Abstract: A system and method for a self-service digital photograph processing station user to send data representative of a photographic image to a photograph printing facility located in or near a geographic region remote from the self-service digital photograph processing station, but near an intended recipient of the photographic image. The method includes entering at least a portion of the intended recipients telephone number, which may include the area code and exchange number. An augmented map is displayed showing a map of the geographic area that corresponds with the area code and exchange number, and one or more available photograph printing facilities superimposed on the map. One or more of the available photograph printing facilities are selected and sent the data representative of the photographic image. The intended recipient may then pick up the photograph image after it is printed by the selected photograph printing facility.

Abstract: An image data communication system provided herein allows a customer to upload and save a digital image data file in a first resolution format to a server of a photofinishing service over a network. The photofinisher establishes a range of print sizes of acceptable quality based on the first resolution of the image data file. When the customer places a print order, the system compares the requested print size to the resolution of the saved image data file. If the requested print size is within the acceptable print quality range, the order is processed and shipped or otherwise made available to the customer. If the requested print size is outside the acceptable quality print range, the customer is notified and given the option of uploading the same image in a second resolution which is higher than the first resolution, after which the photofinisher processes the order using the second resolution.

Abstract: A system and method for a self-service digital photograph processing station user to send data representative of a photographic image to a photograph printing facility located in or near a geographic region remote from the self-service digital photograph processing station, but near an intended recipient of the photographic image. The method includes entering at least a portion of the intended recipients telephone number, which may include the area code and exchange number. An augmented map is displayed showing a map of the geographic area that corresponds with the area code and exchange number, and one or more available photograph printing facilities superimposed on the map. One or more of the available photograph printing facilities are selected and sent the data representative of the photographic image. The intended recipient may then pick up the photograph image after it is printed by the selected photograph printing facility.

Abstract: An image data communication system provided herein allows a customer to upload and save a digital image data file in a first resolution format to a server of a photofinishing service over a network. The photofinisher establishes a range of print sizes of acceptable quality based on the first resolution of the image data file. When the customer places a print order, the system compares the requested print size to the resolution of the saved image data file. If the requested print size is within the acceptable print quality range, the order is processed and shipped or otherwise made available to the customer. If the requested print size is outside the acceptable quality print range, the customer is notified and given the option of uploading the same image in a second resolution which is higher than the first resolution, after which the photofinisher processes the order using the second resolution.

Abstract: User software provided to a user by a photo developer provides the user with functionality to access and view digital images on a display of the computing device and electronically place orders for photographic prints with the photo developer. The user software generates an order file, which is transmitted via a network (such as the Internet) to a server system of the photo developer. The order file created at the user's computer may either contain the digital images selected by the user for printing or a path to the selected digital images on the user's computer or digital media device. The user may select to have the prints delivered to hold for pick-up at a local store location.

Abstract: User software provided to a user by a photo developer provides the user with functionality to access and view digital images on a display of the computing device and electronically place orders for photographic prints and the like with the photo developer. Software operative on a centralized server system receives orders from users and search requests for store locations meeting certain proximity criteria. The software calculates and estimated order pick-up time and displays to the user for each store meeting the proximity criteria the estimated order pick-up time along with a distance to the store from the user's location.

Abstract: A method for selecting and ordering photographic prints from a remote location that is apart from a lab. A roll of exposed film may be processed to produce film images of the images on the roll, which may be scanned to create a digital image file. The digital image file may be used to create a positive high-resolution digital image and/or a corresponding positive low-resolution digital image. A lab digital image file is created, including digital image data related to the low-resolution digital images and embedded lab meta data. At the remote location the lab digital image file is manipulated to display the digital images. One of the digital images at the remote location may be selected, along with order parameters. A studio digital image file is created, including the digital image data, the embedded lab meta data and embedded order meta data. A photographic print may then be created using the lab digital image file or the corresponding film image.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for processing images such as photographs or magazine pages. The computer-driven apparatus includes a reciprocating easel which moves along railings under an image capture device such as a camera. Vacuum pickers pick up images which have been processed and drop them into image drop bins under computer control, thus freeing the human operator from moving images. Vacuum compartments on the reciprocating easel hold images securely in place while they are photographed but release them when they are not being photographed. A bar code scanner system may be used to track images and correlate the images with film frames in the camera. Translucent panels within the easel allow transparencies to be processed by illuminating the images from beneath the easel.