WO2002023267A1

WO2002023267A1 - Film scanner system

Info

Publication number: WO2002023267A1
Application number: PCT/US2001/028846
Authority: WO
Inventors: William G. Reed
Original assignee: Digital Now, Inc.
Priority date: 2000-09-15
Filing date: 2001-09-14
Publication date: 2002-03-21
Also published as: AU2001294561A1

Abstract

The invention provides systems and methods for implementing digital film processing services in the environment of a conventional mini-lab having a standard photographic film processor. More specifically, the invention provides digital film scanners (120) adapted for scanning images developed by existing mini-lab photographic film processors (110). The scanners of the invention include means for assigning an order identifier to a group of scanned images which constitutes an order and means for electronically communicating the data (125) which represents the scanned images of the order and the order identifier to a computer implemented order system that enables a consumer to review the scanned images and order products derived therefrom. The order system may be on site, at the counter of the mini-lab, and/or centrally, located, off-site, in which case the consumer may, for example communicate with the system via the Internet.

Description

FILM SCANNER SYSTEM

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/232,860, filed September 15, 2000, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Field of in ention

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.

Background

It is common for various photographic film finishing services to offer on-site film processing. These 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. Nevertheless, 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. Often this is because 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. Furthermore, the large digital scanning systems often do no fit well within the confines of a mini-lab, where space is at a premium.

For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a film scanning and order tracking system that is designed to practically and efficiently integrate into the work-flow of the on-site mini-labs and to lower the cost and dimensions of the scanning hardware.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a art of the specification, illustrate one embodiment of the present invention and, together with the summary, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 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; and FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a film scanner according to the present invention.

Summary of the 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. Advantageously, 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.

Advantageously, 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. In this case, 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. Detailed Description of the Invention

In describing various embodiments of the invention, specific terminology will be used for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, but also includes all equivalents. With reference to the drawings, in general, and FIGS. 1 and 3 in particular, the present invention is described.

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.

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.

In another embodiment of the invention, 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.

In a further embodiment, 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. In a further embodiment of the invention, 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.

In a further embodiment of the invention, 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.

For example, in one embodiment of the invention, 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 . As film 200 is advanced, video camera 220 is used to facilitate the reading and decoding of film identification codes on film 200, such as printed barcodes. In one embodiment of the invention, video camera 220 is a digital video camera. In one embodiment of the invention, video camera 220 captures 640X480 pixel images.

During this film identification process, the edge of film 200 is illuminated in transmission mode by edge illuminator 225. In one embodiment of the invention, 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.

In one embodiment of the invention, 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. In a further embodiment of the invention, 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.

In another embodiment of the invention, 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. Thus, video camera 220 and edge illuminator 225 can act as a pre-scanner to determine the proper exposure values for capturing digital photographic images. However, it should be understood that 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. In one embodiment, light source 230 also emits infra-red light in order to facilitate film defect removal. During illumination by light source 230, the images are captured through lens 232 by tri-linear line scan CCD film scanner 235, which operates over a standard USB data port. In one embodiment of the invention, the line array comprises 2048 pixels.

The scanned information is then transmitted to digitizer 240 and on to controller 245. 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. In one embodiment of the invention, a feed/load button 315 is used to control film 305. In one embodiment of the invention, 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. In one embodiment of the invention, a controller that controls the scanning can be located remotely from the scanner, allowing it to be used for order tracking and other uses.

While there have been shown and described specific embodiments of the present invention, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention or its equivalents. The invention is intended to be broadly protected consistent with the spirit and scope of the above description.

Claims

1. A digital film scanner adapted for scanning images in developed film, the scanner comprising:

(a) scanning means;

(b) means for assigning an order identifier to one or more scanned images constituting an order; and

(c) means for electronically communicating data representing the order identifier and scanned images of the order to a computer implemented system that enables an authorized party to review the scanned images and order products derived from the scanned images.

2. The scanner according to claim 1, wherein the computer implemented system is an on- site system in the vicinity of the scanner.

3. The scanner according to claim 1, wherein the computer implemented system is a central, off-site system, and enables the authorized party to review the scanned images and order products derived from the scanned images, via an electronic communication with the central, off-site system.

4. The scanner according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the scanner is sized and configured to be integrated into the workflow order of a mini-lab having a standard mini-lab photographic film processor.

5. The film scanning unit according to claim 4, further comprising a supportive base section, a vertical post section attached to the base section, and a scanning section attached to the post section.

6. A system for providing digital film processing services, the system comprising:

a standard mini-lab photographic film processor; and

a separate digital film scanner adapted for scanning images in film developed by the film processor, the scanner comprising:

means for assigning an identifier to one or more scanned images, and

means for electronically communicating data representing the identifier and the scanned images to a computer implemented system that enables an authorized party to review the scanned images and order products derived from the scanned images.

7. The system according to claim 6, further comprising the computer implemented system.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the computer implemented system is a local, on-site system in the vicinity of the scanner.

9. The method according to claim 7, wherein the computer implemented system is a central off-site system, and enables the authorized party to review the scanned images and order products derived from the scanned images, via electronic communication with the central, off- site system.

10. A method for providing digital film processing services, comprising the steps of:

providing a standard mini-lab photographic film processor;

providing, within a working vicinity of the mini-lab film processor, a separate digital film scanner adapted for scanning images in film developed by the film processor, the scanner comprising: means for assigning an identifier to a one or more scanned images constituting an order, and

means for electronically communicating data representing the identifier and the scanned images of the order to at least one computer implemented system that enables an authorized party to review the scanned images and order products derived from the scanned images.

11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the step of:

providing the computer implemented system.

12. The method according to claim 11 , wherein the step of providing the computer implemented system comprises providing a local, on-site computer implemented system.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein the step of providing the computer implemented system comprises providing a central off-site computer implemented system that enables the authorized party to review the scanned images and order products derived from the scanned images, via electronic communication with the central, off-site system.

14. A computer controlled digital film scanning system comprising:

(a) a film advancement mechanism for advancing film through the scanning system;

(b) at least one video camera positioned to capture film identification codes on the edge of a film;

(c) exposure control means for determining the proper exposure values for the scanning of an image using data captured by the video camera and for controlling the exposure in a subsequent scanning; (d) a RGB solid state light source for illuminating the film for scanning;

(e) a film scanner;

(f) an image digitizer for digitizing the images captured by the film scanner; and

(g) at least one computer processor controlling components (a) - (f) according to at least one set of computer processor instructions stored in a computer accessible memory.