Abstract: A color printer control system comprising a user interface for shifting color hue. A control panel display includes an illustrative representation such as a color spectrum bar for suggesting a color range for both the input document and the output document. The user interface has a selective control such as a slide bar including an indicator of a user preference relative to the color reference bar. The position of the slide bar represents the hue shift input by the user. A dynamic image representation, such as a photograph, concurrently adjusts its hue in accordance with adjustment of the color slide bar and the user command. The dynamic image shifts color hue to provide a more accurate indication of the effects of hue shift to the user.

Abstract: When order processing for printing image data is carried out by recording the image data and an order file in an order processing recording medium, history of orders is managed by the recording medium so that the content of past orders can be confirmed or new ordering information can be generated by using the past order content, for example. A flag showing whether or not an order file describing the content of an order, such as the quantity and the size, should be processed in a laboratory (whether the file is valid or invalid) is recorded in the recording medium together with the order file. By judging this flag by using an image handling apparatus of an image processing system, only valid order files are processed.

Abstract: A method for collecting and associating affective information for at least one image in an imaging system includes displaying a digital image for viewing by a particular user; automatically collecting affective information for the digital image as the particular user views the image; and associating the affective information with the particular user.

Abstract: A process is shown for making available digital photographic images. The process comprises: sending to a processing laboratory an exposed photosensitive film strip to be developed, digitizing each of the developed images without any printing of the images, destroying the film strip and providing several options to a customer for obtaining and/or viewing their digital images.

Abstract: A color printing method securely performs high definition color printing using colors including characteristic colors without using special application software. The color printing method displays a print image based on color-image data to be printed, as a preview image, on a display unit. For the previewed print image, each print content corresponding to each print purpose is designated. Based on the color-image data in which each print content is designated, color printing is performed.

Abstract: A method for remotely selecting and ordering photographic prints, includes the steps of: sending a photographic film bearing a plurality of latent images to a photofinisher; developing the photographic film to produce visible images and scanning the visible images to create a digital image file at the photo finisher; producing an index print having a plurality of images from the photographic film along with an index number associated with each image and an order number; sending the index print to a customer; selecting images for which prints are desired from the index print; ordering photographic prints via telephone from the customer's home to the photofinisher, specifying the order number and the index numbers associated with the images for which prints are desired; and making photographic prints of the selected images at the photofinisher and sending the photographic prints to the customer.

Abstract: An image output system has a digital camera, a personal computer, and a monitor. The personal computer generates a transform tone characteristic in which a tone characteristic peculiar to the monitor is considered on the basis of an ideal tone characteristic associated with image data generated by the digital camera. When image data is transformed on the basis of the transform tone characteristic and the resultant is displayed on the monitor, the ideal tone characteristic can be reproduced on the monitor. As a result, an image captured by the digital camera can be outputted with equivalent tone characteristics from different output devices.

Abstract: A color image recorded on an original is photoelectrically read out at a first picture element interval and an image signal representing the color image is obtained. An image composing processing is carried out on the image signal under signal composing conditions determined on the basis of a desired image composition and the processed composite image signal is reproduced as a visible image on a recording material. In such an image reproducing system, a color image on an original is photoelectrically read out at a second picture element interval larger than the first picture element interval and a rough image signal is obtained. Image composing processing is carried out on the rough image signal under signal composing conditions determined on the basis of a desired image composition. The processed rough image signal is reproduced as a visible image on a display and the signal composing conditions are corrected so that the visible image on the display satisfies the desired image composition.

Abstract: The disclosed a number of methods for scanning and individually detecting a number of images on a scanner platen. In one method, the scanner scans the platen one scanline after another and performs the following steps for each scanline. The method first detects and groups together one or more consecutive pixels of a current scanline having substantially similar colours (804,808,806). The method then determines (826) those said groups of pixels of a current scanline which likely belong to images and those which likely belong to background of the scanner. The method then copies (708) the determined groups of pixels belonging to images of a current scanline to their respective images.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus discriminates whether an original document is a color original document or a monochrome original document based on image data and performs image processing in an operational mode based on the result thereof. The image processing apparatus discriminates whether an image background area is color, and if a background area is determined to be color, the image processing apparatus provides image processing to the original document as a monochrome original document, in an operational mode used for a monochrome original document.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an operating procedure of a scanning system free of identifying original's attribute comprises steps of scanning at least one original free of identifying original's attribute to generate at least one image, wherein the images present all contents of the originals, displaying the images on a preview window, receiving a portion of the preview window selected by a user, and scanning a portion of the originals corresponding to the portion of the preview window. The present invention further extends to a scanning system free of identifying original's attribute and a scanning method without identifying an original's attribute by a user.

Abstract: An image is read from a photo film by a scanner. Data of the read image is transferred to an image processing unit to process the image. When reading and processing the image, setting items are changed in accordance with a mode. In a high-image-quality mode, is executed at least one of the items including increment of a read pixel number, improvement of an SN ratio, correcting processes, reduction of an electronic magnification, and monitoring. In a high-speed mode, is executed at lease one of the items including reduction of the read pixel number, omission of the correcting processes, increment of the electronic magnification, omission of monitoring, and omission or reduction of automatic focusing. The mode is selected so as to meet an operational purpose so that the image is efficiently read.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an operating procedure of a scanning system with one-scan-and-done feature is disclosed. The operating procedure comprises steps of receiving parameters input by a user, scanning an original responsive to the parameters, displaying an image corresponding to the original, receiving a portion of the image selected by the user, and outputting the selected image. The present invention can be extended to a scanning method for using a scanning system with one-scan-and-done feature and a scanning system with one-scan-and done feature.

Abstract: In a printing system, a developed photo filmstrip is put in a film scanner to pick up image data from all picture frames photographed on the filmstrip. An index image of the picture frames is displayed based on the image data, so a user selects picture frames to print with reference to the index image while designating a print size to each picture frame. The image data of each designated picture frame is compressed at a rate that is decided according to the print size. The higher compression rate is used for the smaller the print size. The compressed image data and print order data are transferred to a work station of a photofinisher. The photofinisher reproduces the original image data from the compressed image data, and makes prints based on the image data and print order data.

Abstract: A photographic photosensitive material and a photographic printing system are provided which can prevent deterioration in image quality even in a case in which a photographic photosensitive material which does not have a color correcting function or a sharpness enhancing function is subjected to printing processing. An identification code recorded in advance on the photographic film is read. Prescan conditions are computed in accordance with the identification code, and prescanning is carried out. On the basis of a prescan image, fine scan conditions are computed, and fine scanning is carried out. Further, parameters for color correction and parameters for sharpness processing which correspond to the identification code are read. Read parameters are outputted to an automatic set-up engine, and image processing is carried out by combining designated parameters.

Abstract: A method and system for providing an automatic service over a communication network to a user based on stored instructions by a user on a user computer.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for acquiring video signals with high resolution in the optical path of a photographic printing device for point-by-point color video signal generation by means of a video image sensor which receives the original negative image. For generation of the video signals, a sufficiently high-resolution black and white video sensor (27) is used. The three color separations are delivered separately to the video sensor by means of a plurality of color filters (4, 5, 6) which are present for printer illumination control and are brought consecutively into their active setting.

Abstract: A system and method that provided for preview scanning a document and generating a preview scan image, determining a document type based on the preview scan image, mapping the document type to a predetermined workflow, scanning the document to capture an image of the document, and executing the workflow.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for forming an image through either basic development processing or non-basic development processing on the same processor to provide equal image quality, in which an exposed color light-sensitive material (e.g., color negative film) is processed under non-basic conditions (e.g., rapid processing conditions), image information is read out from the developed film and converted to optical or electrical digital information, the digital information is subjected to image processing to obtain target image characteristics which should have been obtained under basic development processing conditions, and the resulting image characteristics are output to a printer.

Abstract: A hand-held image capture and communication appliance and method of using same are provided wherein images may be captured and saved in an internal memory. The appliance includes a processor for manipulating and exhibiting the images on a built-in display screen. Program code stored in the internal memory and executed by the processor includes a delete page module for purging the memory of captured images when they are no longer needed. The delete page module includes a code segment for displaying an animation, which, in the preferred embodiment, is designed to convey the concept to the user that a delete operation is irreversible. One implementation of the animation shows the deleted page or group of pages turn into ashes, which is a metaphor for the permanence of the delete operation. A confirmation prompt is provided prior to carrying out the delete operation to inform the user how many pages or images will be deleted and what percentage of memory will be freed.

Abstract: A method and system (100) for using reference patches (108) to enhance electronic film processing of a scene image (104) contained on a first area of a film (112) include creating a reference patch (108) on a second area of the film (112); coating the film (112) with a developing solution to form a scene image (104) and a patch image (108); scanning the film (112) coated with the developing solution to generate signals corresponding to digital representations of the scene image (104) and the patch image (108); calculating image processing parameters from the signals associated with the patch image (108); and processing the digital representations of the scene image (104) using the image processing parameters calculated from the patch image (108) to produce color values which more accurately reflect the original scene and which are pleasing to the eye.

Abstract: A method and system for encoding data onto a pictorial hardcopy print made by digital printing or digital record file of image so that the image may be reproduced or displayed as originally produced and/or captured and in accordance with a personal printing/display profile.

Abstract: An index sticker print is created where small photographic images are printed on individual sticker blanks contained on a sticker blank carrier. The photographic images are derived from digital image data obtained when the photographic film is scanned. The digital image data is formatted to size and is sent to a printer which then prints the digital data onto the sticker blanks creating an index sticker print.

Abstract: To provide a color printing apparatus which is freed of a problem such that, if gradation conversion processing of picture data is to be implemented by hardware, the number of the registers is prohibitively increased to increase the cost if the gradation curve information required for gradation conversion processing is to be stored in its entirety in the registers. The printing apparatus includes a basic gradation curve register for storage of the basic gradation curve information and a shifting quantity register for storing the shifting quantity information. The values of the information data are calculated by the gradation curve calculation circuit to generate the gradation curve information which is stored in gradation curve information registers. The color picture data entered to the apparatus are gradation-converted, based on the gradation curve information, and are transferred to an engine part in the apparatus to output a picture.

Abstract: This invention provides an image reader which simply fetches a film image as an image of substantially the same size and the same image quality irrespective of issuance of a trimming command. In the image reader, information related to a trimming area can be read from a developed film by use of a magnetic information reading circuit. Further, light is applied to the developed film and image information is read based on light transmitted therethrough by use of an image input circuit. The resolution set when the image input circuit fetches image information from a preset trimming area is determined by a control circuit based on trimming information from the magnetic information reading circuit.

Abstract: A scanning device optically scans picture information and further information provided on an original film and makes the information available as digitized data, the scanned information not being converted into the original information contents. A storage device stores the data obtained from the film scanner as digital data, and a display device separates data reproduced by the storage device in accordance with their original location on the original film and makes them available as separate data signals.

Abstract: There is provided an image correction method which enables even an operator who does not have sufficient knowledge and experience to speedily and properly correct an image by simple operations and to efficiently perform correction operations according to operator's sensibilities or the like. Verbal expressions representing conditions of an image or directions of corrections of the image, and image correction conditions corresponding to the verbal expressions are set in advance. At least one of the verbal expressions is input as a correction instruction with respect to an image. The image is corrected under the corresponding image correction condition.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, signal and computer program product is provided to generate an image file that can correctly reproduce image data at a predetermined output device. The image file includes an image data storage area that stores image data, and a control information storage area stores output control information. The image data is stored in JPEG format for example, and output control information is stored in TIFF format. The output device control information is information set so as to be able to obtain an optimal image output results according to a paired-combination of the input device and output device, taking into consideration their respective image processing characteristics.

Abstract: A plurality of picture image data obtained from a film in one film handling operation by a film scanner with the automatic film feeding function are output as prints by a digital printer and also as files in a recording medium by a file outputting device. In the system for providing the above two kinds of output services, the numbers of film scanners, file outputting devices, and digital printers are determined so that the processing performance of each kind of apparatus in a unit time times the number of each kind of apparatus is almost the same, to make each kind of apparatus comprising the system demonstrate its full performance.

Abstract: The image processing method and apparatus set preliminarily a plurality of basic compression characteristics or basic expansion characteristics of image information, select one or more basic compression characteristics or basic expansion characteristics from the plurality of basic compression characteristics or basic expansion characteristics, and compress or expand gradation of the image information using the one or more basic compression characteristics or basic expansion characteristics. Optionally, these method and apparatus analyze the image information, set a processing condition for compressing or expanding the gradation of the image information in accordance with an analysis result and process the image information in accordance with the processing condition. The method and apparatus can perform the dodging processing having the excellent characteristics in a shorter period of processing time than the conventional method and can favorably enhance productivity of print production.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a reader for continuously and photoelectrically reading a plurality of original images and successively making the original images to digital image data. An image processor is further included for subjecting the digital image data to predetermined image processing to create display image data. A display then displays a plurality of the images of the display image data at the same time. An indicator allows selection of arbitrary images from the images displayed on the display and output of the selected arbitrary images as prints. Finally, a recording unit is included for receiving the output digital image data of the original images indicated by the indicator and outputting the output digital image data as the prints. With its arrangement, the image forming apparatus can simply and promptly carry out the job for selecting the necessary frames from one strip and realize high productivity at an excellent working efficiency.

Abstract: An order apparatus for print which does not require an index print, allows required printing order of frames to be designated and allows watching a replayed picture of the film. When a developed still film is set, plural frame pictures of the film are read out and stored in a picture memory to output picture signal showing plural frame pictures to a picture display apparatus to thereby display plural frame pictures. Accordingly, when designating the frames to be printed on the display apparatus by means of a touch pen and also designating the number of prints of the designated frame, the order information regarding print will be recorded in a record medium. The order information may be recorded on a modifiable recording medium on the developed film. The order apparatus for printing may include a card reader for reading order information including the number of prints per frame number written on an order card by a user.

Abstract: A load on a network image server is reduced during print services via a network. In a print system, images used for editing by a client computer are changed to images of a low resolution, editing information representative of a history of editing and a print order are transmitted to a print controller, and the images are printed by an optimum print server. Images of a high resolution used for printing are not transmitted from the client so that a load on the client can be reduced and a load on data transmission of the network can also be reduced.

Abstract: Method of printer color error correction employing the rapid alternate viewing of a scanned original color image file and an image file formed by scanning an image printed by the printer whose error is to be corrected. Color errors appear as a blinking or flickering feature in the viewing monitor. Adjustments are made to the original color image file to eliminate or minimize flicker. The adjusted color file is then employed in printing a color corrected image. Another embodiment provides the method of the invention for real time color correction in images printed on conventional or digital printing presses.

Abstract: Toner/ink is saved while still being able to print any given color value within the full color gamut of a given printer. Combinations of varying percentages of a printer's toners/inks (cyan, magenta, yellow and black) are determined for maximum black substitution with varying percentages of under color addition (UCA) (e.g., 0%, 50%, 80%, and 100%). Patches of varying combinations of CMYK using maximum black substitution and a given percentage of UCA are printed out, and the color value (L*a*b*) of each patch is measured. Tables are generated having the percentage amounts of C,M,Y, and K and the corresponding measured color value. A first table represents maximum black substitution with 0% UCA. If a desired color value falls within this table, the corresponding CMYK combination represents the most toner/ink that can be saved. If a desired color value does not fall within the first table, subsequent tables representing increasing percentage amounts of UCA are examined.

Abstract: A method and system for encoding data onto a pictorial hardcopy print made by digital printing or digital record file of image so that the image may be reproduced or displayed as originally produced and/or captured. Information regarding the colorimetric value of a small area of the image is determined and record on the original print.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes: a size detector for detecting a first size of a first image recorded on an original; an input device for inputting a second size of a second image to be recorded on a recording medium by an image recording apparatus; a determining device for determining a reading condition to read the first image according to the first and second sizes; and a reading device for reading the first image according to the reading condition to obtain information of the first image.

Abstract: An image output system having a preview function for displaying a preview image corresponding to an output image before the output image is outputted, the image output system having: an output data generating apparatus having: an output data generating device for generating output data; an output data sending device for sending the generated output data to a converting apparatus; a preview data receiving device for receiving preview data from the converting apparatus; and a display device for displaying a preview image made from the received preview data, the converting apparatus having: an output data receiving device for receiving the output data from the output data generating apparatus; a converting device for converting the received output data into data suitable for an output apparatus by using converting data which includes predetermined data necessary to a process for converting; a preview data generating device for generating the preview data by using the received output data and the converting data;

Abstract: In an image read system which reads an image recorded on a film capable of holding incidental information of the image in an area different from the area where the image is recorded, the incidental information of the image recorded on the film is read, and the read image and the incidental information is processed and outputted as data of a single image.

Abstract: A method of digital photofinishing comprising the steps of: producing a digital color image in optical printing densities of a color image captured on photographic media; processing the digital color image with an underexposure gamma correction algorithm, a scene balance algorithm, and a contrast normalization algorithm to produce a processed digital color image; mapping the processed digital color image through a hard copy media characteristic curve to produce a mapped digital color image mapped to print densities of the hard copy media; sharpening the mapped digital color image with a sharpening algorithm optimized to avoid unacceptable artifacts; and digitally printing the sharpened digital color image onto hard copy media.

Abstract: An image frame selector system for a photographic printing apparatus includes an image processing unit (5d) for reading image frames from a photographic film (2) and displaying a plurality of simulated image frames in a particular multiple frame display pattern on a monitor (50), and a keyboard (60) for inputting commands to handle the simulated image frames displayed. The monitor is switched to a view including next simulated image frames unless commands are inputted through the keyboard within a predetermined time.

Abstract: A system for electronic photography includes a number of photo-capture stations. Each station includes a digital camera and a customer identification device for selectively actuating the digital camera to capture a digital image and recording customer identification with the digital image. The system includes a central controller for collecting and storing the digital images captured by the photo-capture stations and a high bandwidth communications network connecting the photo-capture stations to the central controller. The system also includes an output station connected to the central controller by the high bandwidth communications network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing image information coming from various types of image inputting media yields an image processor for processing image information that consolidates image size irrespective of the type of image inputting medium. The apparatus is provided with a plurality of image inputting media, each of which inputs image information as a first image information having a fixed image size. An image size converter converts the fixed image size to a predetermined image size which is a constant image size independent of both the fixed image size and the type of image inputting medium that inputs the first image information. The conversion generates a second image information and a data generator generates conditional data for processing the second image information. An image processor processes the second image information using predetermined image processing procedures, based on the conditional data, to generate a third image information.

Abstract: Images of film that has been developed are captured by image sensing. The original digital image data is converted to reduced digital image data representing images that are reduced in size and stored on a user's disk, and the original digital image data is stored on a laboratory recording medium together with an identification code identifying the roll of film. The identification code is applied to the film and to the user's disk on which the reduced digital image data has been stored. The original digital image data is read out of the laboratory recording medium and photographs of the images represented by this data are printed. Image data, information IX1 per each roll of film and information IX2 per each frame are read from photographic film having information recording zones, and the image data and information are recorded on a user's disk. A video component and an audio component are also recorded on the user's disk in advance.

Abstract: A photographic film scanner has a line integration light sensor and a programmed controller which employs a plurality of lookup tables (LUT) sequenced by a common timer to control the timing of data collection and transfer to an asynchronously operating host computer. Delays in the transfer of image data to the host computer which exceed the light sensor line integration time can cause the integrated pixel scan information to become corrupted. Data corruption caused by delays in excess of line integration time is avoided by disabling the light sources and the related image scan operations until it is determined that prior line data transfer to the host is completed whereupon the accumulated data is collected and transferred to the host computer and normal scan operations are re-initiated. Even with the LEDs disabled, excessive build-up of dark current in the light sensors can corrupt the accumulated image information in the light sensor.

Abstract: A method of making digital colored prints by a particular printer operated by enabling software, the original images being provided on a colored film original includes scanning the colored film original to produce a digital image file of a digital image; adjusting the code values of the digital file to produce a color adjusted digital file, such adjustments including density and color balance correction adjustments; transferring both the color adjusted digital file and printing enabling software to a digital memory; and coupling the printer to the digital memory and causing the printer in response to the printing enabling software to operate on the color adjusted digital file to produce a transformed digital file and a print produced using such transformed digital file.

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.

Abstract: An image processor matches a hue of an output image with a hue of a preview image. The image processor generates preview image data to confirm on a display, an output color image generated by an image forming unit. The image processor incudes an input unit which inputs from the image forming unit density data representative of the output color image, the density data depending on the output characteristics of the image forming unit. A conversion unit converts the input density data into luminance data in a predetermined color space, and a color correction unit corrects color of the luminance data in accordance with the display characteristics and observation conditions of the display. The preview image data is generated dependent on the type of display and color temperature of the display.

Abstract: An image processing device of the present invention includes a storage for storing image data and a printer for printing images on a plurality of copies of sheets in accordance with the image data. The printer produces a single copy of printings at a time on the basis of a plurality of pages of image data stored in the storage. When a plurality of copies of printings are desired, and if a copy proof mode is selected, the operation of the printer is interrupted before the printer produces the second copy of printings. The operation of the printing section is resumed in response to a print restart command. The image processing device therefore allows the operator desiring a plurality of copies of printings to proof a printed image before the image is printed on the second sheet.

Abstract: A method of digital photofinishing comprising the steps of: producing a digital color image in printing densities of a color image captured on alternative capture photographic media; first mapping the printing densities of the alternative capture photographic media to the printing densities that would have been obtained for reference color photographic media; processing the mapped digital color image with a scene balance algorithm to produce a processed digital color image; second mapping the processed digital color image through a hard copy media characteristic curve to produce a mapped digital color image mapped to print densities of the hard copy media; sharpening the mapped digital color image with a sharpening algorithm optimized to avoid unacceptable artifacts; and digitally printing the sharpened digital color image onto hard copy media.