WO2004107732A2 - Procede pour traiter une commande d'images client - Google Patents

Procede pour traiter une commande d'images client Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2004107732A2
WO2004107732A2 PCT/GB2004/001881 GB2004001881W WO2004107732A2 WO 2004107732 A2 WO2004107732 A2 WO 2004107732A2 GB 2004001881 W GB2004001881 W GB 2004001881W WO 2004107732 A2 WO2004107732 A2 WO 2004107732A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
image
order
customer
order form
station
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/GB2004/001881
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2004107732A3 (fr
Inventor
Colin Hardingham
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Eastman Kodak Co
Original Assignee
Eastman Kodak Co
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 Eastman Kodak Co filed Critical Eastman Kodak Co
Publication of WO2004107732A2 publication Critical patent/WO2004107732A2/fr
Publication of WO2004107732A3 publication Critical patent/WO2004107732A3/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

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
    • H04N1/0035—User-machine interface; Control console
    • H04N1/00405—Output means
    • H04N1/00408—Display of information to the user, e.g. menus
    • H04N1/0044—Display of information to the user, e.g. menus for image preview or review, e.g. to help the user position a sheet
    • H04N1/00442—Simultaneous viewing of a plurality of images, e.g. using a mosaic display arrangement of thumbnails
    • 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
    • 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
    • H04N1/0035—User-machine interface; Control console
    • H04N1/00352—Input means
    • H04N1/00355—Mark-sheet input
    • H04N1/00358—Type of the scanned marks
    • 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
    • H04N1/0035—User-machine interface; Control console
    • H04N1/00352—Input means
    • H04N1/00355—Mark-sheet input
    • H04N1/00358—Type of the scanned marks
    • H04N1/00366—Marks in boxes or the like, e.g. crosses or blacking out
    • 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
    • H04N1/0035—User-machine interface; Control console
    • H04N1/00352—Input means
    • H04N1/00381—Input by recognition or interpretation of visible user gestures
    • 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
    • H04N1/0035—User-machine interface; Control console
    • H04N1/00405—Output means
    • H04N1/00408—Display of information to the user, e.g. menus
    • H04N1/00411—Display of information to the user, e.g. menus the display also being used for user input, e.g. touch screen
    • 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
    • H04N1/0035—User-machine interface; Control console
    • H04N1/00405—Output means
    • H04N1/00408—Display of information to the user, e.g. menus
    • H04N1/0044—Display of information to the user, e.g. menus for image preview or review, e.g. to help the user position a sheet
    • H04N1/00442—Simultaneous viewing of a plurality of images, e.g. using a mosaic display arrangement of thumbnails
    • H04N1/00453—Simultaneous viewing of a plurality of images, e.g. using a mosaic display arrangement of thumbnails arranged in a two dimensional array
    • 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
    • H04N1/0035—User-machine interface; Control console
    • H04N1/00405—Output means
    • H04N1/00408—Display of information to the user, e.g. menus
    • H04N1/0044—Display of information to the user, e.g. menus for image preview or review, e.g. to help the user position a sheet
    • H04N1/00461—Display of information to the user, e.g. menus for image preview or review, e.g. to help the user position a sheet marking or otherwise tagging one or more displayed image, e.g. for selective reproduction
    • 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
    • H04N1/0035—User-machine interface; Control console
    • H04N1/00405—Output means
    • H04N1/00408—Display of information to the user, e.g. menus
    • H04N1/00466—Display of information to the user, e.g. menus displaying finishing information, e.g. position of punch holes or staple or orientation references

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method of processing a customer image order.
  • the invention relates to a method of processing a customer image order that enables increased efficiency of image order stations.
  • the invention also relates to an image order station that enables such a method of processing to be achieved.
  • a hard copy output e.g. a photograph from a digital file captured by a digital image capture device
  • a user has a number of options. These include:
  • order stations can be used such as the 'Kodak PictureMaker G3 Order Station'.
  • a customer supplies the digital files from some suitable digital source e.g. MultiMedia/SDTM, CompactFlash, SmartMedia, Memory Stick, mobile phone with camera, a Kodak Picture CD or a Data CD.
  • the order station includes a display screen which is used to enable a customer to review their pictures on the screen to compile their order.
  • a method of processing a customer image order is required that enables use of such order stations without unduly delaying other customers.
  • An image order station is also required that enables such a method of processing to be achieved.
  • a method of processing a customer image order comprising the step of processing one or more received digital image files to create a customer image order form.
  • the customer image order form contains a plurality of image regions, each image region having an image therein and one or more indicia relating to the image therein to enable a user to select one or more parameters of the image for printing.
  • the customer image order form is then produced e.g. a hard copy is printed so that the customer can then select desired images remotely from the order station.
  • a user is provided with a printed order form containing images e.g. thumbnail images, together with indicia such as selection boxes for marking so that subsequently the user's preference in relation to the desired format of output for each image can be determined.
  • the method further comprises the steps of either: Receiving an annotated customer image order form, annotated with information indicative of a customer order, and scanning the customer image order form to obtain the information indicative of the customer order. This can then be used by the order station to prepare the final image order or alternatively the information can be conveyed to a different processing system to prepare the customer image order. Or: By use of an order form with Anoto type patterning giving 'Anoto
  • Anoto functionality relies on a printed grid pattern on a hard copy.
  • a digital pen is used that includes an integral camera. When using the digital pen and hard copy, the integral camera registers the pen's movement across the grid surface on the hard copy and stores it as series of map coordinates. These coordinates correspond to the exact location of the hard copy which is being written on.
  • remote gesture aware electronic displays to display and interact -with the customer image order form.
  • the customer annotates this soft copy and the annotated order is transmitted to the order station to prepare the final image order or alternatively the information can be transmitted to a different processing system to prepare the customer image order.
  • an image order station comprising a processor adapted to receive digital image data and create a customer image order form, the customer image order form containing a plurality of image regions. Each image region has an image therein and one or more indicia relating to the image therein to enable a user to select parameters of the image for printing.
  • the image order station may include a printer to print a hard copy of the customer image order form or additional remote gesture aware electronic displays to display a soft copy of the customer image order form (e.g. Tablet PC with touch-screen or Windows- Powered Smart Display with touch-screen) so that the customer can then create their image order remotely from the order station.
  • an order form for use in creating an image order.
  • the order form comprises a plurality of image regions, each image region having both an image and one or more indicia relating to the image therein to enable a user to select parameters of the image for printing.
  • the present invention provides a method of processing a customer image order using an image order station which releases the station for use by the next customer quicker than has been possible using known methods of processing customer image orders. This is achieved by a method including the step of printing the customer image order form or displaying the order form on a remote gesture aware electronic display so that the customer can then create their image order remotely from the order station.
  • Figure 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a photographic processing system according to one aspect of the present invention.
  • Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of an example of an order form for use in the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of an image order station according to one aspect of the present invention.
  • the station 2 has a processor 4 to which is coupled each of a scanner or data receiver 6, a printer or data transmitter 8 and a digital data reader/receiver 10.
  • the system is configured to receive, via digital data reader/receiver 10, a digital data source such as MultiMedia/SDTM, CompactFlash, SmartMedia, Memory Stick, mobile phone with camera, a Kodak Picture CD, or a Data CD.
  • the reader/receiver 10 reads one or more image files from the data source and transfers these image files to the processor 4, where they are stored in an associated memory (not shown).
  • the processor On selection of an "Order Form" option by the user (or alternatively automatically), the processor is then arranged to process the image files into the form of an index print or order form with suitable positions for user annotation, as will be explained below with reference to Figure 2.
  • An identifier is preferably printed on the index print or order form to identify it with the image files stored in the associated memory by the system.
  • This processed data is then transferred to the printer 8 so that a hard copy of the index print or order form can be printed.
  • the printer 8 outputs the hard copy index print or order form which is taken by the user.
  • a soft copy of the order form is sent, via data transmitter 8, to a remote gesture aware electronic display.
  • the user may then make any desired annotations on the order form to identify what output is desired. This will be explained below in detail with reference to Figure 2.
  • this annotation by the user can be done remotely from the order station.
  • the order station has the user's images stored and the identifier on the order form can be used to identify the correct images when required. Once a user has annotated the hard copy order form it is provided to the scanner 6.
  • the scanner scans the annotated hard copy order form and provides order information to the processor 4 to enable the processor to prepare the image files for printing the user's desired output.
  • an Anoto type pen is used to convey the order information from the hard copy order form to the processor 4.
  • the order form could alternatively be displayed on electronic paper which could be used in conjunction with an Anoto type pen.
  • the annotated order is transmitted to the processor 4.
  • an identifier is printed on the order form to ensure the processor uses the correct image files.
  • FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of an order form or index print 12 according to the present invention.
  • the print 12 is divided into regions 14 each having a thumbnail picture 16 and optionally an image identifier 28.
  • an identifier in the form of a code number 26 is printed in the bottom left hand corner of the order form.
  • Other suitable identifiers may be used such as e.g. bar codes.
  • each region has indicia printed to enable a user to select parameters of a final output format print. For example, the available size of a final output print size 18 is marked. By ringing the desired size 24 a user indicates the size of print that is desired.
  • the only options presented to a user are to have a print of size 5" x 7" or 8" x 10". Any number of options could be presented to a user for example cartoonise image or print on mug, all of which are examples of user-selectable parameters. If no size is ringed the system may be configured to print a default size print of say 4" x 6". Similarly if no version of the image is required at all, the user can cross out the thumbnail e.g. see image identified by the reference numeral 20 in Figure 2.
  • the invention enables a user to crop each image so that the output format image provided only has a desired part of the image.
  • the image identified by the reference numeral 22 in Figure 2 has been marked to inform the processor that the final output format image is to be a cropped version of the original as indicated by the crop boundaries on the thumbnail.
  • a user inserts their digital media into the reader slot of an order station and selects "Order Form” option.
  • the images are read and the digital media returned to the customer.
  • a thumbnail order form as shown in and described above with reference to Figure 2, is either produced using a printing or some other suitable method for producing a hard copy or displayed as a soft copy on a remote gesture aware electronic display.
  • the user can then see the images and mark-up the order form as explained above.
  • the user then returns the order form and it is scanned to extract the order information using Optical Character Recognition or order information is transmitted to the order station from an Anoto type pen or from a remote gesture aware electronic display. Crop boundaries are read to crop a picture as required.
  • the order is then processed by the order station printer, an attached minilab or alternatively the images can be sent to a remote processing station e.g. via the internet.
  • a remote processing station e.g. via the internet.
  • a user is presented with the option of having more than one order form printed. This enables user's friends to use the system as well and make their own independent orders.
  • Order preparation may also be done at home.
  • a home PC/MAC application is used that prints out the order form with images obtained from the user's digital media, on a home printer or displays it for completion on the computer screen.
  • the user takes their digital media and completed hard copy or data file order form to their local minilab store for fulfillment.
  • the same thumbnail order form could be included in a conventional print order so a customer could order reprints at the local minilab without needing to identify frame numbers.
  • the present invention provides a system for and a method of processing in which less customer interaction with an order station is required compared to systems and methods of processing using conventional order stations. This releases the order station for use by the next customer. Since selection of final output images is performed remotely from the order station by the user, the system is freed up for use by others. This has the effect of reducing build-up of queues around the station.
  • a processor 4 which when loaded onto a computer or processor enables it to control the system described above with reference to Figure 1.
  • a processor 4 is provided.
  • This could be a microprocessor, a dedicated application specific integrated circuit having a suitable control program stored thereon or any other suitable type of processor.
  • the processor 4 could be similar to the processor used in conventional order stations, but different in that it is adapted e.g. by having specific software running or stored thereon, so that the order station functions as an order station according to the present invention.
  • the computer program could also be provided on some form of carrier e.g. a disk, CD-ROM etc.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Computer Vision & Pattern Recognition (AREA)
  • Facsimiles In General (AREA)
  • Management, Administration, Business Operations System, And Electronic Commerce (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un procédé pour traiter une commande d'images client par un poste de commande d'images. Le procédé comprend des opérations permettant de recevoir un ou plusieurs fichiers d'images numériques, et de créer les fichiers d'images numériques considérés pour créer un formulaire de commande d'images client. Le formulaire de commande d'images client contient une pluralité de régions d'images, chaque région d'image comportant une image incluse et une ou plusieurs marques se rapportant à l'image contenue de façon à permettre à l'utilisateur de sélectionner des paramètres de l'image à imprimer. Finalement, le formulaire de commande d'images client est imprimé ou affiché sur un afficheur électronique à distance à conscience des gestes, de façon que le client puisse sélectionner les images voulues, à distance du poste de commande.
PCT/GB2004/001881 2003-05-31 2004-04-30 Procede pour traiter une commande d'images client Ceased WO2004107732A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0312523.4 2003-05-31
GB0312523A GB0312523D0 (en) 2003-05-31 2003-05-31 A method of processing a customer image order

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2004107732A2 true WO2004107732A2 (fr) 2004-12-09
WO2004107732A3 WO2004107732A3 (fr) 2005-04-21

Family

ID=9959110

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2004/001881 Ceased WO2004107732A2 (fr) 2003-05-31 2004-04-30 Procede pour traiter une commande d'images client

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (1) GB0312523D0 (fr)
WO (1) WO2004107732A2 (fr)

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6956671B2 (en) * 1998-10-15 2005-10-18 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Specifying image file processing operations via device controls and a user-completed proof sheet

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0312523D0 (en) 2003-07-09
WO2004107732A3 (fr) 2005-04-21

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