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WO2002023267A1 - Dispositif de numeriseur de film - Google Patents

Dispositif de numeriseur de film Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2002023267A1
WO2002023267A1 PCT/US2001/028846 US0128846W WO0223267A1 WO 2002023267 A1 WO2002023267 A1 WO 2002023267A1 US 0128846 W US0128846 W US 0128846W WO 0223267 A1 WO0223267 A1 WO 0223267A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
film
scanned images
scanner
order
computer implemented
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2001/028846
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
William G. Reed
Original Assignee
Digital Now, Inc.
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 Digital Now, Inc. filed Critical Digital Now, Inc.
Priority to AU2001294561A priority Critical patent/AU2001294561A1/en
Publication of WO2002023267A1 publication Critical patent/WO2002023267A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03D—APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING EXPOSED PHOTOGRAPHIC MATERIALS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
    • G03D5/00—Liquid processing apparatus in which no immersion is effected; Washing apparatus in which no immersion is effected
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
    • G03B27/00—Photographic printing apparatus
    • G03B27/32—Projection printing apparatus, e.g. enlarger, copying camera
    • G03B27/52—Details
    • 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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of photographic images. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device, system and method for digitizing photographic images. The present invention further relates to a method and system for fulfilling customer orders for digital photographic images.
  • mini-labs On-site mini-laboratories
  • mini-labs give customers the option of having their film developed immediately.
  • "One-hour" photo labs at drug stores, grocery stores, or other retailers allow customers to have their film developed while shopping or performing other errands.
  • many retailers that offer one-hour film processing do not also offer the option of having the processed photographic images digitized and stored in an electronic medium such as on a CD-ROM or on the Internet.
  • the systems for scanning film and providing digital products and services on-site have been limited to either very expensive, "digital mini-labs” or to bulky and slow on-site scanning systems that use standard commercial film scanners and computers.
  • the large digital scanning systems often do no fit well within the confines of a mini-lab, where space is at a premium.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a photographic film processing system according to the present invention
  • FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a film scanner according to the present invention
  • FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a film scanner according to the present invention.
  • the invention provides a digital film scanner adapted for scanning images in film developed by a separate standard mini-lab photographic film processor.
  • the scanner comprises means for assigning an order identifier to a group of scanned images which constitutes an order.
  • the scanner of the present invention further comprises means for electronically communicating the data which represents the scanned images of the order and the order identifier to a computer implemented order system that enables an authorized party to both review the scanned images and order products derived from the scanned images.
  • the invention also provides a method and system which utilize the scanner of the invention for providing digital photographic services.
  • the invention also provides that the computer implemented order system of the invention can be a local, on-site system (with respect to the mini-lab or location of the scanner, in general).
  • the invention further provides, alternatively or in addition, that the computer implemented order system can be a central, off-site system which enables the authorized party to review the scanned images and order products derived therefrom, via an electronic communication with the central, off-site system.
  • the invention also provides that the scanner is sized and configured to be easily and efficiently integrated into the workflow order of a mini-lab having a standard mini-lab photographic film processor.
  • the scanner may comprise a supportive base section, a vertical post section attached the base section, and a scanning section attached to the post section.
  • the overall configuration may advantageously resemble that of a standard film hangar.
  • the invention also provides that the scanner may be mounted at a convenient height on a wall or another vertical surface.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an overview of the photographic film processing system of the present invention.
  • a clerk receives orders for film processing from customers.
  • Photographic film negatives received from customers are then processed by conventional mini-lab equipment 110 and then hung on existing film hangers 115. If a customer chooses to have the photographic images digitized, the processed film negative is then scanned by scanner 120 of the invention.
  • scanners 120 An important part of the invention is the physical form of scanners 120, with one or more scanners placed in the normal workflow of the on-site mini-lab. As shown in FIG. 1, scanners 120 are placed next to other equipment in workspace 100 in a manner that facilitates proper work flow. This may mean that scanners 120 are placed in the logical processing order. Scanners 120 are also placed in a manner that facilitates the proper tracking and identification of specific film orders. This usually means that scanners 120 are placed next to existing film hangers 115, and film negatives are processed in a logical order.
  • scanners are connected to controller 130 through a serial data transmission format. This allows for the use of small diameter cables 125 to transmit data from scanner 120 to controller 130 over relatively long distances.
  • the invention can track the status of customer orders and notify customers of the order status of the film scanning and digital products production through electronic mail, the Internet, a wireless communications device, or another method. These functions are performed by an interactive computer implemented order logging and tracking system which is supported by typical computer hardware, computer accessible memory, software, input/output devices, and communications means as known in the art.
  • controller 130 and barcode reader 135 incorporate the order tracking system, as described in U.S. patent application No. 09/641,564, entitled "Order Logging System and Method," filed August 18, 2000, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • an order logging/tracking system which is provided also stores the digital photographic images produced by scanners 120 with the customer information collected by the store clerk and entered into the Order Logging System. This allows for the display and ordering of digital prints or other products as a seamless part of the order handling process.
  • thumbnail images of higher resolution scans are stored with links to a customer ID card number, and optionally with an order identifier, so that when the customer card is scanned, e.g., at a retail location such as a mini-lab site or a kiosk, the thumbnail images are displayed.
  • This customer ID number is one form of identifier which is typically associated with all orders of a customer but each order for digitization, may be assigned it own identifier for order logging and tracking purposes.
  • the customer then chooses which images to get digital prints for, and the identifying information is sent to a fulfillment printing plant with or without the full resolution images (the printing plant may have the full resolution images in storage).
  • FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a film scanner of the present invention.
  • Film 200 is advanced through the film scanner of the invention. The film advancement is facilitated by stop motor film drive 2 .
  • video camera 220 is used to facilitate the reading and decoding of film identification codes on film 200, such as printed barcodes.
  • video camera 220 is a digital video camera.
  • video camera 220 captures 640X480 pixel images.
  • edge illuminator 225 is a solid state light source. In one embodiment of the invention, edge illuminator 225 emits at least three different successive colors. In a further embodiment of the invention, film 200 is successively illuminated by the different colors of light of edge illuminator 225.
  • Video camera 220 captures the images of film 200 as it is illuminated by edge illuminator 225. In another embodiment, these images are transmitted to a computer (not shown) over a standard USB data port. The computer then decodes this image to determine the film emulsion type and also image frame numbers for the section of film illuminated.
  • film 200 is illuminated multiple times at different illumination levels and video camera 220 captures multiple exposures of the photo- graphic image. In this manner, more information concerning the nature and composition of film 200 is captured prior to the scanning of the film by the scanner.
  • the scanner incorporates the invention described in U.S. Patent No. 5,864,387 entitled “Method and Apparatus for Creating In-line Index Prints, issued January 26, 1999, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,864,387 describes a scanner for making Index Prints which uses this video barcode decoding technique.
  • the identification of the film type is used to color and density correct the digitally scanned photographic images.
  • the frame numbers are used to label the images for digital storage.
  • a reflective light source may also be included to permit the reading of reflective barcodes by switching off the transmissive light source and switching on the reflective light source.
  • the scanner can capture the RGB (red- green-blue) illumination of film 200 and use the captured images to perform color and density correction by the method described in U.S. application No. 09/641,565, entitled “Color Density Exposure Control,” filed August 18, 2000, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • video camera 220 and edge illuminator 225 can act as a pre-scanner to determine the proper exposure values for capturing digital photographic images.
  • the scope of the present invention is not limited to any particular methods of color and density correction that may be employed.
  • the photographic images of film 200 is then illuminated by RGB solid state light source 230.
  • light source 230 also emits infra-red light in order to facilitate film defect removal.
  • the images are captured through lens 232 by tri-linear line scan CCD film scanner 235, which operates over a standard USB data port.
  • the line array comprises 2048 pixels.
  • Controller 245 may be separate from the body of the scanner.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of a film scanner of the present invention.
  • the form (i.e., configuration) and size of film scanner 300 is such that it can be mounted on a stand 302 in the film processing area in a similar manner to the film clips commonly used to hold processed film at mini-labs. This allows a continuous work flow that maximizes productivity at mini-labs, as previously described, and also minimizes the risk of order mixes (orders returned to the customer with the wrong CD, film, Index Printer or prints).
  • Film 305 is fed through scanner 300 as shown.
  • a feed/load button 315 is used to control film 305.
  • index print button 320, medium resolution button 325, and high resolution button 330 are used to select the desired scanning resolution. The selection of index print button 320 means that the lowest resolution scan is desired.
  • Data representing scanned photographic images are transmitted using serial data interfaces such as USB or Ethernet ports.
  • a controller that controls the scanning can be located remotely from the scanner, allowing it to be used for order tracking and other uses.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Facsimiles In General (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne des dispositifs et procédés conçus pour fournir des services numériques de développement de pellicules avec un mini-labo classique possédant un développeur de pellicules photographiques standard. Plus précisément, cette invention concerne des numériseurs de pellicules (120) adaptés pour numériser des images développées par les développeurs de pellicules photographiques (110) existants du mini-labo. Les numériseurs selon l'invention comportent un moyen pour assigner un identificateur de commande à un groupe d'images numérisées qui font l'objet d'une commande et un moyen pour communiquer électroniquement les données (125) représentant les images numérisées correspondant à la commande et l'identificateur de commande à un système de commande fonctionnant avec un ordinateur, ce qui permet au consommateur de revoir les images numérisées et de commander les produits qui en dérivent. Le système de commande peut se trouver in situ, au guichet du mini-labo, et/ou être disposé centralement, à l'extérieur, le consommateur pouvant alors, par exemple, communiquer avec le dispositif par Internet.
PCT/US2001/028846 2000-09-15 2001-09-14 Dispositif de numeriseur de film WO2002023267A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2001294561A AU2001294561A1 (en) 2000-09-15 2001-09-14 Film scanner system

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US23286000P 2000-09-15 2000-09-15
US60/232,860 2000-09-15

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2002023267A1 true WO2002023267A1 (fr) 2002-03-21

Family

ID=22874903

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2001/028846 WO2002023267A1 (fr) 2000-09-15 2001-09-14 Dispositif de numeriseur de film

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU2001294561A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2002023267A1 (fr)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5666215A (en) * 1994-02-25 1997-09-09 Eastman Kodak Company System and method for remotely selecting photographic images
US5784461A (en) * 1996-05-23 1998-07-21 Eastman Kodak Company Security system for controlling access to images and image related services
US5799219A (en) * 1996-02-20 1998-08-25 Eastman Kodak Company System and method for remote image communication and processing using data recorded on photographic film
US5949551A (en) * 1997-04-25 1999-09-07 Eastman Kodak Company Image handling method using different image resolutions
US6017157A (en) * 1996-12-24 2000-01-25 Picturevision, Inc. Method of processing digital images and distributing visual prints produced from the digital images

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5666215A (en) * 1994-02-25 1997-09-09 Eastman Kodak Company System and method for remotely selecting photographic images
US5799219A (en) * 1996-02-20 1998-08-25 Eastman Kodak Company System and method for remote image communication and processing using data recorded on photographic film
US5784461A (en) * 1996-05-23 1998-07-21 Eastman Kodak Company Security system for controlling access to images and image related services
US6017157A (en) * 1996-12-24 2000-01-25 Picturevision, Inc. Method of processing digital images and distributing visual prints produced from the digital images
US5949551A (en) * 1997-04-25 1999-09-07 Eastman Kodak Company Image handling method using different image resolutions

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2001294561A1 (en) 2002-03-26

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