Abstract: A photofinishing system and method incorporates digital technology to manage workflow in a photofinishing lab or network. In the system and method of the present invention, images which are received at the lab are converted to a common digital format. This reduces the need for physical batching by permitting work to be performed at the lab in an order which is most efficient from the standpoint of an output device, and permits lab to efficiently handle workflow which may include a variety of image inputs and consumer/retailer options.

Abstract: A method of processing customer image orders, each of at least one image capturing an original scene. An image content identification in the form of an image content identification signal, is generated based on an identification of one or more scene objects, for at least one image of a customer order. The generated image content identification is compared with different image content identifications stored in a memory in association with respective predetermined customer certificate data. When at least a generated image content identification matches a stored image content identification, generating a customer certificate from the stored certificate data associated with the matching stored image content identification. The method can be used with customer image sets which may not be image orders. An apparatus and computer program product which can execute such a method, are also provided.

Abstract: A method of processing customer image orders, each of at least one image capturing an original scene. An image content identification in the form of an image content identification signal, is generated based on an identification of one or more scene objects, for at least one image of a customer order. The generated image content identification is compared with different image content identifications stored in a memory in association with respective predetermined customer certificate data. When at least a generated image content identification matches a stored image content identification, generating a customer certificate from the stored certificate data associated with the matching stored image content identification. The method can be used with customer image sets which may not be image orders. An apparatus and computer program product which can execute such a method, are also provided.

Abstract: A method of processing customer image orders, each of at least one image capturing an original scene. An image content identification in the form of an image content identification signal, is generated based on an identification of one or more scene objects, for at least one image of a customer order. The generated image content identification is compared with different image content identifications stored in a memory in association with respective predetermined customer certificate data. When at least a generated image content identification matches a stored image content identification, generating a customer certificate from the stored certificate data associated with the matching stored image content identification. The method can be used with customer image sets which may not be image orders. An apparatus and computer program product which can execute such a method, are also provided.

Abstract: A method of processing photographic media carrying a plurality of images, and an apparatus which can execute the method. The media is scanned to obtain image signals corresponding to the images. Image characteristics are determined from scanned image signals. Image characteristics for scanned images are automatically compared with one or more predetermined characteristic values to classify as passed or suspect images those images which do or do not meet one or more predetermined characteristics. Simulated images are displayed based on the scanned image signals such that any suspect images are apparent to a user. User inputs are obtained for any suspect images, and any suspect image signal is corrected in response to the user input for that image. The image signals are forwarded to an output device.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for printing individual customer rolls of photographic film in a batch that differs from the film batch during development. Individual film rolls are collected during printing in batches that are based in major part on optimizing the use of photographic paper. The film is scanned after development to determine information available only then, such as the image format, and the film is batched during printing based on efficient paper use. Each film roll is provided with a unique identification number that is used for tracking the film rolls throughout processing and printing. Information required for printing is entered into the system in association with the unique number and is used in combination with information determined after film development for optimizing the printing operation based on the paper required.

Abstract: A recovery tool for receiving film cartridges and for storing the cartridges in a predetermined sequence and a method of using same. The recovery tool comprising a generally tubular member having a receiving chamber designed to hold a plurality of film cartridges in a single column, one cartridge above the other. The chamber has an upper end and a lower end, and an inlet/outlet opening is provided at the upper end of the tubular member for allowing film cartridges to be inserted into or removed from the chamber. A movable member is provided for limiting the number of film cartridges that can be placed into the receiving chamber. A removal port is provided for allowing a film cartridge to be removed from the receiving chamber at a predetermined location.

Abstract: A film processing system that removes film strips from their cartridges, splices the strips together for processing and printing, and then separates the strips for return and reattachment to the same cartridge from which they were removed. The empty cartridges are maintained during processing in a magazine in the same sequential order and corresponding batch as the spliced film strips, to facilitate matching of the film strips and cartridges at the end of the process. According to other features, the spliced roll of film strips is unwound and rewound after development, once for electronically scanning the film strips to capture electronic representations of the developed images, and again for optically printing the developed images onto photographic paper. The film strips include magnetically recorded information, representing conditions of camera exposure, that are captured during scanning before printing.

Abstract: Photofinishing method and apparatus of the type for handling film in a cartridge of the type capable of thrusting film from inside to outside the cartridge in response to rotation of a film bearing spool inside the cartridge, includes a turret having a nest for receiving a cartridge and transporting the cartridge to a succession of work stations where operations are performed on the film in the cartridge.

Abstract: Photographic apparatus is provided for combining film and prints with packaging material including an image of customer inscribed graphics, such as a return address, provided with the order. The graphics are captured and stored electronically as an image that is linked to the film and prints and reproduced on packaging or other material for returning the order. The packaging is provided at the finishing station in a plurality of different formats corresponding to the size of the prints or the thickness of the completed order. The finishing station selects the appropriate format for the order and reproduces the image of the customer inscribe graphics on the selected format.