U.S. patent application number 10/853934 was filed with the patent office on 2004-10-28 for method and apparatus for modifying a hard copy image digitally in accordance with instructions provided by consumer.
Invention is credited to Bohan, Anne E., Bourdelais, Robert P., Patton, David L..
Application Number | 20040212837 10/853934 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23658646 |
Filed Date | 2004-10-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040212837 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Patton, David L. ; et
al. |
October 28, 2004 |
Method and apparatus for modifying a hard copy image digitally in
accordance with instructions provided by consumer
Abstract
A system and method for editing an image provided on a hard copy
print. The system includes a marking device for placing an
instruction indicia on the hard copy print for modifying the image;
and a scanning device for reading the instruction indicia and the
image. A template may be provided for use in providing instruction
indicia on a hard copy print.
Inventors: |
Patton, David L.; (Webster,
NY) ; Bohan, Anne E.; (Pittsford, NY) ;
Bourdelais, Robert P.; (Pittsford, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Pamela R. Crocker
Patent Legal Staff
Eastman Kodak Company
343 State Street
Rochester
NY
14650-2201
US
|
Family ID: |
23658646 |
Appl. No.: |
10/853934 |
Filed: |
May 25, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10853934 |
May 25, 2004 |
|
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09418560 |
Oct 14, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
358/1.18 ;
358/537 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 2201/3271 20130101;
H04N 1/32133 20130101; H04N 2201/3242 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
358/001.18 ;
358/537 |
International
Class: |
G06F 015/00; H04N
001/46 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A kiosk for editing an image provided on a hard copy print,
comprising: a scanner for scanning a hard copy print having an
image thereon and a non-destructive instruction indicia placed over
said image, said non-destructive instruction indicia identifying
instructions for modifying said image; and a discrimination device
for identifying said digital image data said non-destructive
instruction indicia.
2. A kiosk according to claim 1 wherein said discriminating device
comprises a computer and an algorithm for analyzing said digital
data.
3. A kiosk according to claim 1 wherein said hard copy print
comprises a protective layer over said image capable of receiving
said non-destructive instruction indicia without substantially
affecting said image and which allows the non-destructive
instruction indicia to be easily removed.
4. A kiosk according to claim 1 further comprising a printing
device for printing said image in accordance with said instructions
provided by said non-destructive instruction indicia.
5. A kiosk according to claim 1 further comprising a display device
for displaying said image as modified in accordance with said
instructions provided by said non-destructive instruction
indicia.
6. A kiosk according to claim 4 wherein said kiosk further
comprises a display device for illustrating said image as modified
in accordance with said instructions prior to printing of said
modified image.
7. A kiosk according to claim 1 wherein said non-destructive
indicia is produced by an IR ink.
8. A kiosk according to claim 1 wherein said non-destructive
instruction indicia is produced by an ink which fades to
transparent over a brief period of time.
9. A kiosk according to claim 1 further comprising a data entry
device for entering of additional instructions for modifying of
said image.
10. A kiosk according to claim 1 further comprising a computer for
receiving the output of said scanning device, said computer having
an algorithm for analyzing said data from said scanning device such
for recognizing said non-destructive instruction indicia.
11. A kiosk according to claim 10 wherein said computer further
comprises an algorithm for implementing said instruction provided
by said non-destructive instruction indicia.
12. A kiosk according to claim 1 wherein said scanning device
comprises a single scanning device for scanning image and said
non-destructive instruction indicia in a single pass.
13. A kiosk according to claim 1 wherein said scanning device
comprises a first and second scanning device, said first scanning
device capable of identifying said image and said second scanning
device capable of recognizing said non-destructive instruction
indicia.
14. A kiosk according to claim 1 further comprising a keyboard for
communicating for providing of additional instructions for
modifying said image.
15. A kiosk according to claim 1 further comprising a supporting
platen upon which said hard copy print may be placed.
16. A kiosk according to claim 15 wherein a protective barrier can
be placed over said image upon which said instruction indicia may
be provided when said hard copy print is placed on said supporting
platen.
17. A kiosk according to claim 15 wherein said cover having
orientation marks or orienting said hard copy print on said
platen.
18. A kiosk according to claim 15 wherein said scanner is capable
of scanning said image and marking when said hard copy print is
placed on said platen.
19. An apparatus for editing an image provided on a hard copy
print, comprising: a scanner for scanning a hard copy print having
an image thereon and a non-destructive instruction indicia placed
over said image, said non-destructive instruction indicia
identifying instructions for modifying said image; and a
discrimination device for identifying said digital image data and
said instruction indicia.
20. An apparatus according to claim 19 wherein said discriminating
device comprises a computer and an algorithm for analyzing said
digital data.
21. An apparatus according to claim 19 wherein said hard copy print
comprises a protective layer over said image capable of receiving
said instruction indicia without substantially affecting said image
and which allows the non-destructive instruction indicia to be
easily removed.
22. An apparatus according to claim 19 further comprising a
printing device for printing said image in accordance with said
instructions provided by said non-destructive instruction
indicia.
23. An apparatus according to claim 19 further comprising a display
device for displaying said image as modified in accordance with
said instructions provided by said non-destructive instruction
indicia.
24. An apparatus according to claim 22 wherein said apparatus
further comprises a display device for illustrating said image as
modified in accordance with said instructions prior to printing of
said modified image.
25. An apparatus according to claim 19 wherein said non-destructive
indicia is produced by an IR ink.
26. An apparatus according to claim 19 wherein said non-destructive
indicia is produced by an ink which fades to transparent over a
brief period of time.
27. An apparatus according to claim 19 further comprising a data
entry device for entering of additional instructions for modifying
of said image.
28. An apparatus according to claim 19 further comprising a
computer for receiving the output of said scanning device, said
computer having an algorithm for analyzing said data from said
scanning device such for recognizing said instruction indicia.
29. An apparatus according to claim 28 wherein said computer
further comprises an algorithm for implementing said instruction
provided by said non-destructive instruction indicia.
30. An apparatus according to claim 19 wherein said scanning device
comprises a single scanning device for scanning image and said
non-destructive instruction indicia in a single pass.
31. An apparatus according to claim 19 wherein said scanning device
comprises a first and second scanning device, said first scanning
device capable of identifying said image and said second scanning
device capable of recognizing said non-destructive instruction
indicia.
32. An apparatus according to claim 19 further comprising a
keyboard for communicating for providing of additional instructions
for modifying said image.
33. An apparatus according to claim 19 further comprising a
supporting platen upon which said hard copy print may be
placed.
34. An apparatus according to claim 33 wherein a protective barrier
can be placed over said image upon which said instruction indicia
may be provided when said hard copy print is placed on said
supporting platen.
35. A apparatus according to claim 33 wherein said cover having
orientation marks or orienting said hard copy print on said
platen.
36. A apparatus according to claim 33 wherein said scanner is
capable of scanning said image and marking when said hard copy
print is placed on said platen.
37. An apparatus according to claim 19 where said apparatus
comprises a customer operated kiosk
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/418,560,
filed Oct. 14, 1999.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to modifying images for use in
producing hard copy prints in accordance with instructions provided
by a customer.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Many customers would like to modify their images on hard
copy prints, negatives, etc. before they have reprints made. The
modifications include changes such as cropping, enlarging the
cropped area, removal of unwanted items appearing in the scene,
elimination of red eye, and changing the skin tone to mention a
few. Currently the customer has several options of conveying the
modifying instructions to the photofinisher. They can write the
instructions and send the instructions with the negative or print
to the photofinisher. The customer can also use a device such a
KODAK Create-A-Print or Print Maker for making reprints and make
the changes themselves, or scan their hard copy image and use a
computer with a digital editing software program such as Photo Shop
to make the changes. Of these methods the first, writing the
instructions, is the simplest, but written instructions are very
often misinterpreted and require the intervention of a skilled
operator who then has to make judgements based on how he or she
interprets the instructions. The remaining options require the
customer to seek out a device where he or she can do the
modifications to the hard copy image themselves or they have to be
skilled in digital editing.
[0004] It is also known that algorithms can be used for
automatically correcting such things as red eye or for changing
skin tones in digital images. However, these algorithms may miss
areas to be modified.
[0005] In a system made in accordance with the present invention a
solution is provided for eliminating and/or minimizing the problems
of the prior art that can improve how customers provide information
to the photofinisher to modify their hard copy prints for
reprinting digitally.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a system for editing an image provided on a hard copy
print, comprising:
[0007] a marking device for placing an instruction indicia on the
hard copy print which is non-visible under normal viewing
conditions, the instruction indicia providing instructions for
modifying the image; and
[0008] a scanning device for reading the instruction indicia and
the image.
[0009] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention
there is provided a system for editing an image provided on a hard
copy print, comprising:
[0010] a marking device for placing an instruction indicia on the
hard copy print which is non-destructive to the hard copy print,
the instruction indicia identifying instructions for modifying the
image; and
[0011] a scanner for scanning the instruction indicia and the image
so as to obtain digital data of the image and the instructional
indicia.
[0012] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention
there is provided a system for editing an image provided on a hard
copy print, comprising:
[0013] a sleeve for holding the hard copy print, the sleeve being
constructed so as to allow the image on the hard copy print to be
scanned for obtaining a digital record of the image;
[0014] a marking device for placing an instruction indicia on the
sleeve for identifying instructions for modifying the image;
and
[0015] a scanner for scanning the instruction indicia and the image
on the hard copy print so as to obtain digital data of the image
and instruction indicia.
[0016] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
invention there is provided a system for editing an image provided
on a hard copy print, comprising:
[0017] a scanner for scanning the image on the hard copy print so
as to obtain digital data of the image;
[0018] a computer for receiving the digital data of the image;
[0019] a display device for displaying the image obtained by the
scanner which was forwarded to the computer; and
[0020] an electronic data entering device for entering
instructional indicia for modifying the image, the instruction
indicia representing programmed instructions provided in the
computer for automatically modifying of the image.
[0021] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
invention there is provided a method for editing an image on a hard
copy print, comprising the steps of:
[0022] a) providing an instruction indicia on the hard copy print
which is not visible under normal viewing conditions, the
instruction indicia comprising instructions for modifying of the
image; and
[0023] b) scanning the hard copy print so as to read the
instruction indicia and obtain digital image data representative of
the image In another aspect of the present invention there is
provided a template for use in providing instruction indicia on a
hard copy print having an image using a marker, providing marks
which are not normally visible under normal viewing conditions, the
template comprising:
[0024] a generally planar support structure having at least one
cut-out for use in placing an indicia of a predetermined
configuration, the indicia identifying a particular function or
code for modifying the image.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] In the detailed description of the preferred embodiments of
the invention presented below, reference is made to the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a hard copy image with the area to be
cropped marked.
[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates a reprint of the area to be cropped that
is marked on the hard copy image.
[0028] FIG. 3A is a schematic of the apparatus used to produce a
digital hard copy reprint from the marked scanned hard copy
image.
[0029] FIG. 3B is an enlargement of the computer monitor 34 shown
in FIG. 3A.
[0030] FIG. 4 illustrates a hard copy image with the areas to be
modified by the algorithms marked.
[0031] FIG. 5 illustrates a digital hard copy reprint of the marked
scanned hard copy image using the apparatus shown in FIG. 3.
[0032] FIG. 6 illustrates a template provided to assist the
customer in marking the scanned hard copy image by providing
outlined areas which can easily be identified with a particular
output size and/or shape and code.
[0033] FIG. 7 is a schematic of a digitizing pad and stylist used
for entering instructions to the computer.
[0034] FIG. 8 is a schematic of a kiosk used to produce a digital
hard copy reprint from the marked scanned hard copy image.
[0035] FIG. 9A is a schematic of a print insert into a transparent
sleeve on which image modifying are written and scanned.
[0036] FIG. 9B is a side view of a print insert into a transparent
sleeve.
[0037] FIG. 10 illustrates a transparent sleeve containing a hard
copy print and image modifying instructions that are placed on a
scanner platen.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0038] The present description will be directed in particular to
elements forming part of, or in cooperation more directly with, the
apparatus in accordance with the present invention. It is
understood that elements not specifically shown or described may
take various forms well known to those skilled in the art.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a hard copy print
10 having an image 11 thereon with the area 12 of the image 11 to
be cropped marked. In the particular embodiment illustrated the
print 10 is a photographic print, however, the print may be any
other hard copy media upon which there is provided an image. The
image 11 is to be cropped to show only the area 12 indicated by an
instruction mark/indicia 14 which in the embodiment illustrated is
in the form of a square or rectangle drawn using a marker (not
shown). The mark 14 is a code and/or instruction which is
machine-readable which provides information regarding the desired
modification of the image 11. This allows for the automatic reading
and implementation of the encoded instruction. The marker contains
a marking material that is not visible to the human eye unless
viewed under special conditions such as infra red or UV lights. In
the embodiment illustrated the marking material is a fluid, and in
particular an infra red or UV ink. However any suitable ink, dye
and/or pigment may be used. Use of an infra red or UV light causes
the mark 14 to be invisible under normal viewing conditions. Using
inks, pigments or dyes that are not visible to the unaided eye, but
are visible with a special light or inks, pigments or dyes which
are visible for a while and then later fade allows the customer to
mark his or her personal print without leaving permanent visible
marks on the image. Eastman Chemical Company under the trade name
N.I.R.F. (near-infrared fluorophore) inks sells appropriate
suitable ink for placement of the information.
[0040] The method of scanning the hard copy print image with the
mark/indicia 14 is such that the image can be separated from the
mark/indicia 14 may be accomplished in a variety of ways. One
method would use a first scanning pass of the hard copy print 10 to
capture the image 111 and an additional second scanning pass to
read the mark/indicia 14. The initial scanning would be done using
the standard color filtration schemes/combinations known in the
art. This could include three passes varying the illumination to
read the three color records or using one pass where the sensor was
covered with a color filter array. Both of these methods are well
known in the art. The additional second pass would use narrow band
illumination/filtration around the spectrum of the marking dye. As
an example, if the marking device had an IR dye the last pass would
either illuminate the print with IR energy in the range of the
spectrum relevant to the dye. The sensor in the scanner would be
filtered so that it was only exposed to light in that narrow
portion of the IR spectrum. Both of the above expect the sensor to
be responsive to the portion of the spectrum modulated by the
marking dye. In this way the mark/indicia 14 could be distinguished
from the hard copy print image 11.
[0041] If it is desired that the print 10 only be scanned one time
(for example due to time constraints) this could be achieved as
well. In a one scan process, a color filter array, already commonly
used to scan three color records at one time, could be modified to
include an additional filter. Now instead of the typical three
different filter types as part of the array there would be four.
The fourth filter would be a narrow band pass filter designed to
match the spectral characteristics of the marking dye. The
arrangement of the different filters on the sensor could be
designed to maximize image quality while maintaining enough
information in the fourth channel, that of the mark/indicia, to
detect and interpret the mark/indicia 14. Design techniques for
color filter arrays are well known in the art.
[0042] A permanent marking material visible to the human eye may be
used if the condition of the original print is of no concern or if
the image surface is protected so that the marking material is
removal in a manner which is non-destructive of the original print.
In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 the mark 14 provided
instructions as to the area to be printed. While in the embodiment
illustrated the mark 14 is drawn a continuous line, the mark 14 may
take other forms, for example, but not by way of limitation, the
mark 14 may be in the form of a broken line, such as dashes or line
segments. Further the mark may not necessarily be provided in the
exact shape of a rectangle, square or other shape. An appropriate
algorithm may be provided so that the image is printed in a shape
and/or size that best fits the shape designated by mark 14.
[0043] FIG. 2 illustrates a hard copy print 16 produced using the
marked hard copy print 10 of FIG. 1 using the system 18 illustrated
in FIG. 3A. As can be seen the size and shape of the hard copy
print 16 is slightly different than that identified by mark 14 of
FIG. 1. As previously discussed an algorithm is provided for best
fitting the identified image to the capabilities of the printing
system.
[0044] While the mark 14 may be made free hand by the customer, a
template 19 as illustrated in FIG. 6 may be provided for assisting
the customer in providing outlined areas which can easily be
identified with a particular output size and/or shape. For example
template 19 comprises a generally planar support structure having
at least one cut-out. In the embodiment illustrated the cut-outs
comprise openings having rectangular shapes 21, 22, and 23 each
being associated with a particular hard copy print format. In
particular, shape 21 is associated with a format having a square
aspect ratio, shape 22 is associated with a format having a 4 by 6
aspect ratio, and shape 23 has a format having a 4 by 8 aspect
ratio. Different size squares and rectangles may be drawn using
portions of the openings 21A, 21B, 21C and/or 21D. Template 19 may
be provided with any desired size or shape cut-out representing any
desired function, format and/or code. In the embodiment
illustrated, template 19 is also provided with template openings
24, 25 and 26 having circular, oval and half moon shapes. However,
it is to be understood that the template may be provided with any
desired shapes. The particular size of the selected shaped may be
preprogrammed or selected by the user in any convenient or desired
manner. The template 19 may also include letter codes for employing
a particular correction to the image 11. For example template 19
has template openings having code `R` indicated by numeral 27, code
`F` indicated by numeral 28, and code `X` indicated by the numeral
29. Where `R` is the code for employing an algorithm for correcting
for red eye, `F` is the code for employing an algorithm for
correcting for flesh tone, and `X` is the code for employing an
algorithm for removing the identified area. However, it is to be
understood that the template 19 may be provided with any number of
codes representing any desired correction to be applied to image
11.
[0045] Referring to FIG. 3A there is illustrated a schematic of a
system 18 used to produce a digital hard copy print from a marked
scanned hard copy print 10. The system 18 includes a scanner 30,
such as Hewlett Packard Scanjet IICX color scanner, connected to a
(CPU) computer 32 via cable 33 with a monitor 34. The computer 32
includes a memory 36, and logic and control unit 38. The computer
32 is connected via cables 40 and 42 to a pair of digital output
devices 44, 46. The computer 32 is provided with the appropriate
software(algorithms) for interpreting the digital image data of the
image 11 and the instructional indicia 14 obtained by scanner 30
and for implementing the appropriate instructions. In the
embodiment illustrated digital output device 44, is a thermal
printer such as a Kodak PS 8650 Thermal Color Printer and output
device 46 is a digital minilab such as a Gretag Imaging Masterlab
740 Digital with Kodak Digital Printer respectively. Other examples
of Digital output devices are the KODAK Large Format CRT Color
Printer II and the KODAK CRT Digital Color Printer. The digital
output device can also be an inkjet printer such as an Hewlett
Packard Deskjet 870xi. Data entry means is provide for allowing
entry of instruction into computer 32. The data entry means may
comprise any suitable device, for example but not by way of
limitation, a key board 47 as illustrated, a computer mouse 48, or
any other device that can be used to enter data/instructions to the
computer 32. The entry means could be used to identify the type of
output device desired to produce the hard copy print or the
particular size of the hard copy print leaving the particular area
to modified to be identified by mark 14.
[0046] After the customer has marked the hard copy image 10, the
marked hard copy image 10 is scanned using the scanner 30.
Referring now to FIG. 3B, the hard copy image is scanned in such a
manner that the image 11 along with the modifying marks 14 now
appears on a monitor 34. It is well known in the art that scanners
can detect and digitize wavelengths in the range of infra red as
well as UV. Using the modification marks 14, an algorithm provided
in the computer 32 identifies the areas in the image 11 that are to
be modified. Modification instructions may also be entered into
system 18 through the use of date entry means. Referring back to
FIG. 3A the image 11 is show on monitor 34 as it will appear on the
hard copy print 16.
[0047] It is to be understood that the present invention is not
limited simply to cropping of the original image and that any
desired modifications may be made to the original image. Referring
to FIG. 4 there is illustrated a hard copy print 50 having an image
51 with several areas to be modified which are identified by
specific individual marks. The area identified by rectangular mark
56 on the hard copy image 51 identifies that the area that is to be
printed in the hard copy reprint 54 (See FIG. 5). In some cases a
code letter may be used to identify the type of modification to be
made. For example, in certain photographic there occurs a defect
wherein the eyes of an individual are red often referred to as "red
eye." It is often desirable to have this corrected so that the
natural eye color is printed. In the present invention as
illustrated by FIG. 4 an area in which red eye is to be corrected
is identified by providing a rectangular mark 58 and 60 with the
letter "R" written within the mark 58 and 60. Since there are two
eyes, two marks 58 and 60 are provided. Additionally, providing a
rectangular mark 62 with the letter "F" identifies areas where the
flesh tones are to be adjusted. An object to be removed from the
hard copy reprint 54 is indicated by the rectangular mark 57 with
the letter "X" drawn therein. A preferred embodiment is to have
these modifications done automatically by the computer 32 using
algorithms. An example of a suitable algorithm is described in U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 09/216, 900 by David Patton, John
Fredlund and Hohn Buhr entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MODIFYING
A PORTION OF AN IMAGE IN ACCORDANCE WITH COLORIMETRIC PARAMATERED
filed on Dec. 21, 1998. If the customer desires to have annotation
added to the hard copy reprint, he or she can use the marker to
identify items and/or texts 68, 70 on the hard copy print 50 they
would like added as text 72 to the hard copy reprint 54 shown in
FIG. 5. As can be seen, any desired code or marking system may be
utilized to identify an area to be modified and the modification to
be made thereto. Thus the present invention is not limited to the
marking patterns or modifications disclosed.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 5 there is illustrated a digital hard copy
reprint 54 produced using the apparatus shown in FIG. 3 in
accordance with the modification instructions indicated by the
marks on the hard copy image shown in FIG. 4.
[0049] While in the preferred embodiment the instructions are
automatically entered into the computer by the scanner digitally
scanning the image and the computer with appropriate software
(algorithms) interprets the encoded instructions, the present
invention is not so limited. An operator may look at the marked
hard copy print or scanned image on a display device with
modification instruction marks and manually initiate the changes to
be made in accordance to the desired instructions.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 7 there is illustrated a modified system
110 for entering modification instructions for modifying an image
that has been digitally scanned and displayed on a display device
90. System 110 is similar to system 18 like numerals indicating
like parts and operation. In this embodiment a digitizing pad 92
and stylist 94 is used for entering instructions to the computer.
An example of a suitable pad and stylist is the Graphier cordless
pen and mouse set by Wacom. The stylist 94 in conjunction with the
pad 92 can be used to identify areas and provide instructional
marks on the displayed image. Using the stylist marks can be
provided on the image except that the original print is not
affected in any manner as the marks are only electronically
displayed on the screen. Similar to Photoshop's selection tool, a
preselected image modifying mark 14 may be resized or moved by
selecting the mark 14 or portion of the mark 14 with the stylist 94
and dragging the mark 14 to the new desired position. Once the user
has provided the desired instructions, the order can be formally
entered for completion of the print order. In this system there is
avoided the need for writing directions on the hard copy print 10
or providing sleeves or a protective coating on the hard copy print
10.
[0051] Referring to FIG. 8 there is a kiosk 200 used to produce a
digital hard copy reprint 230 from the marked scanned hard copy
image. The kiosk 200 is similar to system 18 like numerals
indicating like parts and operation. FIG. 8 illustrates a hard copy
print 230 produced using the marked hard copy print 10 of FIG. 1
using kiosk 200. The marked hard copy print 10 with modification
instructions for modifying an image is digitally scanned using
flatbed scanner 210 provided in kiosk 200 and displayed on a
display device 220 provided in kiosk 200. The digital hard copy
reprint 230 is produced using thermal printer 240 provided in kiosk
200 such as a Kodak PS 8650 Thermal Color Printer in accordance
with the modification instructions indicated by the marks on the
hard copy image.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 9A there is illustrated a hard copy print
16 inserted into a transparent sleeve 310. The image 11 on the hard
copy print 16 is readily visible through the top layer 340 of the
transparent sleeve 310 (See side view FIG. 9B). The transparent
sleeve 310 allows the user to view the image 11 and to put the
image modifying instructions 320 directly onto the top surface 342
of top layer 340 in eye-readable form using a wax marker or other
marking device. The user can also use the template 19 as described
in FIG. 6. The hard copy print 16, transparent sleeve 310 with
image modifying instructions 320 are scanned using system 18
described in FIG. 3 or the kiosk 200 described in FIG. 8. Similar
to system 18 and kiosk 200 like numerals indicates like parts and
operation.
[0053] Referring now to FIG. 10, the transparent sleeve 310
containing the hard copy print 16 and image modifying instructions
320 is illustrated placed on a scanner platen 300 of an appropriate
scanner (not shown). The corner of the hard copy print 16 (since it
can be readily seen through the transparent sleeve 310) is aligned
with indicia 350 provided on platen 300. After the hard copy print
16 in transparent sleeve 310 with image modifying instructions 320
is scanned, the hardcopy print is removed from the sleeve and
scanned again. The sleeve 310 can be thrown away after use.
Alternatively, if appropriate, the top surface 342 can be cleaned
so that the sleeve 310 can be used again. In either case the hard
copy print 16 is not subjected to any potential damage due to the
marks placed on the sleeve. In another embodiment the print 10 may
be provided with a protective over coat (layer) which will not
absorb the marking material. Preferably, the over coat will not
interfere with viewing of the original image and will also allow
the marking material to be easily removed, for example by rubbing
off with a clean cloth. As in the case with the transparent sleeve,
hardcopy print 16 is scanned with and without the image modifying
instructions 320. The computer 32 uses the two scans to separate
the image modifying instructions 320 from the image 11.
[0054] It is to be understood that various other changes may be
made without departing from the scope of the present invention, the
present invention is defined by the claims set forth herein.
Parts List
[0055] 10 hard copy print
[0056] 11 image
[0057] 12 area
[0058] 14 mark/indicia
[0059] 16 hard copy print
[0060] 18 system
[0061] 19 template
[0062] 21, 22, 23 rectangular shapes
[0063] 21A-21D openings
[0064] 24, 25, 26 template openings
[0065] 27 code `R`
[0066] 28 code `F`
[0067] 29 code `X`
[0068] 30 scanner
[0069] 32 computer
[0070] 34 monitor
[0071] 36 memory
[0072] 38 control unit
[0073] 40, 42 cables
[0074] 44, 46 output devices
[0075] 47 key board
[0076] 48 mouse
[0077] 50 hard copy print
[0078] 51 image
[0079] 54 hard copy reprint
[0080] 56,58,60,62 rectangular mark
[0081] 68, 70 identifying items and/or texts
[0082] 72 text
[0083] 90 display device
[0084] 92 pad
[0085] 94 stylist
[0086] 110 system
[0087] 200 kiosk
[0088] 230 copy reprint
[0089] 240 thermal printer
[0090] 300 platen
[0091] 310 transparent sleeve
[0092] 320 modifying instructions
[0093] 340 top layer
[0094] 342 top surface
[0095] 350 indicia
* * * * *