Abstract: A system and method for scanning a photographic film using a scanner automatedly identifies the film as either a positive or negative and controls the scanner settings to perform the scan accordingly. The method includes performing a pre-scan of the film, sampling a color density of at least one location of the film, comparing the color density to a standard range indicating an orange bias for the at least one location, and setting the scanner to treat the film as a negative if the color density is within the standard range and to otherwise treat the film as a positive.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for connecting a headset microphone alternately to a telephone line and an alternative device. The apparatus includes a device connector for connecting the apparatus to the alternative device, a telephone connector for connecting the apparatus to the telephone line, and a microphone connector for connecting the apparatus to the microphone. The apparatus also includes a switching circuit connected to the device, telephone, and headset connectors. The switching circuit can be used with or included in a CTI module. The switching circuit connects the telephone connector to the headset connector in response to sensing a voltage greater than a predetermined threshold on the telephone line. When the voltage sensed returns to a value less than the predetermined threshold value, the switching circuit reconnects the headset connector to the device connector.

Abstract: A digital film processing system and film processing solution cartridge are disclosed. The cartridge comprises a housing and a chamber for storing a film processing fluid. The processing solution may be contained within a flexible bladder within the chamber. The cartridge may also include an integral applicator for coating the processing solution onto undeveloped film. The cartridge is generally removeably attached to the film processing system, but may also be refillable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for reducing the effects of bleed-through on captured images. Multiple images of a single physical medium are recorded by illuminating the physical medium with at least one light source capable of generating light having a first and a second illumination quality. By combining the recorded images, a captured image with reduced bleed-through may be formed. Reflected light, transmitted light, or a combination of reflected and transmitted light from one or more illumination sources may be used in recording the images. The present invention finds application in photocopy devices, facsimile machines, optical recognition systems, and the like.

Abstract: One implementation of the invention is a self-service film processing system. In one embodiment, the self-service film processing system comprises a display and a film processing system. The film processing system operates to develop and digitize film provided by a customer to produce digital images that are then displayed to the customer. The self-service film processing system may include several additional components, such as various types of payment systems, image input systems, output devices, and customer input devices may be incorporated into the self-service film processing system. The film processing system may comprise a wet-chemistry film processing system or a digital film processing system. Another implementation of the invention is a prepaid photoprocessing card. In one embodiment, the prepaid photoprocessing card comprises a media and an encoded data device.

Abstract: A priority communication system (12) is provided. The priority communication system (12) comprises a plurality of communication devices (16) and a switching system (18) for communicating with the plurality of communication devices (16) over a limited number of communication channels (20). The switching system (18) operates to assign a received communication signal (24) to an open communication channel (20) based on a priority rating of the received communication signal (24). The switching system (18) may also operate to terminate a communication link having a priority rating lower than the priority rating of the received communication signal (24) in order to open a communication channel (20) and establish a communication link for the received communication signal (24).

Abstract: A digital film processing system and film processing solution cartridge are disclosed. The cartridge comprises a housing and a chamber for storing a film processing fluid. The processing solution may be contained within a flexible bladder within the chamber. The cartridge may also include an integral applicator for coating the processing solution onto undeveloped film. The cartridge is generally removeably attached to the film processing system, but may also be refillable.

Abstract: An image processing system includes a defect correction system that identifies defective regions of a digital image using a defect map. The defect map is automatically created from an input image device. The defect correction system corrects the defective regions of the digital image using the non-defective regions of the digital image in accordance with various correction routines.

Abstract: A digital film processing system and film processing solution cartridge are disclosed. The cartridge comprises a housing and a chamber for storing a film processing fluid. The processing solution may be contained within a flexible bladder within the chamber. The cartridge may also include an integral applicator for coating the processing solution onto undeveloped film. The cartridge is generally removeably attached to the film processing system, but may also be refillable.

Abstract: Photo-images are read from film using a digital film processing (DFP) system, and then transmitted for processing, along with any necessary associated information. After processing, the images can be stored in a database or transmitted to an image delivery system, such as a personal computer or kiosk, where a print, negative, computer file, or other representation of the image is prepared for delivery to a customer. All or any part of the image processing, archival, manipulation, retrieval, and delivery systems and associated interfaces may reside on an Internet web site.

Abstract: A messaging system allows a message recipient to assign different message lengths to different messages. In one embodiment, the recipient sets the length of time per message. In another embodiment, the recipient programs the messaging system with codes that, when matched, enable longer messages. The recipient assigns the codes to “preferred” senders. The senders transmit the code, either explicitly, for example by a sequence of keystrokes, or automatically, for example by transmitting caller identification.

Abstract: A system and method for scanning a photographic film using a scanner automatedly identifies the film as either a positive or negative and controls the scanner settings to perform the scan accordingly. The method includes performing a pre-scan of the film, sampling a color density of at least one location of the film, comparing the color density to a standard range indicating an orange bias for the at least one location, and setting the scanner to treat the film as a negative if the color density is within the standard range and to otherwise treat the film as a positive.

Abstract: A slot coater device is provided for applying a processing solution, such as developer, to film during film development. The slot coater includes a housing having an opening for dispensing the processing solution, a reservoir within the housing adapted to receive a predetermined amount of the processing solution, and a channel for delivering the processing solution from the reservoir to the opening.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer readable medium are disclosed for detecting and removing defects using images captured at multiple orientations. Defects in a physical medium in which an image is formed can hamper attempts to record representations of the original image. To lessen the effects of these physical defects on captured images, multiple images are captured using multiple different orientations of the physical medium in which the image is formed. The physical defects obscure different image information when viewed from different angles. By capturing images at multiple orientations and combining these images, almost all of the desired image information from the original image can be recovered, despite imperfections in the physical medium. The present invention finds application in image capturing devices, such as flatbed scanners, photocopiers, and the like.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for automated testing of electronic devices. An original test is performed on a model product (24) while the model product (24) is coupled to a test recorder (12). During the test, the model product (24) is manipulated to invoke a desired response. As the test is performed, the manipulations and the desired responses are recorded by the test recorder (12) in an executable format (35). Subsequently, a test analyzer (12) is coupled to a to-be-tested product (24), and the executable recording (35) of the test is played such that the to-be-tested product (24) is manipulated as the model product (24) had been manipulated during the original test. The to-be-tested product's (24) responses to the manipulations are compared against the model product's responses (24). Any difference between the to-be-tested product's (24) responses and the model product's (24) responses are identified.

Abstract: An image processing system includes a defect correction system that identifies defective regions of a digital image using a defect map. The defect map is automatically created from an input image device. The defect correction system corrects the defective regions of the digital image using the non-defective regions of the digital image in accordance with various correction routines.

Abstract: An improved mousepad (100) includes a telephone integrated therewith. A keypad (108) for the telephone is disposed beneath a mylar layer (130). The keypad (108) includes a plurality of capacitive switches (108a, 108b) disposed just beneath the mylar layer. In a mousepad mode, a mouse may be moved around the surface of the mylar in the standard fashion. In a telephone mode, the user may activate the keypad (108) by pressing the buttons which are viewable beneath the mylar.

Abstract: Images formed on film are recorded using an imaging system. The system may use infrared scanning, red-green-blue scanning or other scanning techniques to record an electronic representation of the image formed on film. Recording an image may include scanning at multiple stages of development. The recorded images, along with any necessary associated information, are transmitted for processing. The fully processed images are then transmitted to an archive/database for long-term storage, and/or transmitted directly to an image delivery system, which may be a personal computer or similar information handling system. The image delivery system encodes a desired image onto a physical medium. Encoding includes generating electronic copies, negative and positive films, photographic prints, etc. Appropriate user interfaces are employed to allow user communication with each system and/or subsystem.

Abstract: A digital film processing system and film processing solution cartridge are disclosed. The cartridge comprises a housing and a chamber for storing a film processing fluid. The processing solution may be contained within a flexible bladder within the chamber. The cartridge may also include an integral applicator for coating the processing solution onto undeveloped film. The cartridge is generally removeably attached to the film processing system, but may also be refillable.

Abstract: One implementation of the invention is a self-service film processing system. In one embodiment, the self-service film processing system comprises a display and a film processing system. The film processing system operates to develop and digitize film provided by a customer to produce digital images that are then displayed to the customer. The self-service film processing system may include several additional components, such as various types of payment systems, image input systems, output devices, and customer input devices may be incorporated into the self-service film processing system. The film processing system may comprise a wet-chemistry film processing system or a digital film processing system. Another implementation of the invention is a prepaid photoprocessing card. In one embodiment, the prepaid photoprocessing card comprises a media and an encoded data device. The encoded data device contains prepaid balance data that can be used for payment of services at a self-service film processing system.