Identifying, Composing, Or Selecting Patents (Class 355/40)
  • Patent number: 7170652
    Abstract: A handheld mobile image-sensing device comprising: a support structure; an image sensor positioned on the support structure for sensing an image; a display positioned on the support structure and operatively connected to the image sensor for displaying the image sensed by the image sensor; a printing mechanism positioned on the support structure and operatively connected to the image sensor to print the image sensed by the image sensor; a slot formed in an outer surface of the device, the slot being configured to receive print media in the form of cards to be printed on by the printing mechanism, wherein the cards have a width between 48 mm and 58 mm, and a length between 80 mm and 90 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 7171115
    Abstract: An index print of photographic images is created on a CD containing digital data representing those images. Photographic images are digitized to produce digital image data which is stored on the CD. This digital image data is also used to create an index print containing thumbnail images of all of the photographs stored on the CD. The index print is then affixed to the top surface of the CD either by being printed on a label that is adhered to the disk surface, or by being printed directly on the surface of the disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: James A. Truc, Cal Wright
  • Patent number: 7161655
    Abstract: A lens-fitted photo film unit comprises a main body, a bottom lid, and a photo film. The main body has an exposure chamber with a taking lens. The exposure chamber is provided with a plane mirror disposed in such a manner as to be inclined 45 degrees with respect to the optical axis of the taking lens. Since the plane mirror reflects light from a subject, a photographic optical path of the light is perpendicularly bent. Subject light forms an image on the photo film disposed in parallel with the optical axis. A side print is exposed in the manufacture on the lateral edge of the photo film. Since the orientation of the photographed image is the same as that of the side print, it is possible to easily confirm the orientation of the photographed image in the development and print processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazumi Koike
  • Patent number: 7154580
    Abstract: An apparatus for recording and generating images includes a printing unit. The printing unit includes a carrier that is dimensioned to approximate a PCMCIA memory card. A media supply is receivable in the carrier. A page width print head assembly is mounted in the carrier to print images on the media. The page width print head assembly includes at least one print head chip and a suitable printing microprocessor that is configured to control operation of the print head chip. An ink supply mechanism is operatively arranged with respect to the print head assembly to supply the print head assembly with ink. A media feed mechanism is positioned in the carrier to feed media to and from the print head chip. The apparatus includes an image recordal apparatus that includes a housing in which the carrier is received. The housing is dimensioned to define a sleeve for the carrier so that at least half the carrier is received in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 7142317
    Abstract: A printing control system has a contents provider and a printout service provider connected via a network. The contents provider comprises a device for generating viewing screens, a device for generating a conditions settings screen from printout information and service information obtained from a printout service provider, a device for generating a confirmation screen for setting the conditions, and a device for transmitting the contents selected with the viewing screen, and the printout service provider comprises a device for transmitting the service information, and a device for generating printing data from the contents provided from the contents provider. This provides contents providers with contents providing means other than downloading data, and users with services for various printing forms other than home-use printers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kikuo Naito, Akihiro Masukawa, Kenji Kasai, Toshiyuki Noguchi, Shinji Fukunaga, Atsushi Furuta, Kosuke Ito
  • Patent number: 7138918
    Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of disposable containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations, each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Vesta Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Scott R. Mallett, Randall C. Danta, Peter Regla, Alan D. Corey, Alan A. Davidner
  • Patent number: 7136542
    Abstract: The image retrieving method causes image processing information concerning image processing performed on an image to be output as a processed image and data for retrieval for the image to correspond to each other and registers them in the database in advance for each of images in an order corresponding to that of arrangement of frames of a film, and further registers the data for retrieval even for unprocessed images in the database in the order. The method, upon reprocessing, reads from the film a plurality of images including an image to be reprocessed, calculates data for retrieval for the plurality of images thus input, and retrieves the image processing information for the image to be reprocessed from the database using the data for retrieval for the image to be reprocessed and for an image in at least one of frames adjacent to the image to be reprocessed on the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jun Enomoto
  • Patent number: 7136143
    Abstract: Aberrations in an optical system can be detected and measured using a method comprised of a test target in the object plane of a projection system and imaging a photoresist film with the system. The test target comprises at least one open figure which comprises a multiple component array of phase zones, where the multiple zones are arranged within the open figure so that their response to lens aberration is interrelated and the zones respond uniquely to specific aberrations depending on their location within the figure. The method detects aberration types including coma, spherical, astigmatism, and three-point through the exposure of a photoresist material placed in the image plane of the system and the evaluation of these images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Inventor: Bruce W. Smith
  • Patent number: 7130020
    Abstract: A photolithographic machine is described for transferring fine patterns from a photomask to a flexible roll-to-roll format. It is capable of printing multiple layers in exact registry onto a distorted format. It contains 1 to 1 reflective optics, dynamic distortion and magnification correction. The optical transfer assembly scans reciprocally across the format and back and the photomask/platen assembly moves incrementally forward between scans to complete a raster pattern. Both the object and image fields are autofocussed. The optical transfer assembly is retained into a straight-line scanning path by opposed air bearings retained on a straight guide. The photomask/platen assembly is retained into an orthogonal path by air/vacuum bearings operating on a vertical stone face. Together this arrangement substantially prevents yaw scanning errors. The web is fed through the machine from roll to roll without twisting. It remains stationary during each recording pass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventor: Theodore R. Whitney
  • Patent number: 7126665
    Abstract: A method and a device are provided for automating receipt of orders for additional printing of a photographic print, including order information relating to desired image processing. In a print order receiving machine, when a photographic print is inserted, an image of the photographic print is read and displayed on a monitor (steps 150, 152). When order conditions are inputted, an image which is processed on the basis of the order conditions is displayed on the monitor (steps 154 through 158). Further, when input of the order conditions is completed, the order conditions and order information based on the order conditions are set. The set order information is printed onto a photographic print as an invisible two-dimensional bar code. Copying processing of the photographic print is carried out on the basis of the order information which is read from the photographic print.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takayuki Iida
  • Patent number: 7123342
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus comprises an exposure department for exposing photographic paper conveyed at a first conveying speed, a development department for developing the photographic paper, conveyed at a second conveying speed lower than the first conveying speed, after being exposed in the exposure department. In the image forming apparatus, the relationship between 1) the distance along the conveying direction from a reference area to a micro area being the target of exposure correction, both the reference area and the micro area being on the photographic paper, and 2) the difference in tone between images formed at the reference area and the micro area when the reference area and the micro area are exposed to the same amount of light in the exposure department, and the relationship between the exposure of the photographic paper and the tone of the image at the reference area are stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Noritsu Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takuya Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7123150
    Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of disposable containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations, each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Vesta Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Scott R. Mallett, Randall C. Danta, Peter Regla, Alan D. Corey, Alan A. Davidner
  • Patent number: 7115353
    Abstract: A system and method for generating a master screen for a silk screen imaging process. Photo activated emulsion is applied to a printing screen and the emulsion is exposed according to a digitized pattern using a light emitting diode (LED) source. The LED source in one embodiment is an array of UV emitting devices which scans the printing screen in a line by line basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Inventors: Gary Baxter, Brian Baxter, David Kennedy, P. Gunnar Wareberg, Steve Wilson, David Rayner, Orson Bourne
  • Patent number: 7092628
    Abstract: In a photography method, a film image is scanned and digitized to provide a digital image. An identifier associated with the film image is read. The identifier points to a group of filter effects. Each filter effect has a preassigned digital modification. The modifications are not remedial for the respective filter effects. One of the filter effects is detected in the digital image. Responsive to the detecting of that filter effect, the preassigned digital modification is applied to the digital image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Joel S. Lawther, Anthony DiRisio, David C. Smart, Edward B. Gindele
  • Patent number: 7088420
    Abstract: A printing system includes a support arrangement. A print cartridge receiving arrangement is mounted on the support arrangement to engage a print cartridge. A drive mechanism delivers print media from the print cartridge. A print engine is mounted on the support arrangement downstream of the print cartridge and has a pair of opposed printhead assemblies that are configured to perform double-sided printing on print media fed from the print cartridge between the printhead assemblies. A slitter is mounted on the support arrangement downstream of the print engine and is configured to separate the print media into sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Toby Allen King
  • Patent number: 7084954
    Abstract: A memory card is set into a slot of a printer. The printer distinguishes whether or not frames of the memory card are recorded in a grouping format. When the frames are recorded in the grouping format, a main-index picture merely including representative frames of the grouped frames is displayed. Selection of the representative frame changes the picture to a sub-index picture for displaying an index of the frames included in the group concerned. In comparison with a case in that all the frames are displayed on the sole index picture, classification of the frames is easily grasped. Further, the frames may be confirmed every group so that it is easy to search the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Eiichi Kito
  • Patent number: 7081942
    Abstract: When a margin paper constituting a margin between pictured formed sheets, on which pictures have been formed, is cut by a cutter, it is received in a casing. The number of times, in which cutting means cuts a number of sheets to avoid overflowing of the margin paper received in the casing, is beforehand set as a set value, and the number of times, in which the cutter cuts a roll paper, is counted. When a count value reaches the set value, a control unit turns the casing so that an upper opening of the casing is directed downward, and causes the margin paper in the casing to be ejected. When a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the casing is again turned to be returned to an original state. The number of times as counted is reset and counting is again performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuichi Yoshida, Takashi Maeda
  • Patent number: 7072069
    Abstract: A method for extending a print area provides a printer with the capability of printing a larger image by extending the print area during the printing of an image. The method extends the print area by means of a window driver which transmits an image to be printed to a printer according to a print command input. The method includes a first print step of the window driver for transmitting a first portion of the image to be printed on a piece of paper, the first portion being bounded by a lower end margin of the piece of paper, and a second print step of the window driver for transmitting a second portion of the image to be printed on a portion of the piece of paper below the lower end margin of the paper. Accordingly, since the printable area becomes larger by reducing the lower end margin of the printer to the level of the upper end margin, documents created by a user (such as CAD drawings, graphics and charts) are printed without being cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ihn-kyung Kim
  • Patent number: 7072022
    Abstract: Method of processing photographs in a photographic laboratory by means of a photographic processing system, comprising the steps of: receiving customer orders and processing information respectively assigned to said customer orders, each customer order comprising at least one photographic image, controlling the processing of a customer order in accordance with an assigned processing information; checking each processing information to ascertain whether or not the processing information may be automatically processed by said processing system and identifying those customer orders which are to be processed according to a non-automatically processable processing information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Systel International S.p.A.
    Inventor: Vanni Leopoldo Beggiao
  • Patent number: 7043157
    Abstract: Improved index prints for photofinishing services are provided where the imagettes are grouped by event or subject matter. Permanently attached index print labels incorporating these and other features are provided for digital still image storage devices are also provided. A magnifying storage case which allows easier viewing of the index prints is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Dale F. McIntyre, William C. Archie
  • Patent number: 7034958
    Abstract: Upon carrying out printing based on order information, a workload of an operator can be reduced. An order file transferred to a laboratory via a network is input to a printing controller and accepted by an order reception device. The order file is temporarily stored in temporary storage and input to a judgment device. The judgment device judges whether a print is a target of automatic printing or manual printing based on the order information described in the order file F. In the former case, the order information and image data to be printed are input to a printer and printing is a carried out. In the latter case, a confirmation device temporarily stores the order file F. An operator regularly confirms the order file of manual printing target and the content of printing by using the confirmation device, and inputs the image data to be printed and the order file to the printer to carry out printing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Makoto Hara
  • Patent number: 7027126
    Abstract: An optical scanning apparatus that includes a light source, a polygon mirror for deflecting a plurality of light beams emitted from the light source, and an image focusing system for causing the light beams deflected by the polygon mirror to form spots on surfaces of a plurality of photosensitive drums, wherein the image focusing system is disposed between the polygon mirror and the photosensitive drums, and includes scanning lenses for causing the beams deflected by the polygon mirror to form spots on the respective surfaces of the photosensitive drums, and the central axes of the scanning lenses are spaced a predetermined distance from optical axes extended from the center of the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hyung-soo Kim
  • Patent number: 7027193
    Abstract: A multiple resolution sensing apparatus comprises first and second arrays of photosensor elements and an image processing system. The first array exhibits a first signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio and a first input sampling rate (ISR). The first array also is operative to generate color information, corresponding to an image, that comprises at least one of red, green and blue information. The second array exhibits a second S/N ratio lower than the first S/N ratio and a second ISR higher than the first ISR. The second array is operative to generate luminance information corresponding to the image. The image processing system is communicatively coupled to the first array and the second array and is operative to receive the color information from the first array and the luminace information from the second array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Kurt E. Spears, Edward S Beeman
  • Patent number: 7016083
    Abstract: There is disclosed a copying machine in which, to end a copy job, a reading-operation control process for causing a reading section to generate image data on an original document to be copied and a printing section control process for causing a printing section to print (output the copying result) in accordance with the image data are independently and concurrently carried out (time period t0 to t1, t2 to t4, t5 to t6). When the reading unit is not in reading operation (after time t2, and after time t5), the machine accepts a start command of a copy job.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Satoshi Kotaka
  • Patent number: 7014307
    Abstract: An apparatus for recording and generating images includes a printing unit and an image recordal apparatus. The printing unit includes a carrier that is dimensioned to approximate a PCMCIA memory card. A media supply is receivable in the carrier. A page width print head assembly is mounted in the carrier to print images on the media. The page width print head assembly includes at least one print head chip and a suitable printing microprocessor that is configured to control operation of the print head chip. An ink supply mechanism is operatively arranged with respect to the print head assembly to supply the print head assembly with ink. A media feed mechanism is positioned in the carrier to feed media to and from the print head chip. Both the printing unit and the image recordal apparatus have complementary releasable data connectors so that the image sensing microprocessor can communicate image data to the printing microprocessor of the printing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 7009726
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for selection of pictures to print from a digital film, using a digital film enabled printer. The method comprises the steps of printing a selection sheet of thumbnail representations of photographs available on the digital film needed to be printed, the selection sheet further comprising a plurality of selection fields. According to a user choice of photograph to be printed, one or more of the selection fields associated with the thumbnails is marked and the marked selection sheet feed back into the printer. The printer includes a scanning mechanism which is arranged to read the marked up sheet and, in accordance with the user choice, print one or more photographs from the digital media in accordance with the marked selection fields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: John William Lumley
  • Patent number: 6993742
    Abstract: A proximity correction tool receives an indication of a feature in a lithographic design. The proximity correction tool predicts a film edge placement for the feature in a resist film based at least in part on thermal proximity effects in the resist film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: David S. Fryer, Vivek K. Singh, Thanh N. Phung
  • Patent number: 6985673
    Abstract: Automated unattended film processing kiosk permits a customer to drop off a film unit, e.g., OTUC, and come back later to pick up the finished prints. The customer swipes a credit or debit card through a card reader, and inserts the exposed film unit. Inside the enclosure a mini-lab processor automatically processes the film and extracts images from the film, as negatives or as digital images. A digital printer makes prints of the customer's images. The photographic prints are packaged and labeled, and provided with an optional optical disk. A carousel stores the packaged prints for the customers. At pick-up, the customer swipes a card through for identification. An unload mechanism transfers the customer's finished prints from the carousel to a delivery bin. Print correction for color, density, and contrast can be carried out remotely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Inventor: Bernhard P. Molldrem, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6982816
    Abstract: A film scanner has a transport table for transporting the film held by a film holder in a sub-scan direction, a transport mechanism for moving the transport table in the sub-scan direction, a line sensor and a line sensor drive circuit for obtaining an image of the film. The transport mechanism is provided with a scan motor driven in predetermined steps. The line sensor and the line sensor drive circuit are configured to read the signal at a first timing corresponding to a rotational position of the step of the scan motor and read the signal at both of the first timing and a second timing where the motor temporarily stops, due to overshoot, at an angular position between first timings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: PENTAX Corporation
    Inventor: Yuichi Kurosawa
  • Patent number: 6982781
    Abstract: A print job processing method at least includes: providing processing attributes for particular print stock, including a predetermined fuser dwell time; establishing a print job, including the stock to be used for each page of the print job; for each page in the print job, selecting the appropriate subsystem containing the stock specified for the particular page; for each page in the print job, transferring image substance to each sheet to be printed, the placement of the image substance corresponding to an image to be duplicated on the page; matching the appropriate portion of the processing attributes to each subsystem; for each page, automatically fusing the image substance to the page according to the dwell time established by the processing attributes for the stock used for the page; and outputting processed pages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph S. Vetromile, Richard C. Schenk, Kenneth F. Blanchard, Injae Choi
  • Patent number: 6975381
    Abstract: An image printing system is a system which forms images continuously on a long photosensitive material. The image printing system includes an inputting unit for making reservations for cutting of the photosensitive material by the unit of order. The reserved orders for which a cut is reserved by using the inputting unit are memorized in a RAM. The photosensitive material is cut by a paper cutter at a point behind a place where the formation of images is complete for the reserved order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Noritsu Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinichi Heya
  • Patent number: 6970229
    Abstract: A method and a device are provided for automating receipt of orders for additional printing of a photographic print, including order information relating to desired image processing. In a print order receiving machine, when a photographic print is inserted, an image of the photographic print is read and displayed on a monitor (steps 150, 152). When order conditions are inputted, an image which is processed on the basis of the order conditions is displayed on the monitor (steps 154 through 158). Further, when input of the order conditions is completed, the order conditions and order information based on the order conditions are set. The set order information is printed onto a photographic print as an invisible two-dimensional bar code. Copying processing of the photographic print is carried out on the basis of the order information which is read from the photographic print.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., LTD
    Inventor: Takayuki Iida
  • Patent number: 6965425
    Abstract: Magazines containing a photographic paper roll are set to first and second magazine stands respectively. Each of the magazine stands is provided with a unit for positioning the magazine. After sliding the magazine in a width direction of the photographic paper, the magazine stand is positioned so as to make a multi-row pitch optimum in accordance with a width of the photographic paper. The magazine stand is provided with a cutter to cut the photographic paper in a print size. The photographic papers advanced from the first and second magazines are sent to passages and are gathered in multi rows at a passage concourse. Devices for arranging and rearranging the photographic paper are unnecessary so that a structure is simplified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Tanabe
  • Patent number: 6961118
    Abstract: A paper handler, in combination with a printer comprising, a paper inlet into that which paper enters the paper handler; where the paper has leading edge. The paper handler further comprises a paper exit where paper exits the paper handler and travels from the paper handler to the inlet of the printer. A drag system is also included that contributes to handle the paper handled by the paper handler thereby providing for seamless continuous paper flow through the printer. The paper handler further comprises an optic sensor capable of sensing marks on the paper. The optic sensor communicates with the printer indicating sensing of the marks by the optic sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Baker Hughes, Incorporated
    Inventors: Arnoldo Rolon, Harold Andrade, John Salyer
  • Patent number: 6956671
    Abstract: A multifunction printing system, and a method for processing image files, which allows a sequence of multiple image processing operations on digital image files, such as photographs taken by a digital camera, to be specified and initiated at a single point in time. The system includes a command interface through which default values for image processing parameters can be set and an initial image processing operation initiated. The system also includes a scanner for receiving a combination proof sheet and order form. Prior to scanning, the proof sheet is marked by the user to identify the image files to be processed, any overriding image processing parameter values for some or all of the images, and any additional image processing operations to be performed. Image processing operations include printing image files, storing image files on a mass storage device, and sending image files via fax or e-mail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Melissa Monty, Steven T. Breidenbach, Kirt A Winter, John Mark Hatcher
  • Patent number: 6943867
    Abstract: A system and method for automatically determining the shipping weight and cost of a plurality of photofinishing items from a service provider without physically weighing the photofinishing order. A computer system receives photofinishing orders from the customers and associates an order ID with respect to each of the photofinishing orders. The orders are filled and sent to a packing station for assembling the photofinishing order. Each order is placed in a shipping package having the order ID thereon in a machine readable format. A reading device reads order ID and obtains information for determining the associated estimated weight for each package. A printer produces a manifest to be used in shipping the plurality of photofinishing orders wherein the manifest provides the estimated weight and cost for each of the orders that is given to the shipping agent for shipment to customers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Joshua J. Litwin, David W. Hill, David Lu
  • Patent number: 6943866
    Abstract: A system and method of backprinting image prints in which an order is received specifying one or more recipients and, for each specified recipient, a set of one or more images associated with that recipient. For each recipient specified by the order, the images associated with the recipient are separated into at least one printable unit of images, and, for each printable unit, each image in the printable unit is printed on a first side of an image print. Backprinting information is backprinted on the other side of one or more of the image prints. The backprinting information can be received from a user and backprinted onto one or images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Shutterfly, Inc.
    Inventors: Jarret L. Redd, Daniel R. Baurn
  • Patent number: 6940581
    Abstract: An image medium is attached in an image input unit of a printing system, and an image to be printed and its number of prints are set through an operation panel. As contents of an order is determined, a credit card is inserted in an ID reading unit, and the printing system identifies a customer, and registers the order, then settles a payment. If the payment is done in cash, the printing system issues a magnetic card and the like on which a number is recorded for the customer to verify. The printing system has a plurality of container boxes for storing the printed material related to the customer's order by separating and keeping the printed material for each customer. A host unit verifies the properness of the person who comes to receive the prints by his/her credit card or the magnetic card and the like, and opens a corresponding outlet among the container boxes, so that the customer can receive his/her prints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuo Miyaji, Shigekazu Fukada, Syusuke Mogi
  • Patent number: 6924878
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a method of processing at least one digital image of at least one photographic image and distributing at least one visual print produced from the at least one digital image. The method includes the steps of storing at least one digital image of at least one photographic image on at least one image server at a first location. Selective authorized access to the at least one digital image of the at least one photographic image from a second location is then facilitated. Orders are received for at least one visual print of the at least one photographic image from the second location. Based upon the orders, at least one visual image is produced from the stored digital image at the first location in response to the at least one order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Philip N. Garfinkle, Yaacov Ben Yaacov, Elliot D. Jaffe
  • Patent number: 6919915
    Abstract: A system for managing information on a carrier, and an image reading apparatus, which enable easy resetting of correction data. When a film carrier is mounted in an image reading apparatus main body, a control section reads the identification number of the film carrier from an EEPROM, and determines whether the identification number corresponds to any of the identification numbers stored in a RAM. When correspondence is not found, it determines that the film carrier is mounted in the main body for the first time, and correction data is read from the EEPROM and stored in the RAM with the identification number. Instead of losing the correction data if the substrate is replaced, the correction data stored in the RAM is read from the control section and written into a new EEPROM, thereby enabling easy resetting of the correction data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Junichi Tsuji
  • Patent number: 6917413
    Abstract: A perforation and image exposure system comprises an image exposure apparatus and a punch unit. The image exposure apparatus has a first reference pin for defining a lateral position of a plate through contacting with one side edge of the plate contacting a pair of first positioning pins, and image exposure means for exposing the image into the plate subjected to positioning by the pair of first positioning pins and the first reference pin. The punch unit has a second reference pin for defining a lateral position of the plate through contacting with one side edge of the plate contacting a pair of second positioning pins, and perforation means for forming punched holes for positioning on the plate subjected to positioning by the pair of second positioning pins and the second reference pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akihiro Hashiguchi
  • Patent number: 6915074
    Abstract: Improved index prints for photofinishing services are provided where the imagettes are grouped by event or subject matter. Permanently attached index print labels incorporating these and other features are provided for digital still image storage devices are also provided. A magnifying storage case which allows easier viewing of the index prints is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Dale F. McIntyre, William C. Archie
  • Patent number: 6912044
    Abstract: Disclosed is a sheet post-processing device, including: a downstream side intermediate stacking unit having a pair of slide guides for supporting left and right edges of the sheet that is sent, the slide guides moving toward and away from each other so that the sheet is pressed against one of the slide guides that serves as a reference by the other slide guide to be positioned; a processing unit for processing the sheet positioned by the downstream side intermediate stacking unit; and a stacking unit for receiving the sheet that is dropped through a gap created between the slide guides, in which the pair of slide guides each have a bottom piece for supporting the edge of the sheet, and in which the bottom piece of the other slide guide is partially cut off to provide a remaining portion, the remaining portion making the gap between the bottom pieces wider on the upstream side than on the downstream side in the sheet conveying direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Junichi Sekiyama, Takashi Kuwata, Kenichiro Isobe, Masayoshi Fukatsu
  • Patent number: 6909494
    Abstract: A sheet supply portion is disposed in the lowermost portion of a printer so as to be substantially horizontal. A main conveying path for guiding a sheet from a transferring roller to a fixing device is disposed in a substantially vertical direction so as to be along the back of the printer. The guide surface of a sheet delivery guide constituting a conveying path leading from the fixing device to a pair of sheet delivery rollers is a flat surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinya Noda, Takaaki Kawade, Ken Murooka, Takeshi Niimura, Tatsuo Hamada, Yasuzumi Taba, Hideki Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 6909526
    Abstract: Greeting card making apparatus for assisting in the production of a greeting card by duplication apparatus may comprise a layout template that defines a layout area. The layout area accommodates at least one object that is to be contained in the greeting card. The greeting card making apparatus is convertible between a layout mode and a duplication mode. During the layout mode, the layout area is observable by a user so that the user may observe an arrangement of the at least one object within the layout area. During the duplication mode, the layout template is reproducible by the duplication apparatus so that the duplication apparatus produces a copy of the arrangement of the at least one object within the layout area defined by the layout template.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Julie T. Dawe
  • Patent number: 6906791
    Abstract: Mounting trays for storing therein sheet-shaped recording materials are used to record thereon images. A laser exposing unit forms a latent image of an image on the recording material in an exposure process by irradiating laser. A heat development unit performs a heat development process for the recording material on which the latent image has been formed. The mounting trays the laser exposing unit and the heat development unit are disposed along upper/lower directions of an image recording apparatus in this order of image processing operations for the recording material. A length of a transport path for a recording material is short within this image recording apparatus to shorten processing time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoru Itoh, Nobuyuki Torisawa
  • Patent number: 6906833
    Abstract: An image reading device in which a processing time required for prescanning and fine-scanning of a film can be shortened. A reading system for prescanning which performs prescanning and a reading system for fine-scanning which performs fine-scanning are adjacently juxtaposed on a conveying path of a photographic film. Prescanning is carried out by the reading system for prescanning, which is structured such that light that is emitted from a light source is transmitted through the photographic film, which is conveyed at a constant speed which is suitable for fine-scanning, the light is detected by a linear CCD, and frame images at the photographic film are thereby preliminarily read. Then, fine-scanning is carried out with the photographic film being conveyed at the same speed and the frame images on the photographic film being read at the reading system for fine-scanning by a quantity of light controlled on the basis of reading results of prescanning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaaki Konno
  • Patent number: 6906778
    Abstract: An apparatus for recording and generating images includes a printing unit. The printing unit includes a carrier that is dimensioned to approximate a PCMCIA memory card. A media supply is receivable in the carrier. A page width print head assembly is mounted in the carrier to print images on the media. The page width print head assembly includes at least one print head chip and a suitable printing microprocessor that is configured to control operation of the print head chip. An ink supply mechanism is operatively arranged with respect to the print head assembly to supply the print head assembly with ink. A media feed mechanism is positioned in the carrier to feed media to and from the print head chip. The apparatus includes an image recordal apparatus that includes a housing in which the carrier is received. The housing is dimensioned to define a sleeve for the carrier so that at least half the carrier is received in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LTD
    Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 6900882
    Abstract: A method and a device are provided for automating receipt of orders for additional printing of a photographic print, including order information relating to desired image processing. In a print order receiving machine, when a photographic print is inserted, an image of the photographic print is read and displayed on a monitor (steps 150, 152). When order conditions are inputted, an image which is processed on the basis of the order conditions is displayed on the monitor (steps 154 through 158). Further, when input of the order conditions is completed, the order conditions and order information based on the order conditions are set. The set order information is printed onto a photographic print as an invisible two-dimensional bar code. Copying processing of the photographic print is carried out on the basis of the order information which is read from the photographic print.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takayuki Iida
  • Patent number: 6896425
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a processing arrangement that includes a processing section and a scanning section. The scanning section includes a scanner that is adapted to scan processed photographic film. The scanning section also includes a plate member with a guide slot therein and a plurality of film holding casings movably located in the guide slot. The film holding casing are adapted to receive the processed dried film from the processing section and queue the processed dried film for scanning in the scanner. With the arrangement of the present invention, it is possible to collect and queue multiple films to be scanned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Ralph L. Piccinino, Jr., Ronald W. Grant, Jr.