WO2000069164A2 - Imagerie electronique ou numerique - Google Patents

Imagerie electronique ou numerique Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2000069164A2
WO2000069164A2 PCT/IB2000/000400 IB0000400W WO0069164A2 WO 2000069164 A2 WO2000069164 A2 WO 2000069164A2 IB 0000400 W IB0000400 W IB 0000400W WO 0069164 A2 WO0069164 A2 WO 0069164A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
images
card
digital
camera
station
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2000/000400
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2000069164A3 (fr
Inventor
John W. Barrus
Kevin Pryzbocki
Original Assignee
Wireless Photo Corporation
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Wireless Photo Corporation filed Critical Wireless Photo Corporation
Priority to AU33190/00A priority Critical patent/AU3319000A/en
Priority to GB0126568A priority patent/GB2365652B/en
Publication of WO2000069164A2 publication Critical patent/WO2000069164A2/fr
Publication of WO2000069164A3 publication Critical patent/WO2000069164A3/fr

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/00127—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture
    • H04N1/00132—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture in a digital photofinishing system, i.e. a system where digital photographic images undergo typical photofinishing processing, e.g. printing ordering
    • H04N1/00137—Transmission
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/00127—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture
    • H04N1/00132—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture in a digital photofinishing system, i.e. a system where digital photographic images undergo typical photofinishing processing, e.g. printing ordering
    • H04N1/00143—Ordering
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/00127—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture
    • H04N1/00132—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture in a digital photofinishing system, i.e. a system where digital photographic images undergo typical photofinishing processing, e.g. printing ordering
    • H04N1/00185—Image output
    • H04N1/00188—Printing, e.g. prints or reprints
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/21—Intermediate information storage
    • H04N1/2104—Intermediate information storage for one or a few pictures
    • H04N1/2112—Intermediate information storage for one or a few pictures using still video cameras
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/00127—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture
    • H04N1/00204—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture with a digital computer or a digital computer system, e.g. an internet server
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, and to details thereof
    • H04N2201/0008—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus
    • H04N2201/0034—Details of the connection, e.g. connector, interface
    • H04N2201/0048—Type of connection
    • H04N2201/0051—Card-type connector, e.g. PCMCIA card interface
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, and to details thereof
    • H04N2201/32—Circuits or arrangements for control or supervision between transmitter and receiver or between image input and image output device, e.g. between a still-image camera and its memory or between a still-image camera and a printer device
    • H04N2201/3201—Display, printing, storage or transmission of additional information, e.g. ID code, date and time or title
    • H04N2201/3204—Display, printing, storage or transmission of additional information, e.g. ID code, date and time or title of data relating to a user, sender, addressee, machine or electronic recording medium
    • H04N2201/3205—Display, printing, storage or transmission of additional information, e.g. ID code, date and time or title of data relating to a user, sender, addressee, machine or electronic recording medium of identification information, e.g. name or ID code
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, and to details thereof
    • H04N2201/32—Circuits or arrangements for control or supervision between transmitter and receiver or between image input and image output device, e.g. between a still-image camera and its memory or between a still-image camera and a printer device
    • H04N2201/3201—Display, printing, storage or transmission of additional information, e.g. ID code, date and time or title
    • H04N2201/3212—Display, printing, storage or transmission of additional information, e.g. ID code, date and time or title of data relating to a job, e.g. communication, capture or filing of an image
    • H04N2201/3216—Display, printing, storage or transmission of additional information, e.g. ID code, date and time or title of data relating to a job, e.g. communication, capture or filing of an image of a job size, e.g. a number of images, pages or copies, size of file, length of message
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, and to details thereof
    • H04N2201/32—Circuits or arrangements for control or supervision between transmitter and receiver or between image input and image output device, e.g. between a still-image camera and its memory or between a still-image camera and a printer device
    • H04N2201/3201—Display, printing, storage or transmission of additional information, e.g. ID code, date and time or title
    • H04N2201/3225—Display, printing, storage or transmission of additional information, e.g. ID code, date and time or title of data relating to an image, a page or a document
    • H04N2201/3242—Display, printing, storage or transmission of additional information, e.g. ID code, date and time or title of data relating to an image, a page or a document of processing required or performed, e.g. for reproduction or before recording
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, and to details thereof
    • H04N2201/32—Circuits or arrangements for control or supervision between transmitter and receiver or between image input and image output device, e.g. between a still-image camera and its memory or between a still-image camera and a printer device
    • H04N2201/3201—Display, printing, storage or transmission of additional information, e.g. ID code, date and time or title
    • H04N2201/3274—Storage or retrieval of prestored additional information
    • H04N2201/3277—The additional information being stored in the same storage device as the image data

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to the field of electronic or digital imaging, being more specifically concerned with the transmission of digital images from the memory of digital cameras directly to remote locations for printing and delivery without the use of or need for a computer at the location of the digital camera.
  • Digital cameras and digital photography offer some benefits over such film-based photography systems.
  • Most digital cameras are provided with an LCD display on the back that allows the photographer to look at the picture immediately after it is electronically captured.
  • the picture can be deleted immediately, thereby eliminating the chance that the picture will ever be printed and freeing up memory in the camera for good or desired pictures.
  • Print service bureaus charge US$7-$10 to print individual images.
  • the remaining option for obtaining prints from digital images is to use one of the PhotoNet-based services.
  • a company called PictureNision of Herndon, Virginia offers a web-based service called PhotoNet Online, wherein, after film has been developed and the pictures printed, images are scanned from a customer's negatives and placed in an electronic photo album on an Internet web server operated by the company.
  • the images can also be compressed and stored on a floppy disk that is returned to photographers when they pick up their prints.
  • Eastman Kodak Co. of Rochester, New York is the parent company of PictureNision.
  • Both Kodak and Sony Electronics, Inc. of Park Ridge, New Jersey use the PhotoNet service to offer digital image services from images originally captured on film.
  • PictureNision through various software programs, also offers the ability to make prints from images transmitted over the Internet.
  • Sony's ImageStation web site http://imagestation.sony.com/
  • the images must be named appropriately or stored in some directory with a recognizable name, and then, the photographer must spend somewhere between 15 minutes and 2 hours, again depending on the number and quality of the images, to upload those images to either a FotoWire service, a PhotoNet or similar system.
  • CMOS complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor
  • CMOS complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor
  • the camera compresses that image information and stores it on a flash memory card in a standard format.
  • JPEG Joint Photographies Experts Group
  • JPEG Joint Photographies Experts Group
  • the present invention is directed to obviating the above-described limitations and disadvantages of prior digital imaging and print processing systems and, indeed, for the first time making it possible for those without computers to use digital cameras in much the same way as a traditional camera is used.
  • An additional object of the invention is to provide a way to connect the camera memory directly with a remote printing service, providing improved print output and providing services and information to the digital camera owner.
  • the primary object of the invention accordingly, is to provide a new and improved method, system, and apparatus that, unlike prior approaches, enables transmitting digital camera images to remote photographic printing and delivery locations without requiring the use of a PC, and in much the same way that traditional cameras rtare used, enjoying all the benefits of digital imaging, while retaining the simplicity and convenience of traditional photography.
  • Figure 2 is an exploded view of the DfD showing the circuit board and connector for CompactFlash, SmartMedia, or similar removable media cards;
  • Figure 3 is a schematic of the preferred electronics for the DfD
  • FIG. 4 diagrams the setup and use of the DfD
  • Figure 5 is an example of a suitable registration card that may be used in accordance with the invention to gather information required for the use of the DfD;
  • Figure 6 lays out the communication paths available to the DfD for transmitting the images in the film memory to the print processing center;
  • Figure 10 is a diagram outlining the mailing operation of the processing center
  • Figure 11 shows a suitable envelope and its contents as it may be prepared in the processing center
  • Figure 14 presents an example of a web page wherein the photographer orders reprints from previously uploaded images
  • the object of this invention is to make it possible for those without computers to purchase and use digital cameras in much the same way as a traditional camera is used — without owning or requiring the use of a PC.
  • the present invention enjoys all the benefits of digital imaging while maintaining the simplicity and convenience of traditional photography.
  • the benefits include 1) reduction in the recurring cost of photography by eliminating the need for purchasing film and paying to develop the film, 2) the ability to delete unwanted pictures before they are printed, and 3) the superior image quality possible with digital cameras.
  • prints are made on non-fading photographic paper suitable for framing or inserting into photo albums.
  • the first component of the present invention is a small device CR, Figures 1 and 4, that sits at the home and receives its power from the wall outlet PWR and connects directly to the phone line PHN in the wall jack.
  • the device CR has a slot S that accepts either CompactFlash, SmartMedia or other flash memory cards CFC.
  • the image server is connected to a photo-quality digital imaging station (for example, the Mileca HSP from Sienna Imaging), and the received images are enhanced, exposed onto photographic paper, and that paper is developed chemically and then cut to the requested size and inserted into envelopes. Each envelope is addressed and mailed back to the originator of the image data. Additionally, the present invention makes it possible automatically to mail copies of the print to either a single or multiple destinations with very little effort on the part of the photographer.
  • a photo-quality digital imaging station for example, the Mileca HSP from Sienna Imaging
  • red-eye for example, a condition caused by the reflection of bright light from the strobe flash off of the retina of the photographic subject and back into the lens of the camera, while not removable from photographic film, can readily be removed from digital image data before printing. Additional enhancements are also possible, including color balance adjustment and adjusting or compressing the dynamic range of the image to provide more detail in the print.
  • the Kodak DC260 uses the Digita operating system from FlashPoint Technologies and such can be programmed through scripts to build web pages, to give various choices to the photographer, and to add watermarks or indicia to the images stored in the memory card, as desired.
  • the present invention includes giving the photographer the choice of how many copies of each print to make, and where to send them. For instance, a family on vacation might choose to have copies sent to their home and also to their parents home so that their parents can enjoy pictures of their grandchildren on vacation. These choices can be made during picture taking, as later explained. The choices can be displayed on the LCD of the camera as each picture is taken or reviewed.
  • the flexibility of cameras like the Kodak DC260 allows those modifications to be made by a third party which means that it is not necessary to build a proprietary camera in order for consumers to have such choices while they are taking pictures. Providing a simple means for selecting number and destination of prints before prints are made provides a great convenience to consumers.
  • Figure 1 shows two DfD cradle CRs, one on its side, with indicator lights LND, on a front surface, illustrating a memory flash card CFC in the process of being inserted into the slot S, after removal from a digital camera DC, Figure 4, with the process of transmitting images then beginning.
  • the Digital Film Developer CR is shown as made up of a 2-piece enclosure that may screw together and that contains a printed circuit board PCB.
  • the board PCB has 3 connectors fastened to it: one for the card CFC, one for power input from the wall mounted transformer PWR and another for the telephone connection through the cable PHN.
  • the before mentioned exemplary CompactFlash type I cards CFC are 43mm (1.7") x 36mm (1.4") x 3.3mm (0J3") in size. They hold non-volatile or "flash" memory that can be written and rewritten many times and can maintain stored information without a power source. Thus, when such a card is removed from the power source, the data is not lost.
  • a schematic diagram of suitable electronics on the printed circuit board PCB of Figure 2 is shown in Figure 3.
  • the board PCB contains a microprocessor or microcontroller or other similar means MP for programmatically controlling the operation of the DfD cradle CR.
  • This microprocessor MP interacts with and controls the other parts of the board PCB, including a modem MOD, optional external memory RAM, the before described indicator lights IND, a speaker SPK and additional buttons BUT and switches SW1 and SW2.
  • the micro MP also interfaces with the card CFC when it is inserted into the cradle through interface logic IL and a flash card adapter CFA.
  • the purpose of the microprocessor MP is to determine the state of buttons BUT, switches SW1 and SW2, the modem MOD, the phone line connected to the data access arrangement DAA through the phone jack at PHN and the card CFC.
  • the processor MP may perform a variety of tasks depending on the determined state.
  • the board PCB also contains, either as part of the processor MP or as a separate item, at least a small amount of non- volatile memory NVRAM for holding the ID number or serial number of the device CR, uniquely identifying the customer's cradle CR.
  • a full electrical schematic of the board PCB is not shown here in order not to detract from the main features of the invention and also because such will be well understood from the above description by those skilled in the art.
  • Such logic and adapters though not previously used in this combination, are well understood in the industry wherein devices like the previously mentioned ImageMate and many laptop computers use such logic and adapters, though for their own different processors.
  • the primary task of the processor MP of the present invention is to deliver images from the card CFC to the order receiving station ORS of before-mentioned Figure 8.
  • the primary task of the processor MP of the present invention is to deliver images from the card CFC to the order receiving station ORS of before-mentioned Figure 8.
  • several subordinate tasks required to accomplish this primary task including dialing the phone number of the ORS, connecting to the ORS through the modem MOD, querying the card CFC to determine the number and size of the images contained in the card, initializing the transmission of the images as by using a well- understood file transmission protocol like KERMIT, XMODEM, ZMODEM, or FTP, modifying the card CFC to indicate which images have been transmitted, and hanging up the phone once the transmission is complete. It is believed also unnecessary to describe herein the transmission of the data in detail because methods of transmitting data through modems is so well understood and any of the well-known protocols is acceptable for the operation of the invention.
  • the invention does not require a "start" button on the cradle CR.
  • a PCMCIA card or flash card When a PCMCIA card or flash card is inserted into a laptop computer, it is automatically activated and the computer begins interacting with it upon insertion and the cradle CR of the present invention has been constructed to work the same way.
  • the electrical characteristics of the card connecting to the electronics in the cradle CR cause the cradle automatically to recognize that the card CFC has been inserted, and the card is then queried, the presence of images on the card verified, and then the transmission sequence is initialized.
  • Figure 4 illustrates the setup and use of the DfD CR appliance of this invention, being intended to make apparent one of the significant advantages of using the cradle CR - that of extreme simplicity of use.
  • the setup of the cradle CR moreover must be done just once and it requires four steps.
  • the photographer first sets the cradle CR on a tabletop or counter convenient to both power and a phone line.
  • step 2 the photographer attaches the phone cord both to the wall jack and the cradle CR.
  • step 3 the photographer plugs a wall transformer into a power outlet on the wall and plugs the other end of the power cable into the cradle CR.
  • the photographer fills out the registration card such as shown in Figure 5, and mails the card, or calls a phone number to register with an operator, or registers electronically using a web page prepared specifically for registering the cradle CR.
  • each cradle CR contains a unique identification code, that code can be transmitted with each communication session to the ORS of Figure 8.
  • the ORS can tag each received image with the ID number of the cradle so that when the registration information finally becomes available, it can be attached to the received images.
  • the photographer will register the device CR before using it, and once the registration is complete the photographer can order prints of digital images to be created and mailed to him by exercising the following sequence of events.
  • the photographer After taking digital pictures, the photographer turns off the digital camera DC, removes the memory card CFC and places the card CFC in the cradle CR.
  • the cradle CR recognizes the insertion of the card CFC, checks for the existence of images in the card CFC, dials the ORS of Figure 8, transmits the images to the ORS, and then indicates to the user that the transmission is complete, using either the indicator lights IND or the speaker SPK or a combination of the two. Once transmission is complete, the card CFC can be removed and placed back inside the camera.
  • Such may conveniently be used to gather information required for the use of the cradle CR and for mailing prints back to the photographer.
  • This registration card may, for example, be printed on the back of a business reply address card which can be folded in half and placed in the mail.
  • Some photographers may want to register immediately and may use either a secure web site with a registration page or may speak directly to an operator.
  • the information shown in Figure 5 and collected from the photographer is recorded in a database electronically accessible from the print processing center using industry standard methods well understood by those skilled in the art.
  • the link between the cradle CR and the photographer in this embodiment of the invention is the identification number ID of the cradle CR. This number ID is kept with the rest of the registration information and is preferably also electronically attached to each image uploaded from the cradle.
  • the images are processed and printed according to the specifications of the photographer, as to the default number of copies, finish, and size on the registration form at DFP - a certain size paper with a specific finish, either glossy or matte, and some number of copies.
  • Each image received from the cradle will be printed according to this default unless the photographer has specifically requested a different size, number of copies, or finish.
  • the selection process for non-default treatment of prints will later be discussed in connection with Figure 15 illustrating how on-camera selection may be made, if desired.
  • all prints will be mailed to the address given by the owner of the cradle CR. This address is specified in the "user information" section UI of the registration card.
  • Additional information required to implement the system of the invention includes some form of automatic payment, like a credit card account, that can be charged for each print made, and the names and addresses of others to whom the photographer would like to send prints from time to time.
  • the photographer may indicate a credit card account to be billed for prints made.
  • additional mailing addresses the photographer may set up additional addresses for mailing.
  • Each of these addresses will be assigned a unique nickname by the photographer, useful as a shortcut to refer to the addresses for on- camera, web-based, or over-the-phone destination selection.
  • the photographer would like to order reprints of specific images to be sent to a specific friend or relative from time to time, that address would be added to the registration card, choosing a nickname uniquely to identify that address. Then, when ordering reprints by phone or over the web, the photographer may ask that the reprints be sent to the address associated with that nickname.
  • Figure 6 illustrates preferred communication paths available to the cradle for transmitting the images in the film memory to the print processing center.
  • the modem in the cradle uses the POTS or plain old telephone service to communicate with the print processing center in the preferred embodiment, minimizing cost of hardware and the proliferation of the POTS network around the world. Additionally, due to the cost of long distance phone calls, it is possible to have all of the cradles call local phone numbers so that there are no per-minute charges when downloading the images.
  • Many internet service providers such as America On-Line, Microsoft, and MindSpririg, indeed have nationwide networks of local phone numbers which provide local call access to their customers, and may also be used herein for this service.
  • the invention permits the cradle to travel from office to home because it uses the POTS network. It may also be brought on vacation so long as the location provides access to the same POTS network.
  • the cradle preferably always dials a toll-free number which can be established in a way that it works from any site in the US and Canada.
  • ANI automatic number identification
  • a modem answers and the information and images are received by a computer in the local area, converted to data packets that can be sent over the internet through a single permanent connection at that local computer LCO. This is also a technique well understood and used for other but similar purposes in many industries to reduce expenses.
  • Another additional communications technique is to establish an internet connection over the phone line and modem using the Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) or Serial Link Internet Protocal (SLIP). Once such a connection is established, packets of data can be transmitted directly from the cradle and routed using the TCP IP or UDP internet protocols to the print service center.
  • PPP Point-to-Point Protocol
  • SLIP Serial Link Internet Protocal
  • the center PPC contains image management hardware and software LM, printing hardware PR, and mailing equipment MC. It is here that the images are received, stored, enhanced, and imaged onto photographic paper. The paper is chemically processed, back-printed, cut, sorted, stuffed into envelopes, and mailed or shipped back to the photographer. In this embodiment, all of this equipment is co-located. However, it is also possible to locate the image archive away from the rest of the equipment, if necessary.
  • Figure 8 is a schematic of the image management portion LM of the processing center PPC and shows where the images arrive and how they are managed.
  • Each cradle calls a bank of modems MBK which typically reside in the print processing center. Those modems receive the data arriving from the cradles and pass it on to the previously described order receiving station ORS.
  • the ORS consists of one or more computers, each with one or more processors which control the modems MBK and can remotely control the cradles through the modems MBK.
  • the cradle may call a local service provider or a phone number local to their telephone service area.
  • a computer may be provided as shown in Figure 6 that receives the call via a receiving modem in the local office and converts the data to packets that can be communicated over the Internet.
  • the purpose for having such a local service is to reduce the cost of the phone calls made by the cradle.
  • the image data is received through the Internet but ends up within the ORS. The path that the data travels is unimportant so long as the data is received in a timely manner and without errors. Once the image is received on the ORS, it takes a predetermined path through the rest of the print processing center.
  • the image data is correlated with the photographer who captured that image using the ID or serial number of the cradle, and once associated with the right photographer and assigned an ID, the image is sent to an image storage management computer ISM.
  • This ISM may be a single computer or it may be multiple computers, being responsible for retrieving images as needed for either printing, viewing on the web, or archiving.
  • the ISM also stores the database of photographers information and images in the Temporary Image Storage TIS. Such a database is required so that if a photographer requests a web page containing thumbnails of all images taken within the last year, the ISM can look up the ID numbers of the photographs and then retrieve the thumbnails of those photographs to build the web page.
  • the art of building web pages from data stored in databases is common knowledge and some databases, like Oracle Nersion 8i, advertise the ease of deployment of database information on the Internet.
  • the TIS serves as a place to store images as they arrive before they are cataloged and thumbnails are created, and in the preferred embodiment, the TIS may be of the magnetic disk storage type which is fast and can support a high bandwidth connection between the TIS and ISM.
  • the short term Archival Storage JBX serves many purposes. It may, for example, be either a single magnetic disk or a multi-terabyte hierarchical storage system which allows one of millions of images to be retrieved within a matter of seconds at the time the image is needed.
  • the words "short term” is used here to indicate that the images are not necessarily stored for more than a year., Thumbnails, however, might be stored long term on the JBX.
  • CD-R burners such as the Cedar Desktop Publisher available from Microboards Technology Inc of Chanhassen, Minnesota.
  • the CD-R burner can create multiple CD-ROM's which hold up to 650 Mbytes of information or about 1300 megapixel images each.
  • the CDB can also print information and tracking codes like bar codes directly on the surface of the CD-ROM to make retrieval of the CD easier when needed.
  • the Print Spooler and Enhancement computer PSE may be any one of hundreds of brands of general purpose computers, including but not limited to an Octane brand computer from Silicon Graphics Inc, located in Mountain View, California.
  • the PSE is responsible for spooling and organizing images which are queued to be printed.
  • the image may be enhanced in a number of ways, including artifact removal, such as the before-described red-eye removal, and the resolution of the image might be increased or modified to match the resolution of the printer.
  • the contrast or brightness of the image may also be adjusted on the PSE, and additional enhancements, if any, are also possible as desired.
  • the print driver PD computer is next in line to receive the images. After all the enhancement operations are completed on the PSE, the PD receives the images and sends them one at a time to the printer RTR.
  • the print driver PD is usually either a computer that runs, for example, the Windows brand operating system or, as another example, an Apple brand computer running the Macintosh operating system.
  • Print driver software PD called MAC FPToolbox for the Apple Computer is available from Sienna Imaging Inc of Eglewood, Colorado.
  • the printer RTR is a photographic printer which focuses light onto photographic paper in order to create images on the paper.
  • a suitable type of photographic printer RTR is available from Sienna Imaging Inc.
  • Sienna manufactures a high-volume digital printer called the "Mileca HSP", which can receive digital images from the PD and print 1000 images per hour onto rolls of photographic paper.
  • Mileca HSP high-volume digital printer
  • photographic printers are the preferred form of printer for this invention, it is also possible to use a dye sublimation printer like the DS 8650 from Eastman Kodak or any other printer that has the capability of printing long-lasting, high-quality, continuous tone photographic prints.
  • the roll of photographic paper is sent to a chemical processor CP such as the Agfa VSP 50 available from Agfa-Gevaert N.V. of Mortsel, Belgium.
  • a chemical processor CP such as the Agfa VSP 50 available from Agfa-Gevaert N.V. of Mortsel, Belgium.
  • Many printers, including the FP5000 Fotoprint from Sienna Imaging, can image onto photographic paper and chemically develop that paper in the same machine, thus combining the operation of the RTR printer and the CP chemical processor.
  • Imaging has a back-printing option - a mechanism that can be added to the Mileca printer that allows information to be printed on the back of the photographic paper as it rolls through the printer.
  • the functionality of the back printer LP is combined with the functionality of the photographic paper printer RTR. After printing both sides of the photographic paper and developing the paper, each image is then cut into individual photographs, as by well-known photographic processing machines, such as the Package Cutter from Lucht, Inc. of Bloomington, Minnesota.
  • FIG. 10 A suitable mailing operation of the processing center is shown in Figure 10. Once the photographs are printed, developed, and cut, they must be sorted and inserted into individual envelopes to be mailed to the photographer or other designated addresses. Sorting at station SRT consists of separating each photographers prints into separate piles for insertion into envelopes at ENS. It is often done manually, but can also be done by machine using bar codes printed, for example, on the backs of the prints using the printer LP indicated above. If window envelopes are used and the top item on the stack of photographs is an appropriately aligned address card, the envelopes will not require custom address printing. Many companies, including Bryce Office Systems, of Oxford Connecticut, sell suitable envelope printing machines that can print thousands of envelopes per hour. The envelopes can be stuffed by hand or by machine at ENS.
  • the envelopes are stuffed and sealed and placed in a carrier BOX, they are ready for transport to a mail carrier MC, such as the USPS, UPS, or Federal Express, depending on the required mailing service. For overnight mailing, any of these three services would suffice.
  • a mail carrier MC such as the USPS, UPS, or Federal Express
  • Figure 11 shows an illustration envelope and its contents as it might be prepared in the processing center of the invention for the overall system contemplated therefore.
  • the front of the envelope shows the return address, the address of the photographer, postage, and additional instructions to the mail carrier.
  • Inside each envelope is a stack of one or more photographs accompanied by an invoice. INN. Individual photos may also be mailed as postcards to reduce postage costs, but multiple pictures may be mailed in envelopes as shown.
  • FIG 12 the front and back sides of a typical photograph PHT preferred by the invention is shown as printed in the processing center.
  • a variety of information may appear on the back of the image, including the time and date TD that the photograph was taken, along with a photo ID number PID and photographer ID number UID that uniquely identifies the photograph.
  • the photographers name NAM might also be printed, if known, as well as the resolution of the image RES; or, alternatively, the maximum size at which the picture can be printed without noticeable artifacts.
  • a bar code BID is shown printed on the back that uniquely identifies the print. This bar code BID might be a direct encoding of the photo and the photographer's IDs.
  • some digital cameras may contain location sensors, like Global Positioning Sensors or GPS devices which can tell the camera where the picture was taken. If such information is also available, it may readily be printed on the back, either in the form shown as latitude and longitude, or with the name of the nearest town or city.
  • Additional information may also be printed on the back of the photograph if desired including, for example, the type of camera used in capturing the image and the settings on the camera at the time the photograph was taken. Advertising information and contact phone numbers for reprint services and other purposes may also be printed on the back of the photograph - this flexibility being a significant advantage of the technique of the invention. Because the images are taken directly from the memory card on which the image was initially stored through the cradle in the photographer's home or other site, it is readily possible to have the above information transmitted to the print processing center directly and recorded in a database and then on the print.
  • a further benefit flowing from the present invention is that photographers have all the information they need on one piece of paper to place an order for high-quality enlargements ⁇ each photo having unique identifying numbers and the reprint order phone number printed on the back of the photo. Photographers know what picture they have in their hand because they can see it, and they have unique identification information and also the phone number they need to call to place an order. While it is possible today to get a reprint or enlargement by taking a photograph to a photofinisher, who then scans the image and reprints it, such enlargements are of reduced quality due to the scanning and reprinting process.
  • a destination nickname could be chosen from a list or determined using one of several methods which use the touchtone keys on a telephone for alphabetic input.
  • Figure 13 shows an example web page which lists some exemplary photographs taken during a specified time period.
  • the web page shows navigational aids NAV which allow the photographers to select dates or sets of pictures they are interested in reviewing.
  • the thumbnail images TBN remind the photographers which picture is which, and additional information is provided next to each thumbnail.
  • the photographer's information can be updated, additional prints or enlargements can be ordered, audio or textual captions can be associated with the images or the images can be deleted, all with great flexibility and versatility enabled by the technique of the present invention.
  • Such online service added to the print processing center of the present invention for convenience of the photographer is unique due to the normal manner in which the image data is gathered and the information made available to the photographer at that site.
  • the Kodak, Sony and other PhotoNet sites of course, have no way of knowing if the image was taken with a digital camera or created with drawing software when it is uploaded through the Internet.
  • Figure 15 shows a typical back of a digital camera at the time that a photographer, in accordance with the invention, is selecting the number of copies and final destination of an image as previously outlined, before it is sent to the print processing center.
  • Some digital cameras like the Kodak DC220, DC260 and DC265, furthermore, use an internal operating system in the camera that can be programmed by the camera user.
  • Kodak uses the Digita operating system from FlashPoint Technology, allowing photographers to develop complex programs including scripts that can create and store web pages alongside the images in the camera or modify the settings in the camera.
  • scripts that ask questions or allow the photographer to make selections during the picture-taking process. For instance, it is possible to write a script that asks how many copies of a given picture should be made, at what size that picture should be printed, and to whom to send the picture. Each of these items could be chosen from a list that is stored on the camera in the memory card. When the memory card CFC is inserted into the cradle CR of Figures 1 and 4, it is then possible to download such scripts into the place on the card that the camera looks for them. In the case of the above-identifiedak digital cameras, for example, those scripts are stored in the system directory inside the main directory of the card.
  • tl ⁇ e O S of Figure S can also send scripts back to the cradle.
  • One possible script allows the user to select a quantity, print size, and destination for each print. All sizes and destinations that can be chosen with the script are taken from the database at the print processing center.
  • the selection list is from the list they gave during registration, and the sizes selection list is based on the capabilities of the print processing center.
  • Figure 16 is an example text listing which may be contained in the flash memory card to indicate how many copies to print of each picture and where to send those copies.
  • the information about how many prints, the format and size of those prints, and where to send them is communicated from the camera to the print processing center as before explained.
  • One way for enabling such communication is to create a text file on the camera memory card containing the photographer's selections associated with each image, such as the form of text file of Figure 16, containing a line for each size/format ordered for each image. On that line, in order, is the name of the image, the number of copies requested, the size or format in which the image should be printed, and finally the nickname for the destination of that image, as earlier discussed.
  • Additional information may also be stored in that file, including the date and time of the last transmission. Since this database or file can be modified by both the camera or the ORS at the print processing center, it can also be used as a means for communication. Such a file can also be used by camera manufacturers who do not have an open operating system, such as Digita, on their camera. If a camera manufacture chooses to collect information from the photographer and to format it the right way, leaving it in a file on the flash card, the photographer can still use the cradle of the invention for ordering prints.
  • the preferred embodiment of the present invention is thus a cradle which accepts the digital "film" memory and has phone line communication with the print processing center.
  • Another method of capturing and communicating the images from the camera to the print processing server is to use either wireless or wired communication from the camera to the cradle.
  • the cradle can operate as previously described except that the cradle accesses the cameras memory through the camera processor instead of directly as in the above examples.
  • Many cameras have serial ports for communication such as those of Eastman Kodak and Sony Corporation.
  • companies such as Fotonation, Inc.
  • FTP file transfer protocols
  • a network which has a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol server or DHCP server requires no LCD panel or buttons, since those are only required for setting up the IP address used by the Ethernet card.
  • the benefit of such a modification would be that a phone line is not required, and the speed of communication is much higher than through a modem.
  • Communication through the Ethernet hardware is very similar to modem communication, and similar protocols may be used, like FTP or ZMODEM for transferring files.
  • Another important distinction available in accordance with the methodology of the invention is that it is not always necessary physically to move memory from the camera to the DfD. If the DfD has buffer memory for temporary storage of images, and if it is possible to communicate using some means including but not limited to wireless radio, infrared, or direct cable connection, the DfD can still complete it ⁇ task of uploading images to the print processing center without requiring the removal of memory from the camera Through such a direct or wireless connection, the images themselves can be stored in the buffer memory of the DfD and then the operation of the DfD is unchanged from the situation where the memory is physically inserted into it
  • the earlier described back of print information option provides the only system that has access to much of the information printed on the back of the camera For instance, no other system knows precisely when the picture was taken They only know when the film was taken into be developed Also, no other service today archives the image after printing The invention enables printing an ID on the back of the print that allows the photographer to order reprints without sending in negatives
  • the before-described two-way communication with the camera memory of the invention is a further novel feature
  • the invention makes it possible to download to the camera a new list of nicknames of people to whom one wishes to send prints Other information can be put back into the memory, including an invoice for most recent print order or special offers for batteries, and the like.
  • one can also download new operating system enhancements into the camera through the memory card automatically Today, downloading a new enhancement takes several steps and is not automatic
  • a dock can be provided for the camera that both recharges the batteries and transmits the images to our service

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Television Signal Processing For Recording (AREA)
  • Facsimiles In General (AREA)
  • Projection-Type Copiers In General (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne une technique et un procédé permettant à un photographe de transmettre des images d'appareil de prise de vues numérique à des points distants d'impression photographique et de livraison: pour cela, on transmet à un poste distant d'impression photographique informatisé, via une liaison téléphonique ou autre, les images numériques stockées sur la carte mémoire d'un appareil de prise de vues numérique, cette carte étant insérée après extraction dans un nouveau dispositif commandé par microprocesseur conçu pour recevoir ladite carte. Ensuite, le poste distant peut traiter et imprimer automatiquement les images pour les livrer à des points prédéterminés au nom du photographe.
PCT/IB2000/000400 1999-05-10 2000-04-03 Imagerie electronique ou numerique WO2000069164A2 (fr)

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AU33190/00A AU3319000A (en) 1999-05-10 2000-04-03 Electronic or digital imaging
GB0126568A GB2365652B (en) 1999-05-10 2000-04-03 Electronic or digital imaging

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US30798499A 1999-05-10 1999-05-10
US09/307,984 1999-05-10

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US9240022B2 (en) 1999-08-02 2016-01-19 Lg Electronics Inc. On-line video and image system
US10375255B2 (en) 1999-08-02 2019-08-06 Lg Electronics Inc. Method and system for on-line video and image editing
US9672547B2 (en) 1999-08-02 2017-06-06 Lg Electronics Inc. Method and system for online video editing
EP1154630A3 (fr) * 2000-05-11 2003-04-02 Eastman Kodak Company Système et appareil de renvoi automatique d'images numérique vers un fournisseur de service
US6812962B1 (en) 2000-05-11 2004-11-02 Eastman Kodak Company System and apparatus for automatically forwarding digital images to a service provider
EP1154630A2 (fr) * 2000-05-11 2001-11-14 Eastman Kodak Company Système et appareil de renvoi automatique d'images numérique vers un fournisseur de service
US7034880B1 (en) 2000-05-11 2006-04-25 Eastman Kodak Company System and camera for transferring digital images to a service provider
US6915273B1 (en) * 2000-05-23 2005-07-05 Eastman Kodak Company Method for providing customized photo products over a network using images captured from a digital camera
GB2369212A (en) * 2000-07-27 2002-05-22 Hewlett Packard Co Uploading digital images to web site
US6701351B1 (en) 2000-07-27 2004-03-02 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Method and system for remotely uploading digital memory
EP1229726A1 (fr) * 2001-02-05 2002-08-07 Ricoh Company, Ltd. Appareil et système de traitement d'images avec une fonction de blocage de l'état
US7123847B2 (en) 2001-02-05 2006-10-17 Ricoh Company, Ltd. Image processing apparatus having a status holding function, and image processing system including the same
US7394557B2 (en) 2001-02-05 2008-07-01 Ricoh Company, Ltd. Image processing apparatus having a status holding function, and image processing system including the same
US7023474B2 (en) 2001-05-21 2006-04-04 Polaroid Corporation Method and system for enabling the single use of digital cameras
US7019772B2 (en) 2001-05-21 2006-03-28 Polaroid Corporation Method and system for enabling the use of single use reloadable digital camera
WO2002096090A1 (fr) * 2001-05-21 2002-11-28 Polaroid Corporation Procede et systeme permettant l'utilisation unique de cameras numeriques
WO2002096091A1 (fr) * 2001-05-21 2002-11-28 Polaroid Corporation Procede et systeme permettant d'utiliser un appareil photo numerique rechargeable a utilisation directe
EP1650652A1 (fr) * 2004-10-21 2006-04-26 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Amelioration de transfer de fichiers
EP1679877A1 (fr) * 2005-01-05 2006-07-12 Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. Procédé de réception d'une commande d'impression, récepteur de commandes d'impression et système de production d'impression
WO2007072133A2 (fr) * 2005-12-22 2007-06-28 G.P.E. Srl Procédé et appareil pour l'impression automatique de photographies, à partir de données digitales
WO2007072133A3 (fr) * 2005-12-22 2008-01-03 G P E Srl Procédé et appareil pour l'impression automatique de photographies, à partir de données digitales
WO2007105943A1 (fr) * 2006-03-14 2007-09-20 Snaplink B.V. Dispositif, système, procédé et support pouvant être lu par ordinateur pour mémoriser et rendre récupérables des informations d'image

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WO2000069164A3 (fr) 2001-05-31
AU3319000A (en) 2000-11-21
GB0126568D0 (en) 2002-01-02
GB2365652A (en) 2002-02-20
GB2365652B (en) 2003-12-31

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