Including Operator Interaction Patents (Class 382/311)
  • Publication number: 20090185763
    Abstract: A portable device, a photography processing method, and a photography processing system having the same, the method including capturing a photo image; collecting identification (ID) information from neighboring devices; confirming ID information corresponding to the collected ID information; displaying one or more graphical user interface (GUI) elements corresponding to the confirmed identification (ID) information; and transmitting the captured photo image to a device having ID information corresponding to a selected GUI element. Furthermore, the photography processing method tags the identification information of the GUI element selected by the photographer to the captured image, stores the tagged image, performs a photo transmission and a tagging, improves user convenience, data management, and search efficiency, and quickly transmits the photo image of the target person without using additional navigation operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yong Gook PARK, Ji Hyeon KWEON, Hyun Jin KIM, Myung Hyun YOO
  • Patent number: 7558438
    Abstract: An image synthesizing system for synthesizing more than one item of divisional image data respectively representing more than one divisional image of more than one portion of an object. The more than one item of divisional image data and additional information are supplied to a synthesizing unit, where the additional information indicates that the more than one item of divisional image data represents a series of images related to each other. The synthesizing unit synthesizes the more than one item of divisional image data based on the additional information to obtain an item of synthesized image data representing a synthesized image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Ryoji Sasada
  • Publication number: 20090148073
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a solution for allowing users to manipulate typographical letter case. In the solution, functionality can be implemented that allows users to quickly select a set of letters and to manipulate letter case of the selected text in a variety of ways. For example, an existing case of a selection can be changed to uppercase, lowercase, title case, sentence case, and the like. Additionally, functionality can enable users to invert letter case and randomize letter case as needed. Further, letter case checking functionality can detect words in a document having possibly improper case, can provide prompts containing suggested corrections, and can provide options to apply or ignore the suggested corrections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: JANA H. JENKINS, WILLIAM D. PETERSON, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090136159
    Abstract: A method for editing a date of a digital image file having a predefined date stamp location in an imaging device, wherein the image data of the digital image, and a position coordinate of the predefined date stamp location, are stored in the digital image file. The method includes: selecting the digital image having the predefined date stamp location; obtaining and saving the image data and the position coordinate of the predefined date stamp location from the digital image file; generating a new date according to a user input; modifying the image data of the predefined date stamp location with the new date to form a first date stamp; and applying the first date stamp according to the position coordinate of the predefined date stamp location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicants: PREMIER IMAGE TECHNOLOGY(CHINA) LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: QI-DA GUAN
  • Publication number: 20090116766
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that enables a user to visually compare the effects of one or more clothing sets in front of a mirror. During operation, the system detects and stores images of a user wearing a piece of clothing in front of mirror. Similar stored poses from either the user or from members of the user's social network can be retrieved later to compare the effects of the current piece of clothing to the retrieved clothing. The poses are then displayed in close proximity to the mirror so that the user can visually compare the effects. Displaying multiple such poses in sequence and in fast response to changes in the user's orientation creates the effect that the system is tracking the user's movements and presenting poses that are substantially synchronized to the user's movements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Takashi Matsumoto, Wei Zhang, James M.A. Begole, Juan J. Liu
  • Publication number: 20090103837
    Abstract: There is disclosed a label image editing apparatus for editing a label image on a recording media having a data side on which data is recorded, and a label side on which a label image is plotted to visually confirm recording contents on the data side. The label image editing apparatus comprises: a data analyzing section that analyzes data to be recorded on the recording media and/or data to be reproduced from the recording media; and a layout display section that displays, as a layout of the label image, a layout according to an analyzing result by the data analyzing section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Haomin Jin, Ryuji Hisanaga
  • Publication number: 20090067757
    Abstract: A method of forming an image includes displaying a list of one or more editing items to be used in editing the image; selecting at least one editing item from the displayed list; and converting the image t using the at least one selected editing item and processing the image. An apparatus for forming an image includes a display unit that displays a list of one or more editing items to be used in editing the image; an input panel unit that receives a selection of at least one editing item from the displayed list of editing items; and a control unit that converts the image using the at least one selected editing item. The editing items may be stored in the apparatus for forming an image or may be registered to a server. Therefore, the editing items having an image editing function can be shared between users and thus an image desired by a user can be easily and conveniently obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventor: Jae-in LEE
  • Publication number: 20090060394
    Abstract: An image processing device that executes deformation of an image. A candidate area setting unit sets candidate areas, each of which includes a specific image, on a target image used as a target for a deformation process. An exclusion determination unit, when there is a candidate area that partially extends off a cropped image that is clipped from the target image through predetermined cropping, excludes the candidate area, which at least partially extends off the cropped image, from the target for the deformation process. A deformation processing unit performs deformation of an image on the candidate areas other than the excluded candidate areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akio YAMAZAKI, Goro ISHIDA, Kosuke SHINGAI
  • Patent number: 7499602
    Abstract: A method for increasing efficiency of interaction by an operator with data on a computer display includes presenting the data to the operator on the computer display, and providing multiple instances of an on-screen control at different locations on the display for selection by the operator using a pointing device linked to the display. The control is actuated responsive to the selection by the operator of any of the instances of the control on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Aviad Zlotnick
  • Publication number: 20090041390
    Abstract: A computer-readable computer program product that contains a data file outputting program for causing a computer to execute: a read-in instruction for reading in a plurality of data groups from a storage medium having recorded therein in correlation to each other post-edition data, pre-edition data and edition history data, and each of the plurality of data groups including the post-edition data, the pre-edition data, and the edition history data in correlation to each other, one group after another; a data creation instruction for applying, for each of the plurality of data groups, a content of edition at each point in time of edition to the pre-edition data based on the edition history data to create edition process data at each point in time; and a file output instruction for outputting in batch the post-edition data, the pre-edition data, and the edition process data as different data files, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiromi Kuwata, Nobuhiro Hayashi, Mayumi Nakayama
  • Publication number: 20090037278
    Abstract: A classification method and system for possible content alteration of a media work may include criteria regarding content that is feasible for alteration. Such criteria may be maintained in records that are accessible to an interested party. Some embodiments may include a record of primary authorization rights applicable to a possible content alteration. A further embodiment feature may include a record of secondary authorization rights applicable to substitute altered content incorporated in a derivative version. Various exemplary techniques may be used to provide audio and/or visual substitution options in a derivative version of the media work in accordance with applicable alteration guidelines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Alexander J. Cohen, Edward K.Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, William H. Mangione-Smith, John D. Rinaldo, JR., Clarence T. Tegreene
  • Patent number: 7477417
    Abstract: An image processing system including an image processing unit for processing input image data and an output unit for outputting an image processed in the image processing unit. The image processing unit has the function of cutting out a background portion of the image and effecting color specification and further has the function of specifying a method of processing the background portion. When printing the image, the output unit recognizes the background portion on the basis of the color specification and carries out background processing for the recognized background portion on the basis of the specified background processing method. It is possible to prevent visible unevenness of printing from occurring in the background portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuhiro Hamashima, Yasuko Deushi, Hiroyuki Soshi
  • Publication number: 20080317388
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for erasing in a digital image. A method includes identifying a plurality of tip regions on the image, establishing an erasure color, and completely erasing pixels in the tip region that have a color matching the erasure color. Pixels having partially matching colors are partially erased and color decontaminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: ADOBE SYSTEMS INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Mark Hamburg
  • Publication number: 20080292218
    Abstract: A method of producing an engraved image on a computer screen includes loading an image to be engraved and converting the image into a high contrast image using at least two colors. The first lighter color is used for the lighter portions of the high contrast image and a darker color is used for the darker portions of the high contrast image. Mixing of the colors is based on the luminance level of the image. A plurality of lines are drawn over the high contrast image with variations in the plurality of lines drawn being a function of the luminance of the underlying image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: Dean Robert Gary Anderson as Trustee of D/L Anderson Family Trust
    Inventor: Dean Robert Gary Anderson
  • Patent number: 7457706
    Abstract: A system and method for generating custom geospatial information maps and precision corrected images allows real-time interactive production of a desired output image by incorporating user selectable parameters that define various image synthesizing operations. A graphical user interface allows a user to specify parameters that define the desired output image via a remote computing device over a public access network such as the Internet. The parameters define image synthesizing operations such as area, projection, datum, fusion, masking, blending, mosaiking, resampling, and others. The desired output image is processed by an image assembly server according to the parameters and a variety of geospatial image data sources, and electronically delivered to a user via a public access network. The geospatial information may also be correlated with non-georeferenced data such that relevant associations between non-georeferenced data and the geospatial data are integrated in the output information product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth Melero, Douglas W. Shibla, Mark R. Lucas
  • Publication number: 20080285892
    Abstract: An in-browser photo-editing application method and system. The method may typically include retrieving an image for manipulation along with a set of image manipulation instructions at a client computer and engaging a manipulation to the image from the client computer. Then, the client computer records image manipulation instructions simultaneous to displaying user edits. The set of image manipulation instructions are transmitted to the server when a mirror of the user's manipulated image is desired on the server. The server performs the manipulation instructions on its own copy of the original image to produce the mirror image. Copies of the pre-manipulated and post-manipulated image as well as the manipulation instructions may be stored at several locations including the client computer, the server computer or even a remote storage computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: BITNIK INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan Sposato, Mike Harrington, Darrin Massena
  • Patent number: 7453462
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods of selecting special characters in a mobile communication terminal are provided. The method includes storing a set of European alphabet letters in a memory, inputting an alphabet letter to be converted in a European alphabet letter, determining a mode conversion key has been activated, displaying a plurality of European alphabet letters corresponding to the inputted alphabet letter on a pop-up window when it is determined that the mode conversion key has been activated, wherein the European alphabet letters are read from the memory, and selecting a desired one of the displayed European alphabet letters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Sung Bong You
  • Publication number: 20080266320
    Abstract: The invention is devised to facilitate the editing of a graphic displayed on a screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shinichi Ohkubo
  • Publication number: 20080267536
    Abstract: Processing a collection of images includes identifying a theme for the collection of images, and performing batch processing on the collection of images. The batch processing includes applying a pre-defined group of image editing operations to the images to give the edited images a look and feel that is consistent with the identified theme.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Nathan M. Moroney, Ehud Chatow, Andrew E. Fitzhugh
  • Patent number: 7444038
    Abstract: Images at two or more correction levels are output as corrected images for a given image, and a user is allowed to select a preferred corrected image. Based on the selection result of the user, an image to be corrected which is different from the given image is corrected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Masayoshi Shimizu, Shoji Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7437024
    Abstract: A method for personalizing an image-based physical manifestation to conform with user preferences for image processing. In one implementation, the method includes identifying an image for processing, identifying user preferences for image processing and processing the image including manipulating image data for the image in accordance with the user preferences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Shutterfly, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Baum, Xin Wen
  • Patent number: 7433507
    Abstract: A method of creating and displaying images resulting from digital tomosynthesis performed on a subject using a flat panel detector is disclosed. The method includes the step of acquiring a series of x-ray images of the subject, where each x-ray image is acquired at different angles relative to the subject. The method also includes the steps of applying a first set of corrective measures to the series of images, reconstructing the series of images into a series of slices through the subject, and applying a second set of corrective measures to the slices. The method further includes the step of displaying the images or slices according to at least one of a plurality of display options.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Co.
    Inventors: Kadri N. Jabri, Gopal B. Avinash, Stephen W. Metz, John M. Sabol, Jeffrey W. Eberhard, Bernard E. H. Claus, John P. Kaufhold
  • Patent number: 7433548
    Abstract: A computer system and method for efficiently processing a digital image into reflow content is presented. The method comprises each of the following as executed on a computer. A digital image is obtained for processing. The digital image includes at least some content suitable for conversion into reflow content. The digital image is processed into a digital content file. The digital content file includes both reflow content and non-reflow blocks of content. For each non-reflow block of content in the digital content file, the following are performed. A determination is made as to whether the non-reflow block of content should be manually evaluated for editing. A manual evaluation is automatically triggered for editing if it is determined that the non-reflow block of content should be manually evaluated for editing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L Goodwin, Troy N Terry, Adam Brian Coath, Frederick Ziya Ramos Akalin, Joshua Shagam
  • Publication number: 20080226199
    Abstract: Tools and techniques allow visual media to be edited by superimposing a parameter adjusting mechanism on the visual media itself and adjusting parameter settings based on user input detected by the parameter adjusting mechanism. In a visual media editing application, the parameter adjusting mechanism is superimposed on visual media so that the user can keep his eyes on the visual media and so that the visual media itself is unobscured by other user interface controls and windows as the user edits it. The user sets control points on the visual media that act as a fixed reference points for subsequent user input. The parameter adjusting mechanism detects subsequent user input calculates new parameter settings based on that input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventor: Melissa Erin Breglio
  • Publication number: 20080212901
    Abstract: A character based system and method for correcting low confidence characters from an OCR system facilitates operator review, editing and correction of character and field level data generated by an OCR system without the need for an application that is installed at the operator workstation. The system creates a data structure of OCR information and provides that information to an operator through an HTML interface that is rendered using HTML and JavaScript. The data structure includes an OCR confidence level for each character and/or field and the operator is prompted to review only those characters/fields that meet a predetermined threshold for the confidence level. The operator can use an input key (e.g., TAB or ENTER) to navigate to each character/field with a low confidence level and thereby correct or validate each low confidence character/field as appropriate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: H.B.P. OF SAN DIEGO, INC.
    Inventors: Tom Castiglia, Mark Walter
  • Publication number: 20080205796
    Abstract: In a method for editing a digital image by computer, operating controls for controlling properties are offered on a monitor; modifications of the image are formed in one step and modifications are applied to the image in a subsequent step. Operating controls for each type of modification are operative simultaneously. An apparatus for working the method as well as computer program products are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: ADOBE SYSTEMS INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Michael Donvig Jonsson
  • Patent number: 7415141
    Abstract: A signature authentication device is disclosed. Even when there are variations in an input hand-written signature during the registration of the signature or during the authentication of the signature, the signature authentication device easily registers or authenticates the signature. The signature authentication device allows a user to re-register the signature without a risk that sensitive information stored in a computer is monitored by someone else. A plurality of pieces of authentication signature data for a single user is stored. If comparison for authentication between input signature data and at least a single piece of the plurality of the pieces of the authentication signature data is successful, then the authentication is regarded as successful. During signature registration, the plurality of the pieces of the authentication signature data is stored in a storage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masaru Okazaki
  • Patent number: 7415171
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and software consistent with the present invention use combinations of two or more letters (xgraphs) or characters, such as three letter combinations (trigraphs), to aid in deciphering ambiguous characters in OCR systems. Embodiments consistent with the invention compare possible xgraphs constructed by substitution for the ambiguous OCR-read character(s) to a reference set of xgraphs. The reference set of xgraphs contains predetermined valid xgraphs, which may be ranked by preference. If a possible xgraph matches a reference xgraph, then the ambiguous character(s) are resolved in favor of the characters in the reference xgraph. Embodiments may also use the context of the ambiguous character string to aid in resolving the ambiguity where more than one possible solution exists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventor: Robert F. Snapp
  • Patent number: 7382973
    Abstract: The present invention provides a data processing apparatus comprising a first additional information acquisition unit for acquiring the first additional information with regard to a first processing target data; a second additional information acquisition unit acquiring the second additional information with regard to a second processing target data that is processed in relation to the first processing target data; and a selecting unit selecting at least one second processing target data from among the plural second processing target data on the basis of the first additional information, the second additional information, and a selection condition that has been set in advance. The data processing apparatus can easily select at least one processing target data from among a plurality of processing target data and is excellent in the aspect of a pastime.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Hajime Katsumata
  • Patent number: 7376290
    Abstract: A method and system for providing a user with an album including a plurality of pages is disclosed. The method and system include allowing a user to purchase at least a portion of the album including a portion of the plurality of pages. The user is allowed to set a plurality of defaults for configuring the plurality of pages. At least one default of the plurality of defaults is capable of being altered using information provided by the user. The information is received from the user separately from the user setting the plurality of defaults. The information, if any, is received together with an initial providing of digital image data for a plurality of images captured using a digital imaging device. The at least one default is altered if the user has provided the information. The portion of the plurality of pages is provided using the plurality of defaults and the user is allowed access to at least the portion of the album.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: FotoMedia Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Eric C. Anderson, Stephen D. Saylor
  • Patent number: 7346193
    Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a target travel direction detecting method capable of detecting the travel direction of efficiently detecting the travel direction of a target by using a small amount of information. The target travel direction detecting method according to the invention generates a lightness image from each of the two color images picked up at predetermined time intervals and causes a template of n by n 105 to scan the lightness image at time t to detect a position where the target is present. Next, the values of pixels around the pixel of the position where the target is detected are stored into the template 105. The template 105 storing the pixel values is used to scan the lightness image at time t+1 and detect a pixel that matches each pixel value of the template 105. Then, the target is plotted for each travel direction at a pixel position matching the template 105 on the lightness image at time t+1 to create a travel-direction-extracted image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Natsuki Kurokawa
  • Publication number: 20080013860
    Abstract: A three-dimensional (3-D) user interface (UI) creation system maps a two-dimensional (2-D), interactive UI to an 3-D object template in a 3-D scene. Once mapped, the 2-D UI functions as a simple user interface while appearing as a skin to the 3-D object. A 3-D UI creation tool applies image resources of a 2-D UI template to a 3-D wire frame template to create a 3-D UI. The system provides for rapid implementation of a 3-D UI without need for understanding a 3-D space or 3-D authoring software. The process includes preparing a 2-D UI, loading a 3-D scene of 3-D objects, and mapping the 2-D UI to a 3-D object template in the 3-D scene. A scheme file provides a specification for recreating the 3-D scene in a runtime module whereby the 3-D scene functions as a 3-D UI system, allowing interaction via a user input system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Victor K. Blanco
  • Patent number: 7218780
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to providing an image scanner and an optical recognition system using said image scanner which can scan only the “intended region” to carry out character recognition and can carry out character recognition in the background of an application software and can input the recognition result directly to said application software. Image picture data which are captured by scanning the “intended region” of a document with the image scanner mouse 20 are converted to text data by a character recognition software in the personal computer 10 and are inputted directly to an application software. Designation and confirmation of input starting position for the “intended region” on a document are made easily and surely with the LCD26 at hand on the image scanner 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventor: Mitsuo Nakayama
  • Patent number: 7203903
    Abstract: A system for spacing, storing and recognizing electronic representations of handwriting and printing comprises a central processing unit that couples with a display device, an input device, and a memory. The memory includes means for spacing ink stroke representations, means for recognizing outline elements, means for performing deferred recognition, means for highlighting drawing areas and means for storing and displaying ink stroke representations. These means operate together to provide a pen-based or graphics oriented computer system with improved performance and added functionality for manipulating the space between ink stroke representations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Michael P. Thompson, Michael W. Rouiller, Dan Altman, Steven R. Kusmer, Gregory Stikeleather, Michele M. Evans
  • Patent number: 7193688
    Abstract: An image forming device includes a printer engine, a display unit, and a sound reproducing unit. The image forming device receives a list of contents from a content distributing device, and has the display unit display the content list. From the content list displayed by the display unit, a user of the image forming device selects a print content, a display content, and a sound content that he desires, associates the selected contents with one another to produce a group of the selected contents, and requests the content distributing device to distribute the group of the selected contents. The content distributing device produces the group of contents associated with one another, and distributes the group of contents to the image forming device. The image forming device expands the print content in the distributed content group into print data, and has the printer engine print the print data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kouichi Takamine, Atsushi Hirose
  • Patent number: 7155070
    Abstract: A method relating to film photography and digital delivery of images wherein a consumer can preview images of processed film sent from a film development laboratory to the consumer's cell phone equipped with a visual display. The consumer dropped the film at a service where the film is developed, and then scanned to create digital picture data. The picture data is then sent to the consumer's cell phone or similar device with wireless capability equipped for reception of digital image data, and in response to the data, the cell phone displays the pictures on the camera's image display. The consumer then views the pictures and can make decisions concerning how many prints of each image to order. The print order can then be placed with the service through the cell phone. Additional features include the consumer processing the digital image data including forwarding the images to another cell phone or to a computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: FotoMedia Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Eran Steinberg
  • Patent number: 7133734
    Abstract: A method for sculpting art including preparing an artistic line drawing of interconnected lines having varying widths. The artistic line drawing is converted to a format suitable for computer numeric controls for guiding cutting means. The sculpture is cut out of a piece of material using cutting means suitable for defining holes around the artistic line drawing. The sculpture and mounting means are finished. The mounting means provides a mechanism for spacing the sculpture from and attaching the sculpture to a structure. The mounting means are substantially invisible to a viewer when positioned on the structure. The sculpture having a combination of varying weight lines which appear to be drawn by a felt tipped pen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Inventors: Richard Backer, Daniel Backer
  • Patent number: 7111255
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for evaluating verification of data by an operator. The data is presented to the operator on a computer-controlled display and a time duration is measured over which the operator interacts with the display in verifying the presented data. The time duration is indicative of the reliability of the verification of the data by the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Aviad Zlotnick
  • Patent number: 7085437
    Abstract: Automatic region extracting means (2) extracts rectangle regions having attributes of “character”, “photograph”, “table”, “ruled line”, “frame” from input image data through Image input means (1) and stores the information of the extracted rectangle regions into Modification information storage means (3). Display means (4) displays the input image including the extracted rectangle regions according to the information of the extracted rectangle regions. The operator selects desired extracted rectangle regions in the input image on a display screen and specifies the kind of the modification for the selected rectangle regions by using Operation means (5). Thereby, the information of both the selected rectangle regions and specified modifications are stored in Modification information storage means (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Riso Kagaku Corporation
    Inventors: Masato Nakajima, Yukimoto Sakata, Junichi Hakamada, Asako Nakatsugawa
  • Patent number: 7082227
    Abstract: A method for personalizing an image-based physical manifestation to conform with user preferences for image processing. In one implementation, the method includes identifying an image for processing, identifying user preferences for image processing and processing the image including manipulating image data for the image in accordance with the user preferences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Inventors: Daniel R. Baum, Xin Wen
  • Patent number: 7042583
    Abstract: A method apparatus and method for modifying a first multimedia asset to form a second multimedia asset where the first media asset is derivable solely from the second media asset. A multimedia processing command is applied to the first multimedia asset to form the second multimedia asset. The first multimedia asset is then uniquely linked to the second multimedia asset using the multimedia processing command such that the first multimedia asset is derivable solely from the second multimedia asset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: David C. Wilkins, Matt Crosby
  • Patent number: 7042809
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method and an electronic device for recognizing characters traced manually on an input zone (10) comprising a plurality of sensors (15) each capable of being activated by a finger or a tracing instrument (13). The method consists in comparing the manual trace of a character (100) produced on the input zone with a group of characters of a predetermined set of characters. The invention is characterised in that each character of the set of characters is represented by at least one predetermined model representative of a way in which the character can be traced, and in that a model representative of the way in which the manual trace of the character (100) has been performed on the input zone is elaborated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Asulab S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Mignot
  • Patent number: 7039256
    Abstract: A method for increasing efficiency of interaction by an operator with data on a computer display includes presenting the data to the operator on the computer display, and providing multiple instances of an on-screen control at different locations on the display for selection by the operator using a pointing device linked to the display. The control is actuated responsive to the selection by the operator of any of the instances of the control on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Aviad Zlotnick, Svetlana Shukevich
  • Patent number: 7034323
    Abstract: In order to provide a procedure and a device that will enable the, at least partially, automated acceptance of bank notes that can be realized in an acceptable cost range and that will enable the highly automated, rapid acceptance of bank notes with a high level of certainty, a method, in which a test for the acceptability of bank notes is performed by automatic vending machines is proposed; by this method a bank note is fed via a transport unit to a digitalization station, where it is at least partially digitized; the data obtained in this manner are then compared with stored data by a computer unit, which makes a determination of value, and renders an automatic decision regarding acceptance. If the automatic decision regarding acceptance is negative, an image of the digitized data is generated in order to allow a service employee to perform a visual inspection of the note and render a final decision regarding acceptance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Reheidt & Bachmann GmbH
    Inventors: Erich Horn, Bernd Voeller
  • Patent number: 7028269
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of video-camera systems, such as a video conferencing systems, and more particularly to video camera targeting systems that locate and acquire targets using an input characterizing a target and a machine-classification system to assist in target acquisition responsively to that input. In some embodiments, the characterization and classification are employed together with one or more inputs of other modalities such as gesture-control. In one example of the system in operation, an operator is able to make pointing gestures toward an object and, simultaneously speak a sentence identifying the object to which the speaker is pointing. At least one term of the sentence, presumably, is associated with a machine-sensible characteristic by which the object can be identified. The system captures and processes the voice and gesture inputs and re-positions a PTZ video camera to focus on the object that best matches both the characteristics and the gesture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Eric Cohen-Solal, Mi-Suen Lee
  • Patent number: 6999637
    Abstract: A method and system for providing a user with an album including a plurality of pages is disclosed. The method and system include allowing a user to purchase at least a portion of the album and allowing the user to set a plurality of defaults for the plurality of pages. The at least the portion of the album includes a portion of the plurality of pages. At least one default of the plurality of plurality of defaults is capable of being altered using information provided by the user. The method and system also include receiving from the user the information, if any, and receiving a plurality of images captured using a digital imaging device. The method and system also include altering the at least one default if the user has provided the information. The method and system also include providing a portion of the plurality of pages using the plurality of defaults and allowing the user access to the portion of the album.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: IPAC Acquisition Subsidiary I, LLC
    Inventors: Eric C. Anderson, Stephen D. Saylor
  • Patent number: 6950533
    Abstract: A method for data entry, includes receiving a plurality of images and sorting the images into an order responsive to a measure of similarity between the images, so as to group similar images together in the order. A first image among the images in the order is presented to an operator, and an input is received from the operator specifying a code to be assigned to the first image. A second image, subsequent to the first image among the images in the order, is then presented to the operator, along with the code specified by the operator for assignment to the first image. The code is assigned to the second image responsive to a single input action by the operator, indicating that the second image is to be assigned the same code as the first image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Aviad Zlotnick
  • Patent number: 6909789
    Abstract: With a method for processing goods in an automatic reading system, for which an image of the address-containing surface of each item is obtained and transmitted to a first automatic evaluation and, in case of an incomplete evaluation of the address information, is transmitted to a first video coding for evaluation, it is provided that the address information of those images, which are not completely evaluated during the video coding, are transmitted to a further automatic evaluation by making use of the results of the video coding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Karl-Günther Hänsel, Walter Rosenbaum
  • Patent number: 6904185
    Abstract: In a distributed network, a method of recursively linking a multiply modified multimedia asset to an original digital negative of the multimedia asset is disclosed. The original digital negative of the multimedia asset is modified to form a first resultant multimedia asset based upon which a first edit list is generated. The first edit list, in turn, is associated with the first resultant multimedia asset and linked to the original digital negative of the multimedia asset. The first multimedia asset is then modified to form a second resultant multimedia asset based upon which a second edit list is generated. The second edit list is associated with the second resultant multimedia asset and linked to the first resultant multimedia asset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: David C. Wilkins, Matt Crosby
  • Patent number: RE40384
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for manipulating scanned documents using computer aided design (CAD) commands includes a link program which receives the CAD commands and displays all or selected portions of a raster-based image, which is created by scanning a hard copy document. The link program will display the portion of the raster image which fits within a predetermined CAD window and will scale the raster image up or down as necessary to fit within the display window. The raster image is displayed on a computer screen and provides a useful reference for an operator to create a CAD image which is a duplicate of the raster image by tracing directly over the raster image or, alternatively, to implement desired changes in the raster image using CAD commands. An edit program merges the CAD image and the original raster image to create a new, updated raster image, which includes all CAD-generated changes made by the operator. The updated raster image can be reproduced in hard copy form by a raster plotter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: American Imaging Services, Inc.
    Inventors: William Opincar, Wylie McDonald, Paul Bennett