WO2004067286A2 - Digital photo printing and archiving kiosk - Google Patents

Abstract

A digital photo printmaker and storage kiosk 100 is disclosed. An input data reader 106 reads a user's digital or other photographic input using a variety of input devices. The user operates the user interface 104 to edit input data, to order prints, and to archive digital image data. Data is archived onto digital storage media using a storage device 114 that dispenses to the user the digital media holding the user's archived data. The kiosk 100 may include a payment acceptance device 112, one or more photographic printers 110 that print photographic data and dispense prints, and one or more printers 118 that print and dispense receipts, messages, coupons, and digital media storage labels. Some embodiments include a one-touch printing function.

Description

DIGITAL PHOTO PRINTING AND ARCHIVING KIOSK

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to photography. More specifically, the present invention provides consumers with a convenient, self-serve method to edit, print, and digitally archive their photographic images, whether captured on traditional film or on any of a variety of digital media.

Background Art

The field of photography has evolved quickly in the past decade. Many people now take photographs with digital cameras, rather than traditional film- based cameras. Consumers have discovered and have embraced the many benefits of digital photography, most notably, the ability to immediately view a captured digital image while the opportunity for a "retake" still exists, and the ability to share digital images via the internet and electronic mail. In addition, digital photographers are relieved of the expense, inconvenience, and delay associated with traditional film and film processing, and can archive their digital images without utilizing a significant amount of storage space and without worrying about the inevitable physical deterioration of irreplaceable film and/or prints.

However, many people do want physical prints of their photos, in order to frame or display them, place them into albums, utilize them for greeting cards, or simply view them at a location away from a computer. Unfortunately, for the average consumer, obtaining satisfactory prints from digital images is fraught with difficulties. Printing service infrastructures are not widespread. Many people are either not aware of or are not comfortable using Internet printing services. Solutions that do exist are closed, limited to a single provider, and therefore often limited in terms of access, location, and features. Individuals who take or transmit their photographic data to a central location having a printer still encounter a delay before prints are available.

Some opt for the "do it yourself" route and invest in the necessary printer and supplies to print their images at home. These consumers soon learn that supplies are expensive, the process takes a lot of trial and error, technical problems can arise, and the quality and durability of the prints finally obtained may be unsatisfactory. Moreover, this route is only open to the technically confident- and only those who own a sufficiently capable computer and are willing to invest the time and effort needed. While special printers may be used to print digital photographic images onto paper at the expected resolution of a photograph and in standard photographic sizes, the cost of these printers place them out of reach of most individuals.

As a result of these printing problems, if a photographer's goal is a high- quality print for a specific application such as a framed print or a greeting card, the photographer may forgo his digital camera and opt instead to use traditional film, in the belief that it is just too difficult to obtain a high-quality, durable print from a digital image. The present invention solves this problem by providing a convenient, self-serve method that enables consumers to edit their photographic images, whether captured on traditional film or on any of a variety of digital media, to obtain superior, durable, traditional photo-quality prints without multiple trips to the processing location and without the delay associated with traditional photo processing, and to digitally archive their photographic images.

Finally, this application claims the benefits of the earlier filed U.S. Provisional App. Ser. No. 60/443,080 filed 28 January 2003 (28.01.2003), which is incorporated by reference for all purposes into this specification.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The present invention is a digital photo printmaker and storage provider apparatus, system, and method. The present invention includes an input data reader that reads a user's input data, a user interface, and resident editing, printing, and archiving functions. The input data reader reads a user's input data files, which may include either digital data input by a user using a variety of input devices or data digitized from non-digital data input by a user. The user operates the user interface to edit his input data, to order prints of either the unchanged input data or the edited versions of the input data, and to archive either the unchanged input data or edited versions of the user's input data. Data is archived onto digital storage media using a storage device that dispenses to the user the digital media holding the user's archived data.

The present invention may also include a payment acceptance device and one or more photographic printers that print the user's input data and edited versions of the user's input data on standard and non-standard size print media. In addition, some embodiments of the present invention may also include a one- touch printing function that enables users to order prints of their input data files by operating a single control one time. Some embodiments of the present invention include a printer operable to print and dispense receipts, messages, coupons, and digital media storage labels.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

To further aid in understanding the invention, the attached drawings help illustrate specific features of the invention and the following is a brief description of the attached drawings: FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an instant photo kiosk 100.

FIGs. 2A and 2B show a menu-driven method for generating photographic prints and storing photographic images from photographic data using the kiosk 100.

FIG. 3 illustrates a sample screensaver 301 used by the present invention at 202.

Fig. 4 shows an example image shown on the user interface display 104 by the information handling system 102 during media loading, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows an example of an image shown on the user interface display 104 by the information handling system 102 during media loading, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows an example of an advanced order screen shown on the user interface display 104, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows an example of an editing screen 243 shown on the user interface display 104, according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 shows an example of a checkout screen 270 displayed by the information handling system 102 on the user interface display 104, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION The present invention is a standalone or counter-top photo kiosk intended for use in a retail environment that enables consumers to edit, print, and archive their photographic images using a convenient, self-serve, menu-driven approach. The present invention enables photo editing, professional-quality printing, and archiving images captured on either traditional film or on any of a variety of digital media. This disclosure describes numerous specific details that include specific structures, menus, and sample graphical interface depictions in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. One skilled in the art will appreciate that one may practice the present invention without these specific details. Referring to FIG. 1 , a schematic view of an instant photo kiosk 100 is shown. The kiosk 100 may be located in a dedicated stand-alone cabinet, in a wall, in a cabinet with other devices, or in another housing or location. The particular physical embodiment of the kiosk 100, such as the size and shape of its cabinet, or the presence of a dedicated cabinet at all, is not critical to the invention. The kiosk 100 includes an information handling system 102 that controls the operation of the kiosk 100. The information handling system 102 may be any computing device capable of executing instructions and handling inputs and outputs necessary to the operation of the kiosk. For example, the information handling system 102 may be a microprocessor chip, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other chip- scale device. As another example, the information handling system 102 may be an off-the-shelf computer, including a motherboard and interface card slots in addition to a microprocessor chip. A different device, or combination of devices, may be used as an information handling system 102 if desired. FIG. 1 shows some of the major functions of the information handling system 102, which include, but are not limited to, a photo editing function 122 and a checkout function 130 which further comprises a photo printing function 124, a photo archiving function 126, and a payment function 128.

The information handling system 102 is electrically connected to a user interface 104 that presents information and enables the user to interact with the kiosk 100. The user interface 104 may include a cathode ray tube, a flat panel liquid crystal display, or any other device capable of displaying information to a customer, alone or in combination with a series of multifunction buttons whose current functions may be indicated on the display. Optionally, the user interface 104 may be a touch screen, allowing a customer to enter data into the information handling system 102 by touching the user interface display 104, such that the user interface 104 functions as an input device as well as an output device.

The information handling system 102 is also electrically connected to at least one input data reader 106. The input data reader 106 may be any device adapted to read digital data from a portable data storage device. For example, the input data reader 106 may be a removable cartridge disk drive adapted to read a popular format of removable disk cartridge; a device adapted to read a flash memory card or memory stick; a CD-ROM or DVD drive adapted to read data from a compact disk; or a device adapted to read a proprietary memory storage format. Alternatively the input data reader may be a "cradle" adapted to read digital data from a handheld portable data assistant (PDA), or it may be a USB, firewire, or other generic port adapted to receive data from a sending device such as a computer, PDA, or digital camera via a cable having a specifically defined physical and data interface. Alternatively, the input data reader may be an infrared port adapted to receive wireless data "beamed" from a PDA or other infrared-capable device. Alternatively, the input data reader may be a port adapted to receive data wirelessly using the standard Bluetooth or other wireless protocol, or the input data reader 106 may be adapted to receive data through a cellular or Personal Communications System (PCS) telephone connection, a landline telephone connection, or a network connection that may include an internet connection. Finally, the input data reader 106 may be a scanner that accepts non-digital images such as photographic prints or negatives and digitizes them for subsequent editing and/or printing and/or archiving. In a preferred embodiment, the kiosk 100 will include more than one type of input data reader 106, thereby allowing different customers using different storage media or transmission devices to utilize the same kiosk 100.

An internal storage device 108 is also electrically connected to the information handling system 102. The internal storage device 108 is adapted to store the photographic data received through the data reader 106 from a customer. The internal storage device 108 may also store other data, such as instructions for execution by the information handling system 102. The internal storage device 108 is preferably a hard disk drive, which is standard in the art. However, other types of storage or memory may be used if desired, such as but not limited to flash memory or random access memory.

One or more photographic printers 110 are also electrically connected to the information handling system 102. The photographic printer(s) 110 are used to print photographs from the data stored in the storage device 108. The photographic printer(s) 110 are standard in the art, and preferably able to print photographs in a variety of popular sizes.

A payment acceptor 112 is preferably also electrically connected to the information handling system 102. The payment acceptor 112 is adapted to accept cash or cash equivalents from a customer using the kiosk 100. The payment acceptor 112 may be a point-of-sale unit adapted to read a credit card or debit card that is swiped through it, which is standard in the art. The payment acceptor 112 instead may be a bill acceptor for receiving paper currency, which is also standard in the art. The payment acceptor 112 may include provisions for returning change to the customer in the form of coins or paper currency. Advantageously, more than type of one payment acceptor 112 is provided as part of the kiosk 100, allowing customers to pay with a number of different monetary equivalents.

An optional network interface 116 is preferably also electrically connected to the information handling system 102. The optional network interface 116 provides a communications link to a wired or wireless local area network, wide area network, internet connection, telephone connection, or wireless device carried by a customer, as will be discussed in greater detail below. The optional network interface unit 116 may be any device capable of connecting the kiosk 100 to an external wired or wireless communications network, such as but not limited to a modem, a cable modem, a DSL modem, a network interface unit, or other device. For wireless communication, the optional network interface 116 preferably operates at a frequency or frequencies compatible with the local standards for wireless voice and pager communications, such that the optional network interface 116 may telephone or page a customer carrying a pager, cellular phone, PCS phone, PDA with data or voice transmission capability, or other wireless telecommunications device. The optional network interface 116 may also operate on another band, if desired.

Optionally, a receipt/coupon printer 118 may be provided as part of the kiosk 100 and electrically connected to the information handling system 102. As discussed in more detail below, the receipt coupon printer 118 prints user claim tickets, receipts, messages, coupons, and other textual or graphic information as may be required or desired by the kiosk owner.

The kiosk 100 includes an output digital media storage device 114 that stores customers' information on standard digital media such as a DVD or CD- ROM disk. As discussed in further detail below, the present invention enables customers to archive their images on standard media in a standard format (bitmap, jpeg, tiff, gif, etc.). The output media storage device 114 stores the data selected by the customer images on a DVD, CD-ROM or other standard digital storage media, prints an appropriate label, and dispenses to the customer both the label and the digital media holding the customer's stored data.,

An input unit 120 is also preferably electrically connected to the information handling system 102. The input unit 120 may be a keyboard, keypad, trackball, or other device or combination thereof, through which the customer can interact with the kiosk 100. The input unit 120 may be combined with the user interface 104 if the user interface 104 is a touchscreen. The input unit 120 may be configured to be removable during normal operation, such that the user interface 104 provides the primary functionality for users to interact with the kiosk 100 and the input unit 120 is connected to the kiosk 100 by the system owner and/or maintainer and used primarily for system maintenance.

The components of the kiosk 100 described above may be electrically connected serially, in parallel, via a bus, in a star configuration, or in any other fashion that allows digital and/or analog signals to travel between those components as needed.

FIGs. 2A and 2B show a menu-driven method for generating photographic prints and storing photographic images from photographic data using the kiosk 100 as described above. At 202, the user is presented with a screensaver, which may illustrate how to insert media into the machine and may illustrate CDs and photographic prints coming out of the machine, as well as any other messaging desired. In a preferred embodiment, the screensaver may also enable the user to choose, at 204, to interact with the kiosk 100 in another language or to choose, at 206, to receive additional information. If a user chooses, at 204, another language, the present invention presents the opening screensaver in the selected language.

FIG. 3 illustrates a sample screensaver 301 used by the present invention at 202. As shown in FIG. 3, the sample screensaver 301 communicates information in the English language and offers the user the option to select a Spanish language interface.

The system will 'start' when the user inserts her media 208. The kiosk 100 accepts photographic data from a customer in a number of ways. In one embodiment, the customer inserts a portable data storage device into the input data reader 106, which engages the portable data storage device and initiates the data transfer process. Alternatively, the customer may transmit photographic data to the kiosk 100 via floppy disk, CD-ROM, DVD, SD/MMC, compact flash, memory stick, PCMCIA, a SmartMediaTM flash card, and the like. Alternatively, the customer may transmit photographic data to the kiosk 100 via any storage device utilizing a standard connection interface and protocol, such as a USB connection. In other embodiments, photographic data is transmitted to the kiosk 100 via a wired or wireless connection over the optional network interface 116, where the transfer is initiated by the user either at the kiosk itself or at a remote location, or where the transfer may be initiated by a third party on behalf of the user, such as an online storage provider. Alternatively, the present invention may accept photographic data in the form of photographic film or in the form of photographic prints. The process proceeds in the same manner regardless of the form of photographic data input into the kiosk 100. The photographic data received by the kiosk 100 is preferably transmitted to the storage device 108 via the information handling system 102. Preferably, the photographic data received from the customer is stored in one or more files uniquely associated with that customer. The storage device 108 preferably stores that photographic data until it is utilized to generate photographic prints and/or stored to the digital media storage device 114 and dispensed to the customer.

At 210, the information handling system 102 transmits images to the user interface 104 to provide feedback to the customer during the acceptance of photographic data. For example, in one embodiment, the information handling system 102 may show the user an image comparable to the example message shown in FIG. 4. In another embodiment, the information handling system 102 may display a message that includes instructions to the user, along with a progress indicator that updates as the user's images load, such as that illustrated in FIG. 5. If no supported images are found on the media, the information handling system informs the user.

In some embodiments, the messages shown the customer during media loading may include operational messages, such as the option to order One Touch Digital PrintsTM shown in FIGs. 4 and 5. Those skilled in the art will recognize that kiosk owners may opt to display any other desired messages without departing from the present invention, such as suggestions relating to photo editing, pricing options, discounts, and offers, or photo-related or other store advertising.

Returning to FIG. 2A, after all photographic data is loaded from media inserted by the customer, the information handling system 102 instructs the user to remove the media at 212. Thereafter, at 214, the user is presented with an advanced order screen such as that shown in FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 6, the advanced order screen 214 includes a thumbnail 230 or other graphical depiction of each data file loaded by the customer. In addition, the advanced order screen 214 provides interactive operational options that allow the customer to select and manipulate each data file, order prints, archive files, receive help, start over, and exit the system, as described below.

A customer using the present invention according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 and described in FIGs. 2A and 2B, can choose to store his photographic data on electronic media using the "make CD" control 218. If this option is selected, the present invention stores the data on electronic media and dispenses the media to the customer. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention's archiving/media dispensing function can be tailored as required by the kiosk owner without departing from the present invention. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the storage media used by the kiosk 100 is a compact disk; however, practitioners of the present invention might choose to offer storage on DVD or other storage media instead. Additionally, details regarding the storage function can be altered to suit the kiosk owner's individual business requirements. In one option, all of the customer's images might be stored. In another option, the information handling system 102 may allow users to select the images to be stored. In yet another option, the information handling system may enable the storage of the customer's originally loaded images, plus any new images created by the editing process described below. Those skilled in the art will understand that practitioners of the present invention can adjust the present invention's storage options without departing from the present invention.

In one embodiment, the present invention includes a storage media label printer that prints and dispenses a label identifying the contents of the storage media that the customer can apply to the dispensed storage media. Returning to FIGs. 2A, 2B, and 6, each image 230 can be individually selected for manipulation by touching the corresponding thumbnail 230 and then operating the quantity controls 224, 226 or the zoom/enhance control 232, described in further detail below. Alternatively, all the displayed images can be selected using the "select all" toggle 220. Alternatively, the customer can select images in groups for further manipulation in two ways: first, by touching the corresponding thumbnails of the desired images in succession (images can be deselected by touching their thumbnails again), and second, by touching the "select all" toggle 220 and then deselecting individual images by touching their corresponding thumbnail. Once a group of images is selected, the customer can then invoke a print process for the entire group. The customer can adjust the print quantity desired for the images in the selected group using controls 224 and 226, invoke the editing function for the images in the group using control 232, invoke the checkout menu using the "check out" control 236, or simply swipe a credit or debit card in the payment acceptor 112 to purchase prints of the selected images having default parameters (e.g., size = 4 inches by 6 inches; quantity = 1 ; image unedited, etc.). In this selection mode, when the customer selects a group of images and then invokes a print process by operating one of the print characteristic controls such as 224, 226, or 232, that characteristic is attached to each print in the group selected. Thereafter, when another image is selected, the original group then becomes "unselected". The customer can then designate another group for collective manipulation by selecting each thumbnail desired in the new group, and then operating the print characteristic controls desired for the prints in that group.

The following functions can be performed for individually selected images, groups of selected images, or for all of the images displayed on the screen. The advanced order screen 214 includes an index toggle control 220 that allows the user to print and purchase an index print, a print quantity increase control 224 and print quantity decrease control 226 that allows the user to increase or decrease the number of prints desired for each selected image 230, and a "zoom/enhance" toggle 232 that invokes the editing functions described below. In each case, as the user makes his selections, his order information (print sizes and quantities ordered, storage ordered, pricing information is updated in the "your order" area 242 of the advanced ordering display 214. The user can request help using the help toggle 228, reset his order information to a selected default order (e.g., 1 4X6 unedited print of each image) using the "reset order" toggle 234, and page backward to the previous group of thumbnails 230 or forward to the next group of thumbnails 230 using the page back control 240 and page forward control 238. The user can check out by selecting the "check out" control 236, which invokes a checkout menu, described in further detail below. In embodiments that include a payment acceptor 112, the user can simply swipe a credit card at any point in the process to end the session and purchase prints having the selected characteristics, if selections have been made, or the default characteristics, if no selections have been made. Finally, the user can elect to start the entire process over using the start over control 216, which erases all loaded and edited images and selections and returns the user to the initial screensaver 202 described above and shown in FIG. 3. In a preferred embodiment, if the user chooses the "zoom/enhance" control 232, the information handling system 102 invokes its editing function 122 and presents an editing screen 243 on the user interface display 104, an example of which is shown in FIG. 7. On the editing screen 243, the user is presented with a quantity of thumbnails of images that have been selected for editing at 244, and an enlarged view 246 of the first selected image (or the first image, if either none or all of the images were selected before entering the zoom/enhance menu). The user can then edit the selected image by choosing the rotate control 248, the "remove redeye" control 250, the "zoom out/zoom in" controls 256, or the "move photo" controls 258. Those skilled in the art of software photo editing are very familiar with the types of changes that each of these controls performs, and so further detail regarding the specific function of each of these controls is not provided here. The editing screen 243 and function 122 also enables the user to enhance the overall appearance of the selected image by choosing the "auto correct" control 252. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, this function sharpens contrast, corrects color, corrects for overexposed/underexposed images and performs other commonly understood photo enhancement techniques well known to those skilled in the art of software-enabled photo editing. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the photo editing function 122 of the information handling system 102 updates the enlarged image being edited 246 immediately after the user makes each editing choice, to reflect the results of the editing choice.

As shown in FIGs. 2A, 2B, and 7, the photo editing function 122 and screen 243 allows users to undo all changes made to a selected image by choosing the "undo changes" control 254. In a preferred embodiment, if the "undo changes" 254 control is selected, the "undo changes" control 254 transforms into a "redo changes" control that enables a user who has "undone" all his editing choices on a selected image to "redo" them without having to utilize the individual editing controls previously selected to generate the edited image. The photo editing function 122 and screen 243 allows the user to select images for editing from among the group of thumbnails selected for editing 244 by operating the next/previous image controls at 268, and to page forward and back between groups of thumbnails of images selected for editing by operating the page controls at 262. In a preferred embodiment, operating the next or previous image control 268 changes the image displayed for editing at 246, but the user can page between groups of thumbnails (by operating the page controls 262) without altering the image selected for editing shown in the large view 246. In addition, the user can request help by operating the help control at 266, and can choose the desired number of prints of an edited photo by operating the "# of copies" controls at 260. As described previously in connection with the advanced ordering display 214 shown in FIG. 6, the photo editing screen 243 also includes a "your order" area 242 that shows updated order information (print sizes and quantities ordered, storage ordered, pricing information) and a "checkout" control 236 that invokes the checkout menu described in further detail below. Finally, the user can exit the photo editing function 122 and screen 243 and return to the advanced ordering display 214 by operating the "back" control 264.

Selecting another image for editing, checking out, or returning to the advanced order screen 214 by operating controls 268, 236, or 264, respectively, ends the editing session for the image selected for editing 246. In some embodiments, the information handling system 102 replaces the original image with the edited version of the image, for printing and archiving purposes. In other embodiments, the edited version of an image is automatically renamed and added to the user's images stored on the internal storage device 108, enabling the user to archive both the original image and the edited image, if the user selects the "make CD" control 218 on the advanced ordering display 214. In still other embodiments, if the user does not opt to print an edited image by operating the "# copies" control 260 on the photo editing display 243 and ends an editing session, the edited image is not saved, printed, or archived. Those skilled in the art will recognize that controls may be added to the present invention that enable a user to select any of these options for any edited image without departing from the present invention.

The present invention enables kiosk owners to select the print parameters that constitute a default order. For example, in one embodiment, if a customer inserts his media and then swipes a credit card or operates the checkout control 236 without making any of the selections described above, the customer will receive one 4X6 index print and one 4X6 unedited print of each image loaded. Alternatively, the kiosk owner may enable automatic photo enhancement and redeye removal for all prints unless the customer specifically deselects these, in which case customer would receive one 4X6 index print and one 4X6 print of each image, enhanced to correct color and exposure, sharpen contrast, and remove red-eye. If the customer has made quantity and/or size and/or editing selections for some images but not all images, then the default order might be prints of the selected images only, having the selected characteristics, and no print for any image not selected. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the exact parameters of a default order will be a matter of choice for a kiosk owner, according to his customers' abilities and expectations and his business model. Kiosks that provide default orders, where prints are provided without requiring any action by the customer other than image loading and either swiping a card or enabling checkout, are kiosks with One Touch Digital PrintsTM functionality. One Touch Digital PrintsTM is a registered trademark owned by of the assignee of the present invention, Pixel Magic Imaging, Inc.

Returning to FIGs. 6 and 7, if the user operates the check out control 236, from either the advanced ordering display 214 or the photo editing display 243, the information handling system invokes the checkout function 130 and displays a checkout screen 270 similar to that illustrated in FIG. 8 on the user interface display 104. The checkout screen 270 includes a payment selector control 272 and a "your order" area 242 that confirms the items ordered by line item, the line item charge, a subtotal of the charges, and a final total that includes tax and any other charges.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the checkout function allows the user to choose his method of payment, e.g., by either swiping a credit or debit card in the payment acceptor 112 or choosing to pay at a separate location associated with the owner of the kiosk 100 (e.g., a retail counter). The user makes his selections by operating payment selector control 272 on the checkout screen 270 or by swiping a credit or debit card in the payment acceptor 112, which includes a magnetic card reader. In some embodiments, the payment acceptor 112 includes a cash acceptor, either in addition to or in lieu of the magnetic card reader, and the payment selector control 272 on the checkout screen 270 may include a "pay cash here" option. Alternatively, there may be no payment option controls on the checkout screen, and payment is made at the kiosk by cash, credit card, or other cash equivalent by simply inserting the cash equivalent into the payment acceptor 112. Or, the kiosk 100 may not include a payment acceptor 112, and the checkout screen directs the customer to pay for his order at the store's checkout counter. In a preferred embodiment, kiosk 100 owners can enable only the payment methods that suit their specific retail circumstances.

Returning to FIGs. 2A and 2B, if the user pays by credit or debit card at 276, the payment acceptor 112 reads the card information and the present invention communicates via the network interface 116 in a standard fashion with the entity that issued the credit or debit card and verify that the card is acceptable for payment. In embodiments that include a "pay cash here" option, if the customer inserts one or more bills of paper money, or coins, into the payment acceptor 112 at 274, the present invention determines whether sufficient funds have been inserted. In embodiments that include a selectable "pay at the counter" option, the user selects that option at 272, and the kiosk 100 may print a receipt using the optional receipt/coupon printer 118 and instruct the user where to take the receipt to pay. Alternatively, the kiosk may communicate directly with the store's checkout counters via the network interface 116, thus eliminating the need for a paper receipt.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the photographic printer(s) 110 and digital media storage device/dispenser 114 are located in the kiosk and dispense prints and digital media automatically upon confirmation of payment, enabling customers to insert their media, make their selections, make payment, and receive their order without the intervention of retail store personnel, rendering the entire operation "self-service." In other embodiments, while the photographic printer(s) 110 and digital media storage device/dispenser 114 are located in the kiosk, the kiosk's printing and storage functions may be password- or code- protected, requiring retail store personnel to "authorize" printing and storage after payment is confirmed, either by physically entering a password or code and enabling printing and/or photo storing, or by providing such a password or code to the customer, who can then return to the kiosk, enter the password or code, and receive the ordered prints and/or storage device. In still other embodiments, the photographic printer(s) 110 and digital media storage device/dispenser 114 are connected to the kiosk 100, but physically located behind a retail counter, thus requiring customers to obtain their prints and storage media from the counter personnel. In fully automatic versions, after the kiosk 100 confirms payment for the prints and/or storage, it may automatically initiate printing and/or storage, or it may provide a code or password to the customer for manual entry into the kiosk 100 via the input unit 120. Other methods for accepting payment for the prints and storage, for confirming payment, and for enabling printing and storage may be used without departing from the present invention.

After payment is received and confirmed, and printing and/or storage is either automatically or manually enabled, the photographic printer(s) 110 prints the customer's images according to the customer's selections made as described above. The physical handling of those prints within the kiosk 100 is not critical to the invention. In one embodiment, the prints are output into an open external bin. In another embodiment, the prints are output to an internal storage space within the kiosk 100 that is not accessible to the customer until an event, such as a password being entered, or a payment being made, or a pager being returned, occurs. In another embodiment, the prints are output to one of a plurality of external bins, which may be viewed by but not accessed by the customer. The prints may be placed into an envelope or other organizing device if desired. Other structures and methods for outputting, storing and/or securing the prints may be used if desired.

If the customer has ordered and paid for storage, the kiosk 100 stores the selected images onto a digital storage media device (such as a DVD or CD) using the digital media storage device/dispenser 114, and dispenses the media to the customer. Again, the physical handling of the dispensed storage media within the kiosk 100 is not critical to the present invention. In one embodiment, the media is dispensed into an open external bin, accessible by the customer. In other embodiments, the media may be dispensed to an alternate, inaccessible location that may require the entry of a code or password for accessibility, or it may be dispensed to a location that requires retrieval by store personnel (e.g., behind a retail counter). In a preferred embodiment, the kiosk 100 includes a label printer that prints a digital media label that is dispensed along with the storage media device. The label identifies the stored contents of the media, and dispensing it along with the media enables the customer to immediately apply the label to the storage media to identify its contents. Alternatively, the kiosk 100 includes a printer that enables printing identifying information directly on the media. In one embodiment, the checkout function 130 includes a step that presents a customer that has ordered storage with the opportunity to enter identifying information (such as filenames, disc names, dates, or other identifying information) to be printed on the media or media label. As an example, the checkout function 130 may display a fill-in-the- blank form where the user is prompted to enter identifying information, and the printer then prints the entered information on the media or the media label.

In sum, the present invention is a digital photo printmaker and storage provider apparatus, system, and method. The present invention includes an input data reader that reads a user's input data, a user interface, and resident editing, printing, and archiving functions. The input data reader reads a user's input data files, which may include either digital data input by a user using a variety of input devices or data digitized from non-digital data input by a user. The user operates the user interface to edit his input data, to order prints of either the unchanged input data or the edited versions of the input data, and to archive either the unchanged input data or edited versions of the user's input data. Data is archived onto digital storage media using a storage device that dispenses to the user the digital media holding the user's archived data.

The present invention may also include a payment acceptance device and one or more photographic printers that print the user's input data and edited versions of the user's input data on standard and non-standard size print media. In addition, some embodiments of the present invention may also include a one- touch printing function that enables users to order prints of their input data files by operating a single control one time. Some embodiments of the present invention include a printer operable to print and dispense receipts, messages, coupons, and digital media storage labels. Although the present invention has been described in terms of the presently preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not interpreted as limiting. Various alterations and modifications will no doubt become apparent to those skilled in the art after having read the above disclosure. Accordingly, it is intended that all appended claims be interpreted as covering all alterations and modifications as falling within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMSWe claim the following invention:

1. A digital photo printmaker and storage provider, comprising: an input data reader that reads a user's input data, wherein said input data further comprises one or more data files, each data file further comprises either digital data input by a user or data digitized from non-digital data input by a user; a user interface; a resident editing function that enables a user to edit said input data using said user interface; a resident printing function that enables a user using said user interface to print one or more of the following: said input data, or one or more edited versions of said input data; a resident archiving function that enables a user using said user interface to archive data comprising one or more of the following: said input data, or one or more edited versions of said input data; and a digital media storage device that stores said archived data on digital storage media and dispenses said digital storage media upon which said archived data has been stored.

2. The digital photo printmaker and storage provider of claim 1 , further comprising a payment acceptance device.

3. The digital photo printmaker and storage provider of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a photographic printer that prints said input data and said edited versions of said input data.

4. The digital photo printmaker and storage provider of claim 2, further comprising a one-touch print ordering function wherein a user orders one print of each said data file of said input data by operating said payment acceptance device.

5. The digital photo printmaker and storage provider of claim 3, further comprising a printer operable to print and dispense one or more of the following: receipts, messages, coupons, and digital media storage labels.

6. A digital photo printmaker and storage system, comprising: an input data reader that reads a user's input data, wherein said input data further comprises one or more data files, each data file further comprises either digital data input by a user or data digitized from non-digital data input by a user; a user interface; a resident editing function that enables a user to edit said input data using said user interface; a resident printing function that enables a user using said user interface to print one or more of the following: said input data, or one or more edited versions of said input data; a resident archiving function that enables a user using said user interface to archive data comprising one or more of the following: said input data, or one or more edited versions of said input data; and a digital media storage device that stores said archived data on digital storage media and dispenses said digital storage media upon which said archived data has been stored.

7. The system of claim 6, further comprising a payment acceptance device.

8. The system of claim 6 or 7, further comprising a photographic printer that prints said input data and said edited versions of said input data.

9. The system of claim 7, further comprising a one-touch print ordering function wherein a user orders one print of each said data file of said input data by operating said payment acceptance device.

10. The system of claim 8, further comprising a printer operable to print and dispense one or more of the following: receipts, messages, coupons, and digital media storage labels.

11. A method that makes a digital photo printmaker and storage provider, comprising: providing an input data reader that reads a user's input data, wherein said input data further comprises one or more data files, each data file further comprises either digital data input by a user or data digitized from non-digital data input by a user; providing a user interface; coupling a resident editing function to said user interface, said resident editing function enables a user to edit said input data using said user interface; coupling a resident printing function to said user interface, said resident printing function enables a user to print one or more of the following: said input data, or one or more edited versions of said input data; coupling a resident archiving function to said user interface, said resident archiving function enables a user to archive data comprising one or more of the following: said input data, or one or more edited versions of said input data; and providing a digital media storage device that stores said archived data on digital storage media and dispenses said digital storage media upon which said archived data has been stored.

12. The method of claim 11 , further comprising providing a payment acceptance device.

13. The method of claim 11 or 12, further comprising providing a photographic printer that prints said input data and said edited versions of said input data.

14. The method of claim 12, further comprising providing a one-touch print ordering function wherein wherein a user orders one print of each said data file of said input data by operating said payment acceptance device.

15. The method of claim 13, further comprising providing a printer operable to print and dispense one or more of the following: receipts, messages, coupons, and digital media storage labels.

16. A method that uses a digital photo printmaker and storage provider, comprising: reading input data using an input data reader, wherein said input data further comprises one or more data files, each data file further comprises either digital data input by a user or data digitized from non-digital data input by a user; receiving user commands from a user interface; editing said input data according to user commands received from said user interface using a resident editing function; printing one or more of the following: said input data, or one or more edited versions of said input data using a resident printing function and a photographic printer; archiving one or more of the following: said input data, or one or more edited versions of said input data using a resident archiving function and a digital media storage device that stores archived data on digital storage media; and dispensing said digital storage media upon which said archived data has been stored.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising accepting payment using a payment acceptance device.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising ordering one print of each said data file of said input data by operating said payment acceptance device.

19. The method of claim 16 or 17, further comprising printing and dispensing one or more of the following: a receipt, message, coupon, or digital media storage label.

20. A program storage device readable by a computer that tangibly embodies a program of instructions executable by the computer to perform a method that uses a digital photo printmaker and storage provider, said method comprising: reading input data using an input data reader, wherein said input data further comprises one or more data files, each data file further comprises either digital data input by a user or data digitized from non-digital data input by a user; receiving user commands from a user interface; editing said input data according to user commands received from said user interface using a resident editing function; printing one or more of the following: said input data, or one or more edited versions of said input data using a resident printing function and a photographic printer; archiving one or more of the following: said input data, or one or more edited versions of said input data using a resident archiving function and a digital media storage device that stores archived data on digital storage media ; and dispensing said digital storage media upon which said archived data has been stored.

21. The program storage device of claim 20 wherein said method further comprises accepting payment using a payment acceptance device.

22. The program storage device of claim 20 or 21 wherein said method further comprises ordering one print of each said data file of said input data by operating said payment acceptance device.

23. The program storage device of claim 20 or 21 wherein said method further comprises printing and dispensing one or more of the following: a receipt, message, coupon, or digital media storage label.

24. A digital image file selection apparatus that enables selection of a group of digital image files for collective processing, comprising: a plurality of items presented on a touch screen user interface, wherein each said item represents a digital image file; a group selection function whereby a group of digital image files is designated by touching at least two of said plurality of items in succession; and a control that invokes a desired process for each said digital image file in said group, wherein said desired process further comprises one or more of the following: print quantity increment, print quantity decrement, print image enhancement, red-eye removal, print size selection, or order print having default parameters.

25. A system that includes a digital image file selection apparatus that enables selection of a group of digital image files for collective processing, comprising: a plurality of items presented on a touch screen user interface, wherein each said item represents a digital image file; a group selection function whereby a group of digital image files is designated by touching at least two of said plurality of items in succession; and a control that invokes a desired process for each said digital image file in said group, wherein said desired process further comprises one or more of the following: print quantity increment, print quantity decrement, print image enhancement, red-eye removal, print size selection, or order print having default parameters.

26. A method that makes a digital image file selection apparatus that enables selection of a group of digital image files for collective processing, comprising: providing a plurality of items presented on a touch screen user interface, wherein each said item represents a digital image file; providing a group selection function whereby a group of digital image files is designated by touching at least two of said plurality of items in succession; and providing a control that invokes a desired process for each said digital image file in said group, wherein said desired process further comprises one or more of the following: print quantity increment, print quantity decrement, print image enhancement, red-eye removal, print size selection, or order print having default parameters.

27. A method that selects a group of digital image files for collective processing, comprising: designating a group of digital image files by touching a plurality of items presented on a touch screen user interface in succession, wherein each said item represents a digital image file; and operating a control that invokes a desired process for each said digital image file in said group, wherein said desired process further comprises one or more of the following: print quantity increment, print quantity decrement, print image enhancement, red-eye removal, print size selection, or order print having default parameters.

28. A program storage device readable by a computer that tangibly embodies a program of instructions executable by the computer to perform a method that selects a group of digital image files for collective processing, said method comprising: designating a group of digital image files by touching a plurality of items presented on a touch screen user interface in succession, wherein each said item represents a digital image file; and operating a control that invokes a desired process for each said digital image file in said group, wherein said desired process further comprises one or more of the following: print quantity increment, print quantity decrement, print image enhancement, red-eye removal, print size selection, or order print having default parameters.

29. A dependent claim according to claim 24, 25, 26, 27, or 28 wherein said group is deselected after both of the following: said desired process is invoked and a digital image file is selected by touching the item that corresponds to said digital image file.