Abstract: A photofinishing system for automatically processing image and associated image data pursuant to customer output requests. The system includes an order manager operative to receive and control processing of the output requests and at least one source of image related data corresponding to the output request. An input interface receives the image related data from the source and converts the data to a digital data stream. A memory is included for storing the digital data stream. The system further includes a data parser disposed in communication with the memory to extract selected data streams according to the order manager and to reduce the data into respective image files having respective groups of data fields. An output module is responsive to the order manager and is operative to produce a photofinished output organized with respect to the data fields.

Abstract: An image and an associated audio segment are recorded on a film negative. The information on the film negative can be printed as encoded sound data on photographic paper or the like. For displaying, the sound data is scanned, decoded to create an audio segment data stream, and the data stream is played, typically by a computer while a monitor displays the image at the same time. More realistic sound playback is achieved by recording audio segments with plural microphones and playing back the audio segments recorded by the microphones from one or more of the sources based on a user-selected area of interest on the corresponding visual image.

Abstract: Sound with still image film system, camera and cassette classifier apparatus wherein indicium such as a deformable tab on the film cassette is modified to indicate sound is or will be recorded in association with pictures taken on the film in the cassette. The camera includes a mechanism responsive to a control input such as actual recording of sound to cause the tab to be modified (bent inwards or broken off) to provide a visible indication that the cassette is to receive sound associated processing. Classifier apparatus at the retail order station includes a physical sensor to detect the modified tab condition and initiate a signal indicating a sound capable film cassette as well as possible order entry functions and recording of sound order associated on a film magnetic layer on the leader of the film.

Abstract: An image-audio print has either a single image or a set of images on a first side and an accessible audio data storage means preferably on its backside. The accessible audio data storage means contains an audio data segment associated with the image on single image prints and a set of audio data segments, one for each image on multi-image prints, for example, index prints. A player receives and locates the image-audio print with the accessible audio data storage means accurately positioned in electrical contact with the player apparatus. The player apparatus can play an audio data segment associated with the print from a single image print or by appropriate interaction with the user who selects a audio data segment associated with the selected image on multi-image prints. Preferably, a touchscreen is used to select the image for which the audio is to be played. The player also can record audio into the accessible audio data storage means and copy audio from one print to another.

Abstract: A method of processing photographic still image film orders having sound information recorded at the camera in association with one or more images captured on the film in which the sound information is downloaded at an order entry station to create a sound file for transfer to the photofinishing laboratory. Order identification data linking the recorded sound information to the film order is created and assigned to the sound file and the film order. The order identification data is employed at the photofinishing laboratory to create a sound recording medium from the sound file which is linked to prints produced from the film order, the sound recording medium then being attached to the image prints using the linking order identification data. Sound information associated with individual image prints may also be accumulated and recorded on a single sound recording medium for attachment to an index print produced from the film order.

Abstract: A method for processing a silver halide photographic element having a support on the bottom and a light sensitive silver halide emulsion layer on the top, comprising:directing a ray of infrared light in a direction so as to fall on the top side of the element;detecting the presence or absence of infrared light reflected from the top of the element whereby the presence or absence of the element can be determined; andusing the detection of the reflected infrared light to control a processing step.The invention also provides a device capable of performing the method as described.

Abstract: A method is described for communicating the scene orientation of an exposed strip of left or right hand load photographic film to photo finishing equipment to enable imaging parameters to be set automatically which includes the steps of splicing a first exposed strip of film to a second exposed strip of film with a film-splicing label, encoding the label for left or right hand load of the second film with low resolution indicia, and feeding the spliced first and second films to a film-splicing label reader for reading the code and automatically setting the parameters for normal or inverted scene orientation. A film-splicing label encoded with indicia for identifying the scene orientation and a method for splicing strips of film with the label are also provided.

Abstract: A dye-receiving element for thermal dye transfer suitable for forming a focussing tool comprising a polymeric central dye image-receiving section having a substantially planar image receiving surface and a relatively thicker integral polymeric frame section extending around the periphery of said central section, said image receiving surface being formed at an inclined angle relative to the frame section. The invention further includes a process of forming an imaged focussing tool by the steps of a) imagewise-heating a dye-donor element comprising a support having thereon a dye layer, and b) transferring portions of the dye layer in a pattern corresponding to a desired focussing image to a dye-receiving element as described above, and imaged focussing tools obtained by such a process.