Abstract: A passage of sound is attached to a printed image 11 by means of an electronic storage medium 12. The electronic storage medium 12 comprises a die 16 containing a non-volatile memory and a flexible substrate 14 with connectors 15. The connectors can be interfaces with a separate reader 4 which plays the passage of sound recorded in the electronic storage medium. Further information is also provided in the electronic storage medium 12 memory. This further information relates to the printed image. Such information may include a version of the image printed, either to the same or to a lower resolution. It may also include information relating to image capture conditions or location, or information allowing referencing or indexing of the image.

Abstract: A method for laying out arbitrary shape rectangular images in a given rectangular space. The images are in an order. The method comprises steps of implementing a binary search for an optimal scale factor applied to all the images, for which there is only one of a first and second layout of the images fit to the space and identified as an optimal layout, and placing on the space by the optimal layout the images to which the optimal scale factor is applied. The first and second layout are generated by two different layout algorithms.

Abstract: A method for managing media files. The method comprises the steps of storing a plurality of rating tags, receiving a first command, linking the rating tags to the media files according to the first command, receiving a second command, and processing the media files linked to the same rating tag according to the second command.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is described to improve the digital processing of scanned negative films by reducing the amount of time necessary to perform the process and by increasing the robustness and quality of the images produced. These benefits are achieved by a process of color inversion, white point and black point mapping, and midtone adjustment. White and black mapping increases the dynamic range of the image, as well as removes the color cast of the negative film. A backlit image postprocessing algorithm can be employed which uses heuristics to identify backlighted situations, which are then brightened using a nonlinear power mapping. A midtone adjustment can include the sub-steps of contrast reduction and color adjustment. Contrast reduction reverses the film exposure characteristics. Color adjustment removes the remaining color cast in the midtone region of the image, and obtains the correct brightness.