Abstract: A method of distributing digital images includes uploading one or more digital image files corresponding to one or more digital images to an interactive kiosk; receiving user input of contact information for one or more third party recipients; and sending notice to the one or more third party recipients that the one or more digital images are available. A photo printing and networking system includes a kiosk for uploading one or more digital image files corresponding to one or more digital images; a kiosk network in electronic communication with the kiosk; and data transfer means for transferring the one or more digital image files from the kiosk to a third party recipient via the kiosk network.

Abstract: A high tone image is saved in a versatile image file format to enhance usability. There are provided an imaging unit that images an original image having a predetermined dynamic range, which is a ratio between minimum luminance and maximum luminance; a synthesized image generating part that generates a synthesized image data that is higher in tone than a tone width of the original image by synthesizing a plurality of original images imaged under different imaging conditions at the same observation position; a display unit that displays the images imaged by the imaging unit; a tone conversion part that converts the synthesized image data generated by the synthesized image generating part to low tone image data having a tone width capable of being displayed on the display unit; and a tone data saving part that generates a high tone data-attached display file including a high tone image region for saving the synthesized image data serving as a basis as an image file for saving the low tone image data.

Abstract: A system and method for presenting images and related items to a user. A digital image from a data store is assessed, and a portion of the image is defined as a region of interest. Properties are associated with this defined region, and these properties are utilized to infer relationships between the region of interest and related items in the data store. Optionally, a user input indicating a desire to view related content may be received and such content may be presented to the user.

Abstract: Methods for evaluating a pixel signal produced during scanning of a chemical array are provided. In general, the subject methods involve identifying a set of conformant digital signals for a pixel, and integrating those signals. Also provided are systems and programming for performing the subject methods, and an array scanner containing these systems and programming.

Abstract: A system is provided that allows a photographer to take images for a customer and provide those images to order servicing equipment with which the images are placed on-line for the customer to view. The customer may place orders for the images and products and services related to the images. The order servicing equipment may credit the photographer when the customer orders images, products, or services. Images may be manipulated before images, products, or services are ordered. Images may be taken using film-based cameras or digital image acquisition equipment. Image presentation options may be selected. Content may be appended to the images. Web sites and digital albums may be created using the images. The photographer may check the status of assignments that have been submitted to the order servicing equipment and may check on account status. Different rights levels may be established for different parties. Loyalty rewards may be awarded for frequent use of the system.

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.

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.

Abstract: A head of a spliced film is transported to downstream side along a path by feed roller pairs, nip roller pairs and transport roller pairs; while the head of the spliced film is detected by a sensor located before a transport merging portion, the nip roller pairs are stop to rotate; a joint of the spliced film is detected based on a signal from a splice sensor; the spliced film is cut by a film cutter at the joint; and the head photographic film is separated from the spliced film and images are read.

Abstract: In a photography method, a determination is made that a set of captured images includes one or more encoded captured images having a partial shading encodement. The encodement has a predetermined edge pattern and is disposed within a predetermined subarea of an image. An encoded captured image is digitized to provide a digital image having a plurality of pixels. A plurality of pixel templates of an edge pattern and the pixels in the subarea of the digital image are convolved to provide a plurality of template position metrics. Each pixel template has the same shape. Each pixel template is differently located in said subarea. The highest of the template position metrics and a predetermined threshold template position metric value of the edge pattern are compared. The digital image is digitally modified when said highest template position metric matches the threshold template position metric value.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for managing a quick distribution of images. The method comprises the following steps: receiving, from a user, at least one image associated with a messaging system address; digitizing said at least one image when the image is not in digital form; storing said at least one image on a server; and sending a message to the messaging system address associated with said at least one image giving the information that said at least one image is available on the server.

Abstract: An X-ray film development device performs development, fixing, rinsing, and drying processes while transporting an exposed X-ray film. A rinsing unit is provided with a light source, which illuminates the X-ray film during transportation, and a reading unit, which receives the passing light and reads an image recorded on the X-ray film. The image signal from the reading unit is processed by a display device (CRT, LCD, etc.), and the film image can be provided to the doctor or patient without waiting until the film dries.

Abstract: A control tool for monitoring a predetermined process condition in a photographic process and method of making the control tool. The control tool includes a support element having a plurality of rows, each row having a plurality of visual density patches and representing a different process condition. At least one of the rows is used for monitoring a process condition being monitored and at least one of the other of the rows identifies an out-of-control process condition. The plurality of rows of visual density patches are designed to be correlated with a process control strip that has been processed in the photographic process to be monitored, the support element further having textual information identifying at least one process condition and describing the process condition that may need to be corrected in response to correlation of the control strip to the control tool.

Abstract: A photographic processing system has a first processing stage to process photographic material. A second processing stage is also provided to further process the photographic material. A storage device is provided between the first processing stage and the second processing stage to receive and store photographic material output from the first processing stage prior to output to the second processing stage. This enables the photographic material to be output from the first processing stage at a different rate than that at which it is input to the second processing stage. Accordingly, the first processing stage can be vacated for use by subsequent photographic material before processing in the second processing stage is complete.

Abstract: Recovering the dye image on film in electronic film development following a latent holding stage obviates the problem common in prior art electronic film development of film image destruction. Recovery of the image is accomplished using a developing agent containing couplers to form a dye image. These dyes do not affect the infrared scans of the image. Upon complete development of the dye image, further dye formation is halted by the application of a coupler blocking agent, while silver development and electronic scanning may continue or halt. After halting dye formation, the film is stable for an arbitrary time in a latent stage and may be dried and stored. Following this latent stage, silver is removed from the film with a bleach-fix leaving a conventionally usable film image.

Abstract: An automatic processing apparatus is provided which includes a processing station for photographic-processing a film; a scanner for scanning the film during the photographic-processing by the processing station; an image data memory device for storing image data acquired by the scanner; and an image output device for outputting the image data stored in the image data memory device in parallel with a following photographic-processing.

Abstract: Photo-images are read from film using a digital film processing (DFP) system, and then transmitted for processing, along with any necessary associated information. After processing, the images can be stored in a database or transmitted to an image delivery system, such as a personal computer or kiosk, where a print, negative, computer file, or other representation of the image is prepared for delivery to a customer. All or any part of the image processing, archival, manipulation, retrieval, and delivery systems and associated interfaces may reside on an Internet web site.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a digital dye color film processing system. In one embodiment, the digital dye color film processing system includes a developer station, a processing station, a scanning system, and a data processing system. The developer station applies a developer solution to a silver halide based film to produce metallic silver grains and at least one dye image within the film. The processing station then applies at least one processing solution to the film to convert the silver halide and/or metallic silver to a substantially transparent silver complex. The scanning system then scans the coated film and produces sensor data that is communicated to a data processing system that processes the sensor data to produce a digital image The digital image can then be output to an output device, such as a printer, display monitor, memory device, and the like.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for developing an unprocessed photosensitive media and providing a visual receipt of the images developed. The apparatus includes a mechanism for moving a strip of photosensitive media along a processing path; a mechanism for applying a coating of a developing solution on the photosensitive media so as to develop any exposed image presented on the photosensitive media; a scanner for scanning the photosensitive media after the images have been developed so as to provide a digital record of the images; an order mechanism for allowing a consumer to place a photofinishing order; and a printing mechanism for printing a customer order receipt of the photofinishing order.

Abstract: A method for producing photographic prints includes the steps of optically capturing a plurality of images on an image storage medium, such as photographic film, a photosensitive electronic sensor, or both film and sensor, creating digital image files from the captured images, viewing on a display images produced by the digital image files, selecting desired ones of the plurality of images for printing as photographic prints, and making corrections to the desired images with respect to at east one of cropping, skewing and rotation parameters. The corrections and desired image information are stored in electronic form as an order file and the order file is transmitted to a photographic lab, which uses the transmitted order file to drive image printing equipment to automatically produce from the digital image files the photographic prints.

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 or 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.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for developing photographic film and distributing visual prints.

Abstract: A digital data management and order delivery system is provided. The system includes a storage device for storing digital data and a searching engine for developing a subset of the digital data stored in the storage device in response to inputs received from a first user. The system is also provided with a job order developer responsive to inputs received from the first user for developing a job order which includes: a) at least one copy of the digital data contained in the subset and identified by the first user; and b) a file containing information developed by the first user outside the system. In addition, the system includes a router for electronically routing the job order compiled by the job order developer to a second user specified by the first user.

Abstract: An image handling method comprising: (a) processing an exposed photographic film at a processor-scanner station which has both a scanner and a processor at the same location, to produce one or more hardcopy images at the processor-scanner location; (b) reading data on the film which indicates that a set of one or more of the hardcopy images, is to be communicated to a hub station, which hub station is remote from the processor-scanner station; (c) scanning the set at the same processor-scanner location at which the film was processed, to obtain a corresponding image set signal; (d) communicating the image set signal from the scanner to the hub station; and (e) storing the communicated image set signal at the hub station. A system and components useful in the method are also provided.

Abstract: An image reading method and an image reading device enable an elongated photographic photosensitive material to always be read well even if the elongated photographic photosensitive material has connected portions or deformed perforations. When a discontinuous portion detecting sensor detects a discontinuous portion such as a connected portion or a deformed perforation, an image frame which will be at a position for reading at a time when the discontinuous portion may interfere with conveying rollers is predicted. While the discontinuous portion is being conveyed between auxiliary conveying rollers and the conveying rollers and after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed before a predicted image frame is read by a CCD line sensor, conveying of the elongated photographic photosensitive material is switched to the auxiliary conveying rollers, and the elongated photographic photosensitive material is read.

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.

Abstract: A device to produce a video (analog) image, a digital image, a hard copy picture, and a high quality developed radiographic film from an exposed dental radiographic film is disclosed, comprising a film processing tank having an image enhancing video camera mechanically attached in a configuration to capture in a well-focused manner the positive image, similar in appearance to a normal black and white photographic print, forming on the film being processed. The positive image is captured for viewing on a video monitor or for digitization. The digitized image can then be stored, hard copy printed, or viewed on the computer monitor with, zooming, altering, and further enhancing capabilities. Methods for use of the device in dental diagnosis, and kits containing the device and instructional materials are also taught.

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.

Abstract: An improved developer application method and apparatus for use in electronic film development, wherein the developer is applied to a photographic film using controlled, aerial deposition of one or more stream(s) of droplets of one or more developer agents or developer components such that the droplets adhere to a targeted region of the film, rather than run off, and chemically react to allow scanning of a latent image in the film as it moves through an electronic film development scan mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing and digitizing an exposed silver halide photographic film comprises processing means in which said exposed photographic film is processed to form an analog image on said film, and digitizing means in which said analog image is photoelectrically read-out to form a digital image representing said analog image. Means for processing the exposed photographic film comprises means for developing, stabilizing and drying of said film. Digitization is effected on a photographic film which has been developed but not fixed and which retains both image-wise developed metallic silver and undeveloped silver halide grains.

Abstract: A film digital radiological imaging apparatus to capture the image formed on a dental x-ray film during its developing process and convert it into a video and digital image, while allowing the completed development of the x-ray film, comprising a reaction tank having a window of tinted-clear material to allow a video camera to capture the image forming on a film during its development. A computer programmed to accept the image and to allow the image to be digitized for storage, modification, and transmission to a video monitor for display, or to a printer for printing is also provided. A method for capturing the image forming on dental x-ray film during the opaque stage of the development process and converting it into a video and digital image comprising developing the film to form an opaque image, capturing the image with a video camera, and transferring the image to a computer for digitizing, to a monitor for viewing, zooming, or further enhancing, and to a printer for printing is further provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a silver halide photographic material having an emulsion surface, includes a supply device to supply processing solution from a container to the emulsion surface through a space; a converter to convert one of density level of an image signal and a light amount of a exposure signal into a processing signal representing an amount of the processing solution; a regulating device to regulate an amount of the processing solution in accordance with the processing signal so that the regulated amount of the processing solution is supplied to the emulsion surface of the silver halide photographic material through the space by the supply device.

Abstract: A method is described for communicating printing instructions on exposed photographic film to photo finishing equipment to enable imaging parameters to be set automatically which includes the steps of splicing a first exposed strip of film to a second exposed strip of film with a film-splicing label, encoding the label with low resolution indicia, and feeding the spliced first and second films to a film-splicing label reader for reading the code and automatically setting the parameters for printing. A film-splicing label encoded with indicia for identifying the scene orientation, the number of prints and/or whether sound is to be provided.

Abstract: To provide a standard for determining an objective level of performance of photographic film developer processes, a production sensitometer, of the type commonly used in the field, is correlated with a high precision, master sensitometer, defined as a standard. Relative exposure values are computed for each step of a step wedge exposed by a production sensitometer with reference to a corresponding step of a step wedge exposed in the master sensitometer. The relative exposure values are recorded and stored in a read-only memory in the production sensitometer. In the field, the steps of a step wedge on a test film strip exposed by the production sensitometer and developed by the developer processor to be tested, are read by a densitometer which uses the stored relative exposure values to compute density values for the test strip correlated to the master sensitometer. The developer processor may then be adjusted such that the developed film will match quality control parameters, e.g.

Abstract: A photographic processing condition managing method applied to an image forming device equipped with a function for immersing a photosensitive material for photographing into a processing solution for photosensitive materials for photographing so as to process the photosensitive material for photographing.

Abstract: Digital image data which is transmitted from a film scanner to a digital printer is used, and the digital image data is written in an outer storage medium such as an IC card, a floppy disk, etc. in accordance with a user's requirement for the digital image data, so that the outer storage medium can be returned to the user. As a result, the user can obtain the digital image data, which is made by a high-performance film scanner in a laboratory, at a low cost, and enjoy the film image by a player and a personal computer which regenerate the digital image data. Moreover, he can easily get prints of the digital image data, which has been image-processed by the personal computer, etc., at a low cost.

Abstract: A scanner housing encloses a rotatable cylindrical drum, the outer surface having opposing rims or hubs which support respective outer edges of a film strip or slide to be scanned. The edges of the film are releasably held flat against respective rims by means of bands contacting respective radially outer edges of the film to maintain them against the respective outer rim surfaces of the drum whereby the film rotates with the drum's rotation past a scanner assembly. The scanner assembly is disposed internally of the housing adjacent one outer side of the drum and includes a linear array scanning transducer. A light source is located adjacent an opposing outer side of the drum at a location substantially diametrically opposed from the scanner assembly. A focusing lens assembly is disposed internally of the drum between the light source and the scanner assembly. The film being carried on the outer circumference of the rotating drum as the drum rotates, passes adjacent the light source.