CA2315991A1 - Electronic image capture and photographic proofing system and method - Google Patents
Electronic image capture and photographic proofing system and method Download PDFInfo
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- CA2315991A1 CA2315991A1 CA 2315991 CA2315991A CA2315991A1 CA 2315991 A1 CA2315991 A1 CA 2315991A1 CA 2315991 CA2315991 CA 2315991 CA 2315991 A CA2315991 A CA 2315991A CA 2315991 A1 CA2315991 A1 CA 2315991A1
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for capturing an electronic digital image of a subject being photographed for the purpose of photo proofing and photo finishing. The method and apparatus is adapted to scan in order information provided by the user. Also, the order information and the electronic digital image can be uploaded to a host computer. The apparatus is adapted to print a high quality proof on site.
Description
CA 02315991 2000-08-23 ' ,,.-~, .
ATTORNEY DOCKET No: T006-121 ELECTRONIC IMAGE CAPTURE AND
s PHOTOGRAPHIC PROOFING SYSTEM AND METHOD
Background Of The Invention io 1. Field Of The Invention This invention relates to photographic and electronic image capture workstations for photo proofing or photo finishing products. The invention more specifically relates to newborn infant photography and is proofing the images captured.
ATTORNEY DOCKET No: T006-121 ELECTRONIC IMAGE CAPTURE AND
s PHOTOGRAPHIC PROOFING SYSTEM AND METHOD
Background Of The Invention io 1. Field Of The Invention This invention relates to photographic and electronic image capture workstations for photo proofing or photo finishing products. The invention more specifically relates to newborn infant photography and is proofing the images captured.
2. Related Art Photographically and electronically capturing an image for photo 2o proofing, photo reviewing or photo finishing is a quickly expanding art area.
Reasons for the expansion are the industry's attempt to satisfy the consumer's desire to capture key moments or events in their lives through various forms of photography and the consumer's desire to expeditiously and effortlessly capture these images. Also, the consumer does not want to take photography lessons in order to obtain a medium or high quality finished s product. The industry's attempt to address the consumer's desire may have begun with the introduction of instant photography film and cameras like the Polaroid camera, and continued with one-hour photo-finishing, auto focus lenses, portable video cameras, digital cameras and the like.
io A special sector within the consumer base is a group of businesses or organizations whose primary business thrust is not photography or photo finishing. These businesses and organizations, though their primary business thrust is not photography, desire to provide photography services to their clients. For example, an amusement park or zoo may wish to provide is photography services to its clients. Another example is a hospital that wishes to provide a newborn infant photography service. With either example, it is likely that the organization desires to provide the service to its client without having a professional photographer on staff or having an outside photographer under contract. Many organizations would rather have a 2o photographic system that can be implemented by an individual unskilled in the area of photography and which can provide high quality photo finishing.
The concept of newborn infant photography is a concept which many hospitals attempt to implement. This model can be utilized to describe the specific needs and problems to be solved in this specific art area, because the needs and problems of newborn infant photography in a hospital environment are probably similar to, if not identical to-eifier specific areas within the related area of art.
Many parents) of newborn infants consider the period immediately after the birth of their child, while mother and child remain in the hospital, one to of the most memorable events of their lives. Parents) desire to capture a high quality image of their newborn as soon as possible without fretting over the complexities involved with photography, and they want to make the image of their newborn available to family members as soon as possible. Many hospitals equip their maternity ward personnel with instant photography is cameras and with a supply of instant photography film. This method usually results in images which are too dark and that fade over time. Portable video cameras or digital cameras are two other options, but poor lighting may be a problem, additionally, the equipment may be too expensive for some parents.
Finally, a parent may use a conventional camera with the typical auto-2o focusing lens. However, the final photo.may or may not result in a medium to high quality image. It depends on the lighting, the camera, and the individual's photography skills. If the final photo results in a low quality image, ,.-.
the parents have missed the opportunity t~ memorialize the event. This problem is the reason why there is a desire to proof the image before the final photographic product is printed s There are instant pl~tography systems available on the market. For example, at many recreational facilities there are photography booths in which individuals can sit and take instant photos. The final product is usually three to five wallet size photos. A system of this nature has limited ability;
only one photo size is offered. Many times, there is no chance to preview the io image before paying. If an image preview ability is provided, it is provided by a video displayed on a monitor, which does not give a good indication as to how the final product will appear. The photos are usually taken at preset timed intervals, therefore there is little time to pose for the photo. The resulting image is medium quality at best. Digital image capturing versions of is this system also provide little flexibility.
Another type of system available on the market uses a standard film camera in combination with a video camera. With a system of this type, there is sometimes the ability to view still frames of the video on a monitor as a 2o means of proofing the final image. However, printing of an actual proof is not an option. Therefore, the ability to proof the final image is limited. Systems of this type often comprise consumer grade equipment that has not been customized for a specific task; therefore, there is neither customization of the proofing process to give the consumer a better idea of what the anal product will entail, nor is there ability to store the image for use in other applications or producing a final photo finished product on site. Also, many of the systems s a~E not portable, but are large and bulky.
There is a need for a more capable and flexible system for proofing images prior to printing the final photographic product, particularly in the area of newborn infant photography services at a hospital.
to Summary Of Invention It is in view of the above problems that the present invention was developed. It is an object of this invention to provide an image-capturing is photographic workstation which provides quality proofing of the final image in the final product format and is adapted to print a quality proof in hardcopy form on site.
It is also an object of this invention to provide a photographic system 2o which does not require the skills of a professional photographer to operate.
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It is also an object of this invention to communicate with a host computer for uploading data for long-term storage and future photo finishing.
The invention satisfies the above objectives by providing a method and apparatus for high quality image capturing and proofing said image. The apparatus is an image capturing workstation controlled by a proofing software application. It comprises a portable cart for transporting the system, a personal computer (PC) or other computing means for processing and executing the proofing software, a monitor for viewing image data, a io customized software application, a digital image capturing camera system, and a high-quality printer.
The workstation with the proofing software is adapted to equip the user with the ability to electronically capture an electronic digital image of the is same subject typically captured by a professional portrait camera. The system is adapted so that the image can then be viewed on a monitor or printed for proofing. The printed version of the digital proof image can optionally be printed in a format representative of a standard photo package.
The system can also optionally be adapted to print higher quality photos in 2o hardcopy form on site.
Brief Description Of The Drawing s The advantages of the invention can be more clearly understood by referring to the accompanying drawings, in which io Fig. 1, shows a functional block diagram of a electronic image capturing and photographic proofing workstation.
Fig. 2, shows a functional flow diagram of the system operation.
~s Description Of Invention For the purpose of this description of the invention disclosed herein, the term high-resolution refers to "the ability of a device to capture and 2o produce a photo or electronic image such that when it is viewed there is a high ability to resolve the intricate details of the image captured. High resolution in relationship to a visual image means that the image lends itself to the ability to highly distinguish the detail, contrasts, color transients and depth of an image or just simply the high ability to distinguish minute detail, or to distinguish between two adjacent parts or adjacent sources of light. For video technology, resolution is sometimes defined as "pictured lines of resolution, or pixels of resolution, and/or video signal band width." For a device that utilizes electronic photo sensors such as a digital camera, resolution is sometimes defined by "the number of photo sensitive elements and the ability of those individual photosensitive elements to detect variations in light emissions." High resolution, for the purposes of this document, can be io generally defined as " an image produced by a device having the ability to resolve the image of similar quality to that of a photo produced by a professional photographic film camera."
The term "photo package format" refers to "the format of a typical photo package that would be provided by a professional photographer."
is Typically, a photographer will provide sheets having multiple photographs of varying size printed on the sheet. Also, if multiple sheets are provided, each sheet may represent a different pose of the subject photographed.
The term "order form" refers to "a plain paper document that is formatted such that information concerning a customer, such as name and 2o address, can be inserted."
A digital proof image is "an electronically generated image that is provided by a device having electronic photo- sensitive elements that ' CA 02315991 2000-08-23 electronically capture light reflected from a subject." The digital proof image is "a digitally captured image of the subject," however, the resolution of the image is not that of a high-resolution image. It is a lower-resolution image, or a "proof image." A digital photo image is "an image that has been captured in s a high-resolution photographic quality format." -%
A digital document image is "a digital image that has been captured from a plain paper document." The term scanner refers to "a device that has a line of electronic photo-sensors that are adapted to pass over a document, thereby capturing the image of the document line by line, hence the term to scanning." The term scanning or scan refers to "the action performed by the scanner."
The electronic image capturing and photographic proofing workstation can be divided into two major modules. The first module is the electronic is image capturing system, which comprises a digital preview camera, and a personal computer or other computing device. The second module is an image proofing software application resident on said image capturing system;
a monitor, and a standard ink jet color printer which adds the ability to provide high quality photographic proofs on site prior to the actual printing of the final 2o photographic package. It also gathers and processes image information for a customized website that includes an electronic image. This second module can also format the information for a screen saver image that can be stored y r~
on a floppy disk. In the preferred embodiment, the digital preview camera is a low resolution digital image capturing camera that is integral with a photographic film camera. The digital preview camera can be internally synchronized to the flash of the film camera in order to capture and store the s same image with the digital preview camera~~as is captured on film. The preview camera has an output that can output the image for displaying on a monitor. Also the second module or image-proofing software application (Interlink Module) as discussed above can retrieve and download the image to a computer for proof printing and web posting. The digital proof images io and the final finished photographs are matched up with the customer and the respective customer orders by utilizing a special two part order form. The order forms have an order form number printed thereon. The two part order form has a main portion of the form which, contains the pose selection, order and patient information which is submitted to a processing facility with the is film. The secondary portion of the form slides into the film camera during actual picture taking. The patient's last name and order form number are on the secondary portion and are recorded to the film.
The photography process can be initiated by inputting the customer 2o information. Digital Proof images are then captured for a plurality of poses by the preview camera simultaneously with identical poses captured by a high resolution film camera or other high resolution image capturing device. The lU
digital proof images of the poses are displayed on the monitor in an image proof format. If the customer desires a proof, a selected image can be printed and can optionally be printed in the same format as a standard sheet from a photo package. This provides the customer with a good estimation as to how s the final photo-~rackage will appear. At this point, an order can be immediately placed, or the order can be placed on hold to allow the customer additional time to select the desired pose and photo package. If an order is placed, it is then transmitted to the host computer. If a customer has previously entered an order, the operator can go directly to the existing io customer screen and select an order by the customer number and the plurality of poses will be displayed on the monitor. Also, at this point proofs can be printed for customer review. The final photographs that are ordered are produced from the image captured by the high-resolution camera, which in the preferred embodiment is a photographic film camera.
is 2~
When the customer information is entered, a digital image of the order information is created and stored. The digital image includes the customer information filled in. This customer information is stored in a data file and is linked to a proof image data file for future access to the proof images.
The software for the system is also used to generate a customer identification number, which is correlated to the customer's set of digital n in-.ages. Also, an electronic file folder is created, whereby the customer's images are electronically indexed and filed in memory.
The system utilizes a computer (personal computer, PC, in the s preferred embodiment), monitor and printer to integrate the on-site photo proofing functionality . When the PC boots up, the introduction screen will appear for a short time. The timer on this page can be set to any time frame.
If there is a need to show this information longer, the timer can be changed or the screen can be set to require a mouse click. After the timer expires, the to operator will be at the main screen. On the main screen the operator has two options. The Print Pictures button will take the operator to a screen for selecting a customer. This would be used for printing the poof package or creating the Web Site image. The Off button will exit the application and shutdown the PC.
is If the operator needs to produce a package, the Print Package button is pressed and the Customer Selection screen will appear. On this screen is the list of current customers that will be or have been transmitted to the host computer. The operator may select a customer for whom to print a package.
2o The operator selects a customer by clicking on the order number and pressing the Continue button. If the needed customer does not appear on the screen, the operator can scroll down by clicking on the up or down arrows.
After selecting a customer and pressing the Continue button, the operator will be at the Customer Info screen. Because of the custom personalization feature in the application, there are required fields for data entry. The lower half of the screen is required information at this time. The s operator must fill in the fields in order to go on. This information is also held in a data file for production, and will automatically return when the operator enters this screen in the future. The top half of the screen is not required information and can be skipped at this time.
to After completing the required fields and pressing the Continue button, the operator will be at the Order Fulfillment screen. On this screen will be the photo of the newborn and several product selections. The buttons on the screen can match a current order brochure and the a la carte button will allow for individual product selections. There is also the option for Save an image is for future Web usage.
If the operator selects one of the predefined package buttons, the quanti'ry screen will appear. Prior to placing the order for the printing the final photo package, the customer can print proofs of the photo package and the Zo system can be optionally adapted to print the proofs in the identical photo package format so that the customer can get a good indication how the final package will appear when it is printed. It is assumed that one copy of the package will be the normal request; however, the operator can select multiple copies of the selected package and can select the same package over and over. The final photo package will begin to print on a centralized printer once the image is processed at a centralized location.
When the entire proof of the product required has been printed, the operator will place the order if it meets the customer's approval and the system would go back at the Main screen. If there were more orders to fill, the process would start over with a new customer.
to This invention can be better understood by describing it in reference to the drawing. Referring to Fig. 1, a functional block diagram of an electronic image capturing and photographic proofing workstation 100 is shown. The workstation comprises a low resolution digital preview camera 104. The is camera is utilized for proofing the pose of the subject and can also optionally be used to provide a high-resolution photographic quality electronic image when utilizing the system, if a high-resolution digital camera is substituted and is focused on the subject matter in order to capture a high resolution digital image. In the preferred embodiment, the preview camera is integral with a 2o high resolution photographic ~Im camera 102 and the digital image capturing of the preview camera 104 is synchronized with the flash of the film camera so that the same image is captured by both cameras. However, other methods can be utilized to synchronize the image capture mechanisms of the two cameras.
The system also comprises a computer 106 and a monitor 108. The computer 106 is operatively connected to monitor 108 by monitor connection s 107. The computer 106 is preferably a personal computer (PC). The personal computer 106 is electronically connected to a first electronic communication port 105 of the digital camera 104 via a first electronic communicable connection 110. The computer 106 utilizes the first electronic connection 110 to software to controllably capture and retrieve the digital to proof image provided by digital preview camera 104.
The Interlink driver 112 is a computer software routine and is resident or programmed on the personal computer. The Interlink driver 112 is a computer software routine that allows the personal computer to retrieve the digital image provided by digital preview camera 104 by way of electronic is communicable connection 110. The Interlink driver 112 also provides the printer driver function that translates the digital image into a printable format.
Printer 114 is preferably a high quality color ink jet printer. The computer is connected to printer 114 by printer connection 109. The personal computer 106 is adapted to print the digital proof image on the ink jet printer by utilizing 2o the printer driver provided by Interlink driver 112. As a separate function, the personal computer is also adapted to display the digital image on monitor 108 in order to proof the digital proof image.
is The order information and the customer information is input and retrieved by the personal computer. This customer information is retained and correlated to the respective digital images for the given customer. The Interlink driver 112 is also adapted to capture the digital order information and s transmit this data along with the image data via the modem connection 118 to a host computer.
Also, the modem connection for communication to the host computer is provided by the system. The digital preview camera 104 is shown. The system captures the digital image provided by digital camera 104. Optionally Io a scanner can provide the data for a digital document image, which contains order information by scanning a completed order information card. Once the order information data has been input, and the digital document image data is captured, the computer 106 is adapted to upload the information.
When the computer retrieves the data, the digital image may be is provided on the computer monitor 108. The computer is connected to monitor 108 by monitor connection 107. There is an Interlink driver software routine resident on the computer. The Interiink driver routine 112 retrieves the digital image and converts it over to a printer format. The printer connection allows the user to print a full high quality proof and can optionally 2o print the proof in a photo package format locally to printer 114. The computer 106 is connected to printer 114 by printer connection 109. Also, the computer is adapted to establish a modem connection to a host computer.
m ,,..,.
Referring to Fig. 2, a functional flow diagram of the image proofing system operation 200 is shown. First the system determines whether or not the customer is a new customer shown by decision block 202. If the answer is yes, it is a new customer, then the customer information is entered on the s two part order form. The e~fry of the information triggers the generation of a customer identification number. Also, electronic file folders can be generated on the computer for electronically indexing in memory the subsequent digital images taken of the subject and for customer information. The electronic file folder identifier, the customer identification, and an identifier for the set of to digital images taken of the subject can all be uploaded to a host computer.
Once the picture has been taken of the subject block 204, the proof of the image is displayed on a monitor as shown by block 208. Once the proof has been viewed by the operator and selections have been made by the customer, the operator has the option of printing the proof for further review.
is This option is reflected by decision block 210. If the print option is selected, the proof is then printed as reflected by block 211.
Once the operator has made the print proof decision, the operator is given the option of placing an order or putting the order on hold, block 212.
The hold option is reflected by decision block 213. If the place order option is 2o selected, the order is then placed as reflected by block 214. Once the order has been placed, the order information is transmitted down the export path to a host computer as reflected by block 216. The operator also has the option m to cancel previous selections and start the image selection process over or start the whole process over by capturing a new set of images.
Referring back to decision block 202 of the system, if a new customer is not selected an existing customer is then selected. The operator selects an s -existing customer from the existing customer display page as reflected by block 220. Once the existing customer has been selected, the proof image is displayed on a monitor as reflected by block 224. At this point the operator may print the proof, block 35, as displayed on a monitor, or continue on to place an order as reflected by "Print Proof' decision block 230. If the decision io is made to print the proof, the proof is then printed on an ink jet printer as reflected by block 232. Once the print decision has been made and the proof is printed, the order is then placed as reflected by block 233 and the subsequent export to host sequence begins.
is When a customer has been selected, the operator is prompted to select the particular photo package that is desired if the order was previously placed on hold. The photo selection can be one of the pre-set packages, or photos can be selected individually "a' la carte". Also, the operator is given the option to save the image for further use with a website application. Once 2o these decisions have been made, the operator can then print the photo packages from a remote site. The operator also has the ability to re-send any orders that were previously placed.
is In view of the foregoing, it will be seen that the stated objects of the invention are achieved. The above description explains the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. As various modifications could be made in the constructions and methods herein described and illustrated without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the foregoing description shall be interpreted as illustrative rather than limiting. Thus, the breadth and scope of to the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims appended hereto and their equivalents.
All patents, if any, referenced herein are incorporated in their entirety is for purposes of background information and additional enablement.
Reasons for the expansion are the industry's attempt to satisfy the consumer's desire to capture key moments or events in their lives through various forms of photography and the consumer's desire to expeditiously and effortlessly capture these images. Also, the consumer does not want to take photography lessons in order to obtain a medium or high quality finished s product. The industry's attempt to address the consumer's desire may have begun with the introduction of instant photography film and cameras like the Polaroid camera, and continued with one-hour photo-finishing, auto focus lenses, portable video cameras, digital cameras and the like.
io A special sector within the consumer base is a group of businesses or organizations whose primary business thrust is not photography or photo finishing. These businesses and organizations, though their primary business thrust is not photography, desire to provide photography services to their clients. For example, an amusement park or zoo may wish to provide is photography services to its clients. Another example is a hospital that wishes to provide a newborn infant photography service. With either example, it is likely that the organization desires to provide the service to its client without having a professional photographer on staff or having an outside photographer under contract. Many organizations would rather have a 2o photographic system that can be implemented by an individual unskilled in the area of photography and which can provide high quality photo finishing.
The concept of newborn infant photography is a concept which many hospitals attempt to implement. This model can be utilized to describe the specific needs and problems to be solved in this specific art area, because the needs and problems of newborn infant photography in a hospital environment are probably similar to, if not identical to-eifier specific areas within the related area of art.
Many parents) of newborn infants consider the period immediately after the birth of their child, while mother and child remain in the hospital, one to of the most memorable events of their lives. Parents) desire to capture a high quality image of their newborn as soon as possible without fretting over the complexities involved with photography, and they want to make the image of their newborn available to family members as soon as possible. Many hospitals equip their maternity ward personnel with instant photography is cameras and with a supply of instant photography film. This method usually results in images which are too dark and that fade over time. Portable video cameras or digital cameras are two other options, but poor lighting may be a problem, additionally, the equipment may be too expensive for some parents.
Finally, a parent may use a conventional camera with the typical auto-2o focusing lens. However, the final photo.may or may not result in a medium to high quality image. It depends on the lighting, the camera, and the individual's photography skills. If the final photo results in a low quality image, ,.-.
the parents have missed the opportunity t~ memorialize the event. This problem is the reason why there is a desire to proof the image before the final photographic product is printed s There are instant pl~tography systems available on the market. For example, at many recreational facilities there are photography booths in which individuals can sit and take instant photos. The final product is usually three to five wallet size photos. A system of this nature has limited ability;
only one photo size is offered. Many times, there is no chance to preview the io image before paying. If an image preview ability is provided, it is provided by a video displayed on a monitor, which does not give a good indication as to how the final product will appear. The photos are usually taken at preset timed intervals, therefore there is little time to pose for the photo. The resulting image is medium quality at best. Digital image capturing versions of is this system also provide little flexibility.
Another type of system available on the market uses a standard film camera in combination with a video camera. With a system of this type, there is sometimes the ability to view still frames of the video on a monitor as a 2o means of proofing the final image. However, printing of an actual proof is not an option. Therefore, the ability to proof the final image is limited. Systems of this type often comprise consumer grade equipment that has not been customized for a specific task; therefore, there is neither customization of the proofing process to give the consumer a better idea of what the anal product will entail, nor is there ability to store the image for use in other applications or producing a final photo finished product on site. Also, many of the systems s a~E not portable, but are large and bulky.
There is a need for a more capable and flexible system for proofing images prior to printing the final photographic product, particularly in the area of newborn infant photography services at a hospital.
to Summary Of Invention It is in view of the above problems that the present invention was developed. It is an object of this invention to provide an image-capturing is photographic workstation which provides quality proofing of the final image in the final product format and is adapted to print a quality proof in hardcopy form on site.
It is also an object of this invention to provide a photographic system 2o which does not require the skills of a professional photographer to operate.
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It is also an object of this invention to communicate with a host computer for uploading data for long-term storage and future photo finishing.
The invention satisfies the above objectives by providing a method and apparatus for high quality image capturing and proofing said image. The apparatus is an image capturing workstation controlled by a proofing software application. It comprises a portable cart for transporting the system, a personal computer (PC) or other computing means for processing and executing the proofing software, a monitor for viewing image data, a io customized software application, a digital image capturing camera system, and a high-quality printer.
The workstation with the proofing software is adapted to equip the user with the ability to electronically capture an electronic digital image of the is same subject typically captured by a professional portrait camera. The system is adapted so that the image can then be viewed on a monitor or printed for proofing. The printed version of the digital proof image can optionally be printed in a format representative of a standard photo package.
The system can also optionally be adapted to print higher quality photos in 2o hardcopy form on site.
Brief Description Of The Drawing s The advantages of the invention can be more clearly understood by referring to the accompanying drawings, in which io Fig. 1, shows a functional block diagram of a electronic image capturing and photographic proofing workstation.
Fig. 2, shows a functional flow diagram of the system operation.
~s Description Of Invention For the purpose of this description of the invention disclosed herein, the term high-resolution refers to "the ability of a device to capture and 2o produce a photo or electronic image such that when it is viewed there is a high ability to resolve the intricate details of the image captured. High resolution in relationship to a visual image means that the image lends itself to the ability to highly distinguish the detail, contrasts, color transients and depth of an image or just simply the high ability to distinguish minute detail, or to distinguish between two adjacent parts or adjacent sources of light. For video technology, resolution is sometimes defined as "pictured lines of resolution, or pixels of resolution, and/or video signal band width." For a device that utilizes electronic photo sensors such as a digital camera, resolution is sometimes defined by "the number of photo sensitive elements and the ability of those individual photosensitive elements to detect variations in light emissions." High resolution, for the purposes of this document, can be io generally defined as " an image produced by a device having the ability to resolve the image of similar quality to that of a photo produced by a professional photographic film camera."
The term "photo package format" refers to "the format of a typical photo package that would be provided by a professional photographer."
is Typically, a photographer will provide sheets having multiple photographs of varying size printed on the sheet. Also, if multiple sheets are provided, each sheet may represent a different pose of the subject photographed.
The term "order form" refers to "a plain paper document that is formatted such that information concerning a customer, such as name and 2o address, can be inserted."
A digital proof image is "an electronically generated image that is provided by a device having electronic photo- sensitive elements that ' CA 02315991 2000-08-23 electronically capture light reflected from a subject." The digital proof image is "a digitally captured image of the subject," however, the resolution of the image is not that of a high-resolution image. It is a lower-resolution image, or a "proof image." A digital photo image is "an image that has been captured in s a high-resolution photographic quality format." -%
A digital document image is "a digital image that has been captured from a plain paper document." The term scanner refers to "a device that has a line of electronic photo-sensors that are adapted to pass over a document, thereby capturing the image of the document line by line, hence the term to scanning." The term scanning or scan refers to "the action performed by the scanner."
The electronic image capturing and photographic proofing workstation can be divided into two major modules. The first module is the electronic is image capturing system, which comprises a digital preview camera, and a personal computer or other computing device. The second module is an image proofing software application resident on said image capturing system;
a monitor, and a standard ink jet color printer which adds the ability to provide high quality photographic proofs on site prior to the actual printing of the final 2o photographic package. It also gathers and processes image information for a customized website that includes an electronic image. This second module can also format the information for a screen saver image that can be stored y r~
on a floppy disk. In the preferred embodiment, the digital preview camera is a low resolution digital image capturing camera that is integral with a photographic film camera. The digital preview camera can be internally synchronized to the flash of the film camera in order to capture and store the s same image with the digital preview camera~~as is captured on film. The preview camera has an output that can output the image for displaying on a monitor. Also the second module or image-proofing software application (Interlink Module) as discussed above can retrieve and download the image to a computer for proof printing and web posting. The digital proof images io and the final finished photographs are matched up with the customer and the respective customer orders by utilizing a special two part order form. The order forms have an order form number printed thereon. The two part order form has a main portion of the form which, contains the pose selection, order and patient information which is submitted to a processing facility with the is film. The secondary portion of the form slides into the film camera during actual picture taking. The patient's last name and order form number are on the secondary portion and are recorded to the film.
The photography process can be initiated by inputting the customer 2o information. Digital Proof images are then captured for a plurality of poses by the preview camera simultaneously with identical poses captured by a high resolution film camera or other high resolution image capturing device. The lU
digital proof images of the poses are displayed on the monitor in an image proof format. If the customer desires a proof, a selected image can be printed and can optionally be printed in the same format as a standard sheet from a photo package. This provides the customer with a good estimation as to how s the final photo-~rackage will appear. At this point, an order can be immediately placed, or the order can be placed on hold to allow the customer additional time to select the desired pose and photo package. If an order is placed, it is then transmitted to the host computer. If a customer has previously entered an order, the operator can go directly to the existing io customer screen and select an order by the customer number and the plurality of poses will be displayed on the monitor. Also, at this point proofs can be printed for customer review. The final photographs that are ordered are produced from the image captured by the high-resolution camera, which in the preferred embodiment is a photographic film camera.
is 2~
When the customer information is entered, a digital image of the order information is created and stored. The digital image includes the customer information filled in. This customer information is stored in a data file and is linked to a proof image data file for future access to the proof images.
The software for the system is also used to generate a customer identification number, which is correlated to the customer's set of digital n in-.ages. Also, an electronic file folder is created, whereby the customer's images are electronically indexed and filed in memory.
The system utilizes a computer (personal computer, PC, in the s preferred embodiment), monitor and printer to integrate the on-site photo proofing functionality . When the PC boots up, the introduction screen will appear for a short time. The timer on this page can be set to any time frame.
If there is a need to show this information longer, the timer can be changed or the screen can be set to require a mouse click. After the timer expires, the to operator will be at the main screen. On the main screen the operator has two options. The Print Pictures button will take the operator to a screen for selecting a customer. This would be used for printing the poof package or creating the Web Site image. The Off button will exit the application and shutdown the PC.
is If the operator needs to produce a package, the Print Package button is pressed and the Customer Selection screen will appear. On this screen is the list of current customers that will be or have been transmitted to the host computer. The operator may select a customer for whom to print a package.
2o The operator selects a customer by clicking on the order number and pressing the Continue button. If the needed customer does not appear on the screen, the operator can scroll down by clicking on the up or down arrows.
After selecting a customer and pressing the Continue button, the operator will be at the Customer Info screen. Because of the custom personalization feature in the application, there are required fields for data entry. The lower half of the screen is required information at this time. The s operator must fill in the fields in order to go on. This information is also held in a data file for production, and will automatically return when the operator enters this screen in the future. The top half of the screen is not required information and can be skipped at this time.
to After completing the required fields and pressing the Continue button, the operator will be at the Order Fulfillment screen. On this screen will be the photo of the newborn and several product selections. The buttons on the screen can match a current order brochure and the a la carte button will allow for individual product selections. There is also the option for Save an image is for future Web usage.
If the operator selects one of the predefined package buttons, the quanti'ry screen will appear. Prior to placing the order for the printing the final photo package, the customer can print proofs of the photo package and the Zo system can be optionally adapted to print the proofs in the identical photo package format so that the customer can get a good indication how the final package will appear when it is printed. It is assumed that one copy of the package will be the normal request; however, the operator can select multiple copies of the selected package and can select the same package over and over. The final photo package will begin to print on a centralized printer once the image is processed at a centralized location.
When the entire proof of the product required has been printed, the operator will place the order if it meets the customer's approval and the system would go back at the Main screen. If there were more orders to fill, the process would start over with a new customer.
to This invention can be better understood by describing it in reference to the drawing. Referring to Fig. 1, a functional block diagram of an electronic image capturing and photographic proofing workstation 100 is shown. The workstation comprises a low resolution digital preview camera 104. The is camera is utilized for proofing the pose of the subject and can also optionally be used to provide a high-resolution photographic quality electronic image when utilizing the system, if a high-resolution digital camera is substituted and is focused on the subject matter in order to capture a high resolution digital image. In the preferred embodiment, the preview camera is integral with a 2o high resolution photographic ~Im camera 102 and the digital image capturing of the preview camera 104 is synchronized with the flash of the film camera so that the same image is captured by both cameras. However, other methods can be utilized to synchronize the image capture mechanisms of the two cameras.
The system also comprises a computer 106 and a monitor 108. The computer 106 is operatively connected to monitor 108 by monitor connection s 107. The computer 106 is preferably a personal computer (PC). The personal computer 106 is electronically connected to a first electronic communication port 105 of the digital camera 104 via a first electronic communicable connection 110. The computer 106 utilizes the first electronic connection 110 to software to controllably capture and retrieve the digital to proof image provided by digital preview camera 104.
The Interlink driver 112 is a computer software routine and is resident or programmed on the personal computer. The Interlink driver 112 is a computer software routine that allows the personal computer to retrieve the digital image provided by digital preview camera 104 by way of electronic is communicable connection 110. The Interlink driver 112 also provides the printer driver function that translates the digital image into a printable format.
Printer 114 is preferably a high quality color ink jet printer. The computer is connected to printer 114 by printer connection 109. The personal computer 106 is adapted to print the digital proof image on the ink jet printer by utilizing 2o the printer driver provided by Interlink driver 112. As a separate function, the personal computer is also adapted to display the digital image on monitor 108 in order to proof the digital proof image.
is The order information and the customer information is input and retrieved by the personal computer. This customer information is retained and correlated to the respective digital images for the given customer. The Interlink driver 112 is also adapted to capture the digital order information and s transmit this data along with the image data via the modem connection 118 to a host computer.
Also, the modem connection for communication to the host computer is provided by the system. The digital preview camera 104 is shown. The system captures the digital image provided by digital camera 104. Optionally Io a scanner can provide the data for a digital document image, which contains order information by scanning a completed order information card. Once the order information data has been input, and the digital document image data is captured, the computer 106 is adapted to upload the information.
When the computer retrieves the data, the digital image may be is provided on the computer monitor 108. The computer is connected to monitor 108 by monitor connection 107. There is an Interlink driver software routine resident on the computer. The Interiink driver routine 112 retrieves the digital image and converts it over to a printer format. The printer connection allows the user to print a full high quality proof and can optionally 2o print the proof in a photo package format locally to printer 114. The computer 106 is connected to printer 114 by printer connection 109. Also, the computer is adapted to establish a modem connection to a host computer.
m ,,..,.
Referring to Fig. 2, a functional flow diagram of the image proofing system operation 200 is shown. First the system determines whether or not the customer is a new customer shown by decision block 202. If the answer is yes, it is a new customer, then the customer information is entered on the s two part order form. The e~fry of the information triggers the generation of a customer identification number. Also, electronic file folders can be generated on the computer for electronically indexing in memory the subsequent digital images taken of the subject and for customer information. The electronic file folder identifier, the customer identification, and an identifier for the set of to digital images taken of the subject can all be uploaded to a host computer.
Once the picture has been taken of the subject block 204, the proof of the image is displayed on a monitor as shown by block 208. Once the proof has been viewed by the operator and selections have been made by the customer, the operator has the option of printing the proof for further review.
is This option is reflected by decision block 210. If the print option is selected, the proof is then printed as reflected by block 211.
Once the operator has made the print proof decision, the operator is given the option of placing an order or putting the order on hold, block 212.
The hold option is reflected by decision block 213. If the place order option is 2o selected, the order is then placed as reflected by block 214. Once the order has been placed, the order information is transmitted down the export path to a host computer as reflected by block 216. The operator also has the option m to cancel previous selections and start the image selection process over or start the whole process over by capturing a new set of images.
Referring back to decision block 202 of the system, if a new customer is not selected an existing customer is then selected. The operator selects an s -existing customer from the existing customer display page as reflected by block 220. Once the existing customer has been selected, the proof image is displayed on a monitor as reflected by block 224. At this point the operator may print the proof, block 35, as displayed on a monitor, or continue on to place an order as reflected by "Print Proof' decision block 230. If the decision io is made to print the proof, the proof is then printed on an ink jet printer as reflected by block 232. Once the print decision has been made and the proof is printed, the order is then placed as reflected by block 233 and the subsequent export to host sequence begins.
is When a customer has been selected, the operator is prompted to select the particular photo package that is desired if the order was previously placed on hold. The photo selection can be one of the pre-set packages, or photos can be selected individually "a' la carte". Also, the operator is given the option to save the image for further use with a website application. Once 2o these decisions have been made, the operator can then print the photo packages from a remote site. The operator also has the ability to re-send any orders that were previously placed.
is In view of the foregoing, it will be seen that the stated objects of the invention are achieved. The above description explains the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. As various modifications could be made in the constructions and methods herein described and illustrated without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the foregoing description shall be interpreted as illustrative rather than limiting. Thus, the breadth and scope of to the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims appended hereto and their equivalents.
All patents, if any, referenced herein are incorporated in their entirety is for purposes of background information and additional enablement.
Claims (13)
1. A photographic image proofing system comprising:
a digital camera adapted to focus on a subject and capture a digital proof image of the subject, and said digital camera integrally attached to a high resolution camera focused on the subject and said digital camera and said high resolution camera are adapted with image capturing mechanisms that are synchronized for capturing an image simultaneously and said digital camera having a first electronic communication port adapted to controllably transmit the digital proof image;
a computer having a first electronic communicable connection electrically connected to said first communication port, a monitor connection to a monitor, a printer connection to a printer; and a sector of electronic memory resident on said computer operably programmed with a computer software routine, said routine adapted to control said first electronic communicable connection to retrieve and electronically store the digital proof image transmitted by said digital camera and said software routine having a display driver function adapted to display the proof image on said monitor and a printer driver adapted to print a proof on said printer in a photo package format.
a digital camera adapted to focus on a subject and capture a digital proof image of the subject, and said digital camera integrally attached to a high resolution camera focused on the subject and said digital camera and said high resolution camera are adapted with image capturing mechanisms that are synchronized for capturing an image simultaneously and said digital camera having a first electronic communication port adapted to controllably transmit the digital proof image;
a computer having a first electronic communicable connection electrically connected to said first communication port, a monitor connection to a monitor, a printer connection to a printer; and a sector of electronic memory resident on said computer operably programmed with a computer software routine, said routine adapted to control said first electronic communicable connection to retrieve and electronically store the digital proof image transmitted by said digital camera and said software routine having a display driver function adapted to display the proof image on said monitor and a printer driver adapted to print a proof on said printer in a photo package format.
2. The image proofing system of claim 1, where said computer software routine is adapted to control said computer for storing of the proof image, storing the proof image in a format suitable for a web site and periodic purging of the digital proof image previously stored.
3. The image proofing system of claim 1, where said print driver is adapted to print a proof on said printer in a photo package format.
4. A method of photographic image proofing comprising the steps of:
capturing a digital proof image of a subject with a digital camera in synchronization with capturing the image with an integrally attached high resolution camera and said digital camera having a first electronic communication port adapted to transmit the digital proof image;
retrieving and electronically storing the digital proof image with a computer having a first electronic communicable connection to said first communication port and having a computer software routine operatively programmed in said computer and said routine adapted to control said first communicable connection for retrieving the digital proof image;
displaying the digital proof image on a monitor with said computer operably connected to said monitor and said computer controlled by said computer software routine to display said proof image for operator viewing; and printing the digital proof image on a printer with said computer operably connected to said printer and said computer controlled by said computer software routine to print said proof for operator viewing.
capturing a digital proof image of a subject with a digital camera in synchronization with capturing the image with an integrally attached high resolution camera and said digital camera having a first electronic communication port adapted to transmit the digital proof image;
retrieving and electronically storing the digital proof image with a computer having a first electronic communicable connection to said first communication port and having a computer software routine operatively programmed in said computer and said routine adapted to control said first communicable connection for retrieving the digital proof image;
displaying the digital proof image on a monitor with said computer operably connected to said monitor and said computer controlled by said computer software routine to display said proof image for operator viewing; and printing the digital proof image on a printer with said computer operably connected to said printer and said computer controlled by said computer software routine to print said proof for operator viewing.
5. The method of photographic image proofing of claim 4, where printing of the digital proof image is printing in a photo package format.
6. The method of photographic image proofing of claim 4, further comprising the steps of:
storing the digital proof image in electronic memory electronically, storing the proof image in a format suitable for a web site and purging periodically the digital proof image from said computer.
storing the digital proof image in electronic memory electronically, storing the proof image in a format suitable for a web site and purging periodically the digital proof image from said computer.
7. A photographic image proofing system for newborn infant photographic comprising:
a horizontal pallet adapted to support a newborn infant and provide a backdrop when a photo is taken;
a digital camera adapted to focus on the newborn placed on said pallet and capture a digital proof image of the subject, and said digital camera integrally attached to a high resolution camera focused on the newborn and said digital camera and said high resolution camera are adapted with image capturing mechanizations that are synchronized for simultaneously capturing the image of the newborn and said digital camera having a first electronic communication port adapted to electronically transmit the digital proof image;
a computer having a first electronic communicable connection to said first communication port, a monitor connection to a monitor, a printer connection to a printer; and a sector of electronic memory resident on said computer operably programmed with a computer software routine programmed and adapted to control said first electronic communicable connection to retrieve and electronically store the digital proof image transmitted by said digital camera and said software routine having a display driver function adapted to display the proof image on said monitor and a printer driver adapted to print a proof on said printer.
a horizontal pallet adapted to support a newborn infant and provide a backdrop when a photo is taken;
a digital camera adapted to focus on the newborn placed on said pallet and capture a digital proof image of the subject, and said digital camera integrally attached to a high resolution camera focused on the newborn and said digital camera and said high resolution camera are adapted with image capturing mechanizations that are synchronized for simultaneously capturing the image of the newborn and said digital camera having a first electronic communication port adapted to electronically transmit the digital proof image;
a computer having a first electronic communicable connection to said first communication port, a monitor connection to a monitor, a printer connection to a printer; and a sector of electronic memory resident on said computer operably programmed with a computer software routine programmed and adapted to control said first electronic communicable connection to retrieve and electronically store the digital proof image transmitted by said digital camera and said software routine having a display driver function adapted to display the proof image on said monitor and a printer driver adapted to print a proof on said printer.
8. The image proofing system of claim 7, where said print driver is adapted to print a proof on said printer in a photo package format.
9. The image proofing system of claim 7, where said computer software routine is adapted to control said computer for electronically storing of the proof image on an electronic storage media, storing the proof image in a format suitable for a web site and periodic purging of the digital proof image previously stored.
10. A method of newborn infant photography comprising the steps of:
placing a newborn infant on a horizontal pallet adapted to support the newborn infant and provide a backdrop for photos.
capturing a digital proof image of the subject with a digital camera, in synchronization with capturing the proof image with an integrally attached high resolution camera and said digital camera having a first electronic communication port adapted to electronically transmit the digital proof image;
retrieving and electronically storing the digital proof image with a computer having a first electronic communicable connection to said first communication port and having a computer software routine programmed in said computer and said routine adapted to control said first communicable connection for retrieving and storing the digital proof image;
displaying the digital proof image on a monitor with said computer operably connected to said monitor and said computer controlled by said computer software routine to display said proof image for operator viewing; and printing the digital proof image on a printer in a photo package format with said computer operably connected to said printer and said computer controlled by said computer software routine having a printer driver adapted to print said proof on said printer for operator viewing.
placing a newborn infant on a horizontal pallet adapted to support the newborn infant and provide a backdrop for photos.
capturing a digital proof image of the subject with a digital camera, in synchronization with capturing the proof image with an integrally attached high resolution camera and said digital camera having a first electronic communication port adapted to electronically transmit the digital proof image;
retrieving and electronically storing the digital proof image with a computer having a first electronic communicable connection to said first communication port and having a computer software routine programmed in said computer and said routine adapted to control said first communicable connection for retrieving and storing the digital proof image;
displaying the digital proof image on a monitor with said computer operably connected to said monitor and said computer controlled by said computer software routine to display said proof image for operator viewing; and printing the digital proof image on a printer in a photo package format with said computer operably connected to said printer and said computer controlled by said computer software routine having a printer driver adapted to print said proof on said printer for operator viewing.
11. The method of photographic image proofing of claim 4, where printing of the digital proof image is printing in a photo package format.
12. The method of photographic image proofing of claim 10, further comprising the steps of:
storing the digital proof image in electronic memory electronically, storing the proof image in a format suitable for a web site and purging periodically the digital proof image from said computer.
storing the digital proof image in electronic memory electronically, storing the proof image in a format suitable for a web site and purging periodically the digital proof image from said computer.
13. The method of photographic image proofing of claim 10, further comprising the steps of:
inserting a secondary portion of a two part order form into the film camera where said order form has a primary portion with customer information and order information printed thereon and where said secondary portion has customer name and form number printed thereon and where said film camera is adapted to superimpose the name and the form number on the film.
inserting a secondary portion of a two part order form into the film camera where said order form has a primary portion with customer information and order information printed thereon and where said secondary portion has customer name and form number printed thereon and where said film camera is adapted to superimpose the name and the form number on the film.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US56024400A | 2000-04-27 | 2000-04-27 | |
| US09/560244 | 2000-04-27 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2315991A1 true CA2315991A1 (en) | 2001-10-27 |
Family
ID=24236957
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2315991 Abandoned CA2315991A1 (en) | 2000-04-27 | 2000-08-14 | Electronic image capture and photographic proofing system and method |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2315991A1 (en) |
-
2000
- 2000-08-14 CA CA 2315991 patent/CA2315991A1/en not_active Abandoned
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