to respective images on an image recording medium and being right-side-up or up-side-down on the recording sheet. The index print further includes eye-readable means on the recording sheet which relate to the positive images. The invention is characterized in that the eye-readable means is positioned relative to the positive images to permit at least a portion of the eye-readable means to be read without being up-side-down on the recording sheet when viewing the positive images right-side-up on the recording sheet, whether the positive images are recorded right-side-up or up-side-down on the recording sheet.

Abstract: A unitary dual sided album leaf and method of making. The method includes the steps of:providing a image retaining media having an image forming side and a back side;printing a plurality of images on the image forming side of the image retaining media, the image retaining media being composed into first and second image retaining sections;folding the image retaining media along a predetermined line, the first and second image retaining sections being positioned such that when the image retaining media is folded, the back side of the first and second image retaining sections will be substantially co-extensive with each other so as to form the first and second sides of the album leaf.

Abstract: A method and system for scanning images contained on a strip of film. The system includes a film cartridge having a spool rotatably mounted thereto. The cartridge includes a filmstrip spirally wrapped about the spool and an opening for allowing film to be taken out of said cartridge. The system includes a scanner having a platen designed to receive an item for scanning and digitizing the information scanned. A transport mechanism is provided which includes a housing for retaining a film cartridge and a guide for guiding the filmstrip onto the platen. A drive mechanism is provided in the transport mechanism for advancing film out of the cartridge and onto the platen for scanning. The scanner scans the filmstrip and digitizing information contained therein.

Abstract: A unitary dual sided album leaf and method of making the same. The method includes the steps of:providing an image retaining media having an image forming side and a back side;printing a plurality of images on the image forming side of the image retaining media, the image retaining media being composed into first and second image retaining sections and;folding the image retaining media along a predetermined line, the first and second image retaining sections being positioned such that when the image retaining media is folded, the back side of the first and second image retaining sections will be substantially co-extensive with each other so as to form the first and second sides of the album leaf.

Abstract: A system and method for combining a first digital generated image and one or more prestored digital images. The system include means for selecting one of the prestored digital images for and the steps of selecting an output format for printing the first digital generated image and the selected prestored image, providing the first digital generated image, combining the first digital generated image with the selected prestored digital image such that the generated image is placed in the predetermined location so as to form a merged image in accordance with the requirements of the selected output format, and for printing out the merged image in a desired format.

Abstract: A holder and a method of making an index print using the holder. The method comprising the steps of:1) providing a holder having at least one sleeve for holding a film, said film having at least one developed image therein;2) scanning the holder so as to obtain a digital record representative of the images present on said negative film; and3) printing the digital record so as to form an index print wherein said at least one image is placed in a predetermined pattern.

Abstract: A holder and a method of making an index print using the holder. The method comprising the steps of:1) providing a holder having at least one sleeve for holding a film, said film having at least one developed image therein;2) scanning the holder so as to obtain a digital record representative of the images present on said negative film; and3) printing the digital record so as to form an index print wherein said at least one image is placed in a predetermined pattern.

Abstract: The invention relates to a light sensing device comprising a spironaphthoxazine dispersed in a layer of gelatin on a base material.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing photographic prints (10) with write-on borders (14) from filmstrips (26, 46, 48, 58) having images (28-34, 38, 42) with varying orientation from image to image or from filmstrip to filmstrip or both, includes a mechanism (56, 60, 86) for intermittently conveying a filmstrip (58) through a filmstrip print gate (62); a system (80-86; 180-280) for determining an orientation of each image on the filmstrip to identify a top (18), bottom (16), left (20) or right (22) edge of each image; a controller (86) for selecting for at least some images on a filmstrip a common edge on which to provide a write-on border on at least one photographic print of each image; a system (72, 76, 86) for intermittently conveying a photographic paper strip (74) through a paper print gate (78); at the photographic paper print gate, a mechanism (88-94; 96-116; 118-148) for masking at least one edge of the paper print gate which corresponds to the selected common edge; and an illuminator (64) for each image at the fi

Abstract: An index print includes a recording sheet having positive images corresponding to respective images on an image recording medium and being right-side-up or up-side-down on the recording sheet. The index print further includes eye-readable means on the recording sheet which relate to the positive images. The invention is characterized in that the eye-readable means is positioned relative to the positive images to permit at least a portion of the eye-readable means to be read without being up-side-down on the recording sheet when viewing the positive images right-side-up on the recording sheet, whether the positive images are recorded right-side-up or up-side-down on the recording sheet.

Abstract: A camera uses an organic thin film of electroluminescent material to expose photographic film, in predetermined positions outside scene frames, to patches of light in three complementary colors, either additive or subtractive. According to one feature, the patches are exposed in predetermined locations interspersed with film perforations or located in a known relationship with the exposed frames, permitting a printer to establish the orientation of film relative to the camera during the exposure. The patches also confirm that a picture was taken.