Abstract:
A photographic image printer, method of printing, and a software program for printing digital images which analyzes pending orders, determines the image printing sequence, and allocates print media intelligently to enable high printing productivity and low media waste. An apparatus made in accordance with the present invention permits can also provide In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided non-chemistry printing device which requires little floor space.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention is directed to an apparatus for reproducing images, more particularly to a compact image reproducing apparatus that prints images so as to minimize printing time and print material waste.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    Digital photography is rapidly gaining in popularity, with original images captured both with digital cameras and with conventional cameras and film that is subsequently processed and digitally scanned. Photographic manufacturers have introduced photofinishing apparatus adapted to produce digitally printed images from unprocessed film, processed film, or various digital file inputs. Examples are the QD-21 minilab from Konica, the Frontier™ Digital Lab System from Fuji Photo Film, and the QSS™-2711 from Noritsu Koki. However, all these systems produce prints on silver halide photographic paper, and they therefore require a wet chemical process to produce the color prints. Other systems are known that use processed film or digital files as inputs to produce photographic quality prints without silver halide paper and its accompanying wet process. For example, the Kodak Picture Maker produces thermal dye transfer prints, and the Canon Hyperphoto produces ink jet prints. Both these systems are suitable for a customer making a small number of reprints and enlargements from selected images, but they produce prints too slowly to be practical for standard, multi-image customer orders. The Canon Hyperphoto is further disadvantaged by its large footprint. There is a therefore a need for a compact image reproduction apparatus that can rapidly produce high-quality prints without requiring a wet paper process.  
           [0003]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,565,902 of Nardone et al. (Atlantek) describes a thermal dye transfer printer configured to print on continuous roll media and sever individual prints while minimizing media waste. The printer of this invention is incapable of printing speeds needed for rapidly fulfilling a multi-image customer order.  
           [0004]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,768,675 of E. A. Estabrooks (Intermec) describes an on-demand narrow web electrophotographic printer for printing tickets, labels, etc. with low material waste. The invention is focused on intermittent, on-demand printing of tickets and labels, and as such it does not recognize or address the challenges of rapidly printing a plurality of images associated with one or more customer orders.  
           [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,574,831 of R. Grenda generally describes high speed printing using an array of low speed printers and specifically describes various means for collating pages of a single job distributed to multiple printers. In this reference, the printing of individual pages is staggered so that they arrive at the collator in the correct order. Each image is produced on a single page, leading to waste or complexity or both when printing images of differing dimensions. Also, in practice, it is very difficult to calibrate multiple printers to produce uniformly accurate color balance and tone scale. Thus, the color characteristics of a customer&#39;s prints produced by such a system would be variable and objectionable.  
           [0006]    A printer capable of increasing printing resolution is described in commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/188,574 of A. Lubinsky, filed Nov. 9, 1998. In one embodiment, the printer prints on a section of media that remains part of a continuous roll. This approach suffers the potential disadvantage of smearing the freshly-printed image or transferring ink to the backside of media contacted by the image as it is rolled up after printing.  
           [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 5, 576,794 of J. C. DeMarti, Jr. et al. (Eastman Kodak) describes a photofinishing method in which rolls of films are developed in batches and printed in different batches. For a given roll of film, images are printed in capture order. This reference fails to recognize, let alone solve, the problems associated with low-waste printing of a collection of individual images having different dimensions.  
           [0008]    There remains a need for a compact image reproduction apparatus with a dry or apparently-dry digital printer capable of rapidly producing high quality photographic images with low waste.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0009]    It is an object of the present invention to rapidly produce printed images without using the wet chemical processes associated with silver halide print media.  
           [0010]    It is a further object of the invention to produced printed images with minimal waste of the print media.  
           [0011]    It is a further object of the invention to minimize the time required to produce a customer order comprising a plurality of printed images.  
           [0012]    It is a further object of the invention to complete multiple pending customer orders in minimum time.  
           [0013]    In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for printing a plurality of images on a media provided on a supply roll, the media having a predetermined width, comprising:  
           [0014]    a scanning print head movable along a predetermined linear path of a first direction, the linear path having a maximum predetermined length;  
           [0015]    a transport mechanism for moving the media along a transport so that images can be printed by the scanning print head on the media that is payed out from the supply roll, the transport path being substantially parallel to the linear path; and  
           [0016]    a computer for analyzing a plurality of digital images with respect to the size and/or shape of the images to be printed and organizing the digital images in a printing sequence and format which determines the length of the media to be payed out for printing from the supply roll so as to provide for the efficient use of the media and efficient use of printing time.  
           [0017]    In another aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for printing a plurality of digital images on a media segment having a variable calculated length, comprising:  
           [0018]    a printer for printing a digital image at a print gate;  
           [0019]    a transport mechanism for moving the media segment a variable calculated length past the print gate so that the print head can print images on the media segment; and  
           [0020]    a computer for analyzing the customer image order and organizing the plurality images in a printing sequence defining at least one batch of images for placement on the media segment of a variable calculated length and for determining the variable calculated length taking in to consideration the number of images in the customer image order, the maximum length of the platen, and the size of the images to be printed.  
           [0021]    In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of printing a plurality of images using a sheet of the media of a variable calculated length, comprising the steps of:  
           [0022]    a) obtaining a customer image order having a plurality of digital images, each of the digital images having an associated print size; and  
           [0023]    b) analyzing the customer image order and organizing the plurality images in a printing sequence defining at least one batch of images for placement on the media segment of a variable calculated length and for determining the variable calculated length taking in to consideration the number of images in the customer image order, the maximum length of the platen, and the size of the images to be printed.  
           [0024]    In another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of printing a plurality of images using a media segment, comprising the steps of:  
           [0025]    a) obtaining a first customer image order and a second customer image order each having a plurality of digital images, each of the digital images having an associated print size; and  
           [0026]    b) analyzing the images with respect to the predetermined size so as to determine a printing sequence and format for efficient use of the cut media segment for printing of the digital images.  
           [0027]    In accordance with yet still another aspect of the present invention there is provided a computer program product comprising a computer readable storage medium having a computer program thereon which when loaded onto a computer will cause the computer to perform the following steps:  
           [0028]    a) obtaining a customer image order having a plurality of digital images, each of the digital images having a selected print size; and  
           [0029]    b) analyzing the selected print sizes of the images with respect to the predetermined size so as to determine a printing sequence and format on the media segment.  
           [0030]    The above, and other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become more apparent from the accompanying detailed description thereof when considered in conjunction with the following drawings. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0031]    In the detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention presented below, reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which:  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a photofinishing apparatus made in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 2 shows a top view of one embodiment of the printer in the apparatus of FIG. 1;  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 3 illustrates a first tiling algorithm for a customer order for the apparatus of FIG. 2; and  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 4 illustrates a second tiling algorithm for the same customer order of FIG. 3 for the apparatus of FIG. 2. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0036]    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.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a photofinishing apparatus  10  made in accordance with the present invention. In the particular embodiment illustrated, apparatus  10  includes a film processor  12 , a scanner  14 , an image data manager  16 , a printer  18 , a post print treatment processor  20  and a print sorter  22 . This combination of features in a single apparatus is often referred to as a Minilab. The processor  12  processes exposed undeveloped photosensitive media, such as rolls of photographic film, of a customer order into developed photosensitive media. The photosensitive media in the embodiment illustrated is photographic film (not shown.) However, it is to be understood that the photosensitive media may be of any desired type. Scanner  14  scans the developed images on the film and forwards the digital data of the images on to image data manger  16  for manipulating the images as preprogrammed or otherwise instructed. In particular embodiment illustrated scanner  14  is comprises a plurality of linear CCD (charge couple devices) which digitizes the images from the film. It is to be understood the scanner  14  may comprise any appropriate type scanner for obtaining the digital data of the images. The image data manager  16  performs digital image processing on the digitized images and prepares them for printing. The printer  18  prints the images on media so as to form individual prints. In the embodiment illustrated printer  18  is an inkjet printer. The post print treatment processor  20  performs any operations following printing such as cutting, durability application, drying or back printing. The print sorter  22  sorts the prints for easy distribution back to a customer.  
         [0038]    Referring to FIG. 2 there is illustrated ink jet printer  18  of the apparatus  10  of FIG. 1. The following is a detailed operation of the inkjet printer  18 . The first operation to occur is the placement of media segment  26  onto a platen  28 . A media supply roll  30  supplies media segment  26  along an axis X-X (herein defined as the fast scan axis.) The media segment  26  is metered out from supply roll  30  onto the platen  28  by means of a media supply transport mechanism  32 . In the embodiment illustrated the transport mechanism  32  comprises a pair of pinch rollers  31 ,  33 , one of which is a drive roller. The media is driven by feeding the media between the pinch rollers  31 ,  33 . It is to be understood that the transport mechanism may comprise any other type mechanism capable of transporting the media. The platen  28  has a maximum predetermined length L for receiving of a media segment  26  having a length LM. The media segment  26  can be metered out to any desired length LM up to the maximum length L defined by the platen  28  geometry. Thus, the length LM of segment  26  may be varied to correspond to the actual length needed for the images to be printed for that segment. Preferably, the printer  18  is designed to have a relatively small footprint length, typically equal to or less than about three feet. Thus, the available length L for the platen  28  is limited.  
         [0039]    The ink jet printer  18  is now ready to perform a printing operation, which is performed with a series of mechanism movements. First, a scanning print head  34  is provided which can moved along the fast axis X-X in a reciprocating manner by means of a print head fast axis transport mechanism  36 . Preferably, the print head  34  moves along fast scan axis X-X a distance such that it can write along the entire length L provided by platen  28  so as to form one line of image data along the entire length. During the slewing (constant velocity) portion of this movement for one traverse of the platen  28 , the print head  34  is activated electronically to eject ink drops onto the media  26  positioned on the platen  28 . Upon completion of one traverse of the platen  28  by the print head  34  along the along the fast scan axis X-X, the print head  34  can then be moved along the slow axis Y-Y, which is perpendicular to the fast axis X-X and within a plane adjoining the top surface of the platen  28 . This motion is an indexing type of motion effected by a slow axis print head transport mechanism  38 . Once the indexing motion is complete, the print head  34  can then perform another fast axis motion so as to traverse platen  28  during which printing of another line of image again occurs on the media segment  26 . By continuing to alternate these fast scan motions and index movements, the result is a series of printed images  40  on the media  26  resting on the platen  28 .  
         [0040]    Following the completion of a printing operation, a supply cutter  48  is used to separate the media segment  26  from the supply roll  30  leaving the segment  26  on the platen  28 . Having been separated from the supply roll, the media  26  on the platen  28  is now referred to as segment (sheet)  44 . This cut segment  44  can now be transported to the post-print treatment processor  20  by means of a post-print treatment transport mechanism  46 . Following any post-print treatment, a final chopping is performed on the segment  44  by a cutter  48  and the resulting prints  50  can be sent through the print sorter  22  en route to tray  52 .  
         [0041]    It should be noted for completeness that the case just described performed the slow axis Y-Y indexing by moving the print head  34 . Alternatively, However, cutting of the segment  44  from the supply roll may occur before printing. In this case, the segment  44  and platen  28  may be moved relative to the print head  34  using a platen slow axis transport mechanism.  
         [0042]    Some of the main advantages of configuring the photofinishing apparatus  10  as described for the FIG. 2 configurations is that printing of segment  26  and the post-print treatment processor  20  may operate simultaneously thereby improving through put of the apparatus. Preferably the post-print treatment processor  20  is modular with respect to the basic ink jet printer  18  which facilitates, cleaning and maintenance of the post-print treatment processor  20 . Also the use of a media supply transport mechanism as described above allows the ink jet printer  18  to only use the print segment length that is required for the images that are being handled by the computer  24  that is part of the ink jet printer  18 . This minimizes media waste.  
         [0043]    The improved productivity of apparatus  10  discussed here can be measured from a general overall productivity of the photofinishing apparatus basis (i.e., measured over a series of customer orders) or on a per customer order basis. In order to optimize these performance attributes further, the computer  24  (see FIG. 1) within the inkjet printer  18  uses an computer algorithm to analyze the customer orders that are being processed by the image data manager  16 . The algorithm analyzes the dimensions of the images to be printed on media segment  26  and performs the distribution or “tiling” of printed images  40  into printing batches for printing the images onto one or more media segments  26 .  
         [0044]    The Tiling Algorithm can take on many forms. The Tiling Algorithm can be exclusively rule-based. Alternatively, in a preferred embodiment, the Tiling Algorithm uses a Tiling Look-Up-Table (LUT). The Tiling LUT uses the concept is best utilized when there are only a finite number of printed image  40  tiling combinations that can be accommodated by a specific ink jet printer  18 . A major factor in the determination of these titling combinations is the maximum amount of printing length capability of length L along the fast scan axis X-X is utilized. Note that length L may not represent the addressable length L because allowance must be made for any waste material that is generated along the fast axis such as spaces between adjacent prints that are cut out and lead and trail edge waste. Another major factor in determining the titling combinations is the defined print format flexibility of the ink jet printer  18 . For example, assume that an ink jet printer  18  produces only Advanced Photo System (APS) and standard 35 mm prints in a 4R format. This would mean that only 4 inch×6 inch (Classic, 10.16 cm×15.24 cm), 4 inch×7 inch (HDTV; 10.16 cm×17.78 cm) and 4 inch×11 inch (Panoramic; 10.16 cm×27.94 cm) format prints would be produced. Now assume that the maximum length LM for printing of images on to segment media  26  is 24 inches (60.96 cm) for the supply roll  30 . Using these two assumptions, a list of all of the possible “tiling” batches that could be fitted into 24 inches (60.96 cm) can be created. Doing this for this example case results in the combinations listed in Table 1.  
                                   TABLE 1                           Tiling LUT Example            Required Segment Print Length           (inches)   Tiling Combinations                    6   1 Classic       7   1 HDTV       11   1 Panoramic       12   2 Classic       13   1 Classic and 1 HDTV       14   2 HDTV       17   1 Classic and 1 Panoramic       18   3 Classic or           1 HDTV and 1 Panoramic       19   2 Classic and 1 HDTV       20   2 HDTV and 1 Classic       21   3 HDTV       22   2 Panoramic       23   2 Classic and 1 Panoramic       24   4 Classic or           1 Classic, 1 HDTV and 1 Panoramic                  
 
         [0045]    Note that Table 1 lists any possible case that could fit onto 24 inches (60.96 cm) of printing length L. What this table represents is the Tiling LUT for the example case. The use of this Tiling LUT now depends on construction of the overall Tiling Algorithm. The Tiling Algorithm preferably takes in to consideration the following factors: can the images from different customer orders be interleaved in their printing sequence, can the printing sequence of images within a customer order be changed, can different customer orders share a segment of media.  
         [0046]    Putting these printing possibilities into tabular form results in at least the eight possible configurations shown in Table 2. As can be seen by reference to Table 2, only the first five configurations have any logical use. For example, in printing configuration #6 of Table 2, it would not be logically for most situations to allow images from different customer orders to be interleaved in their printing sequence, yet prevent different customer orders from sharing the same print segment.  
                                     TABLE 2                           Tiling Algorithm Configuration Options                Interleaved       Adjacent               images from   Re-sequence   orders share       Configura-   different   images within   media       tion   orders?   an order?   segments?   Comment               #1   No   No   No           #2   No   No   Yes       #3   No   Yes   No       #4   No   Yes   Yes       #5   Yes   Yes   Yes       #6   Yes   Yes   No   Not logical       #7   Yes   No   Yes   Not logical       #8   Yes   No   No   Not logical                  
 
         [0047]    Reference is now made to the first five printing batches shown in Table 2 and FIG. 3. Tiling Algorithm #1 is an algorithm that operates on a First-In-First-Out (FIFO) process. The computer  24  determines the maximum number of images that can be printed in one segment  44 , the fewest number of segments  44  needed and controls the supply of media from supply roll  30  to minimize waste.  
         [0048]    Tiling Algorithm #2 also operates on a FIFO basis, but allows two different customer orders to share a media segment. This creates higher productivity and may also decrease waste by reducing the number of printed segments with leading and trailing edges.  
         [0049]    Tiling Algorithm #3 allows images within a customer order to be printed in a sequence other than that in which they were captured and/or provided. This is accomplished by using a Tiling LUT. The images for a particular customer order are analyzed from a print format basis. The Tiling LUT is used to maximize the tiling of these images on a given segment length. Prints of the images can then be returned to capture sequence by using the print sorter  22 .  
         [0050]    Tiling Algorithm #4 allows different customer orders to be printed on the same segment and also allows print sequence to be changed within a customer order. The result of these degrees of freedom is higher productivity measured over all customer orders.  
         [0051]    Finally, Tiling Algorithm #5 allows all three degrees of freedom are leverages to maximize productivity: different customer orders may share a print segment  26 , print sequence may be varied within a customer order, and the print sequence may also interleave printing of images from different customer orders. The result is enhanced productivity derived from maximizing the probability that the maximum print segment length will be utilized. As in Algorithms #3 and #4, the print sorter  22  can be used to sort prints by customer order and capture sequence within a customer order.  
         [0052]    It should be noted that all five batches minimize waste by metering out only as much media that is necessary for printing the required number of images on media segment  26 . Where possible it is desired that the longest possible length media segments  26  and fewest media segments  26  be used for each customer order so as to most efficiently use printer  18 .  
         [0053]    In practice, an operator of the apparatus  10  would select one of the preprogrammed algorithms for use, such as illustrated or that may be developed, taking into account such considerations as simplicity of operation, productivity demands, and capital equipment budget. The five algorithms provide a wide variety of printing sequences. Printing sequence #1 represents the simplest and least capital intensive choice, but provides relatively low productivity. Whereas printing sequence #5 enables the highest productivity and lowest waste, but places high demands on the printer  18  and sorter  22 .  
         [0054]    Referring to FIG. 3 there illustrated a printing sequence for a single customer order using the Tiling algorithm #1 printing on a segment  44  having a maximum length of 26 inches. In particular the customer order comprises 15 images to be printed, six images having a classic size, five images having a HDTV size, and four images having a panoramic size. As can be seen six segments  44   a ,  44   b ,  44   c ,  44   d ,  44   e , and  44   f  are needed to print the entire customer order. The length L represents the actual amount of media payed out for printing. The distance Da, Db, Dc, Dd, De, and Df represents the amount of media saved for each of the segments  44   a - 44   f  by not metering out a constant length sheet of media.  
         [0055]    Referring to FIG. 4 there is illustrated a printing sequence for the same customer order discussed with respect to FIG. 4. However, in this embodiment the Tiling algorithm #5 was used. As a result, only five printing segments  44   a ,  44   b ,  44   c ,  44   d , and  44   e  are needed for printing the entire customer order. Here again, the distance Da, Db, Dc, Dd, and De, represents the amount of media saved of each of the segments  44   a - 44   e  by not metering out a constant length sheet of media. As can be seen using Tiling algorithm #5 for a particular customer order uses one less segment than using Tiling algorithm #1.  
         [0056]    The preferred format for printing each image is determined using information from various sources. For example, information may be obtained from direct interaction with the customer for specifying print size, number of copies of each image, etc. Images provided to the apparatus in digital form may be accompanied by preferred format, print size, and duplicate information supplied with the digital image. For exposed and processed photographic film, print format can be determined by a simple optical analysis of the dimensions of the exposed frame on the negative film. The apparatus may also utilize print format information encoded on the film, either magnetically or optically. In the case of film with magnetically encoded print format information, the information can be quickly read and analyzed by the microcomputer, enabling image print sequence analysis to begin before high resolution scanning of the film.  
         [0057]    The printer  18  may include media in more than one width and means for automatically changing the media roll engaged for printing. The automatic roll changing means may also be used to change rolls of the same width when one has been consumed.  
         [0058]    In the preferred form of the present invention, the media is supplied on a continuous roll which can be cut to the desired length so as to minimize waste of media. However, the present can also provide advantages in a printer wherein media is supplied in cut sheet form of a predetermined length. By analyzing the image print order, the printing sequence of the images may be adjusted to best fit the predetermined length of the cut sheet and the other parameters set by the operator of the apparatus. Referring back to FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrates a saving in media waste using algorithm #5 over using algorithm #1, each of the segments  45  representing an incremental distance. In the embodiment illustrated segments  45  represents a distance of one inch (2.54 cm.). Additionally as desired, the travel length which the print head moves can be adjusted to coincide with area of media on which images are to be printed thus further minimizing the travel time of the print head, thereby improving the speed of printing.  
         [0059]    It is contemplated to use known techniques for cutting bordered or borderless prints from a printed web or sheet. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,831,478 of L. M. Wright et al. describes a cutting mechanism capable of producing either bordered or borderless prints. Alternatively, borderless prints may be separated from a web using the method disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,807,855 of P. P. Zajac, in which the border between adjacent prints is marked prior to print separation. Individual prints may also be separated from a multi-image sheet using methods such as those described in European Patent Application No. 703,497 A1 of B. A. Phillips et al.  
         [0060]    For the case in which images are printed in a sequence other than the order in which images were originally captured and/or provided, the order finishing station may include a print sorter  22  for placing the printed images in the original sequence. The print sorter  22  may also include a back printer for printing the order number and image number on the back of each print, a reading device for reading the order number and image number on the back of each print, and a batch sorter for sorting prints into order number batches with each batch ordered by image number. Such a sorter would allow for reordering image prints using the technologies of U.S. Pat. No. 4,114,349 of Jensen et al. (Pako) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,715,034 of Yamamoto (Noritsu), which collectively address problems of separating orders and joining index prints to their respective orders. The order finishing station may use conventional techniques for automatically collating various parts of a customer order, including the order envelope, processed film, prints, index prints, and media with digital image files.  
         [0061]    In particular embodiment illustrated, the images printed on segment  44  all have substantially rectangular shaped images. It is contemplated that the images may take other shapes and/or configurations. For example, the images as illustrated by FIG. 6, image may oval, circular, triangular, or any other desired shape. In these situations the images may be orientated at any desired orientation so as to best utilize media and/or improve the printing efficiency of printer  18 .  
         [0062]    The apparatus of the present invention may optionally include a film processor as part thereof, typically referred to as a minilab. The film processor may be configured to run the conventional C-41 process for color negative film or any other chemistry for processing the desired photosensitive material. It is specifically contemplated that the film processor may alternatively employ a rapid process cycle, such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,752,122 of Ishikawa. The total time for processing and drying a roll of film is preferably less than three minutes, more preferably less than two minutes, most preferably less than one minute.  
         [0063]    The photofinishing apparatus and method of the invention may be combined with known methods of borderless ink jet printing, such as those described in commonly assigned application Ser. No. 09/169,054 of Capurso, filed Oct. 9, 1998, and application Ser. No. 09/118,538 of Wen, filed Jul. 17, 1998.  
         [0064]    The ink jet printer utilized in the invention may employ any of various means of providing durable, water-resistant prints. Images may be laminated with a clear plastic material. The formation of images with radiation curable inks, as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/934,370 of Wen, may be used. Prints may be protected with pre-or post-printing delivery to the print of a fluid layer that subsequently hardens, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,376,434 of T. Ogawa et al. (Konica), and U.S. Ser. No. 09/934,370 of Wen. The printer may employ thermal fusing of ink jet media with fusible top layer, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,785,313 of M. Higuma (Canon), U.S. Pat. No. 5,374,475 of P. C. Walchli (Celfa), and European Patent Applications 858,905 A1 and 858,906 A1 of K. Misuda et al. Prints may be protected by application and fusing of a clear toner, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,804,341 of Bohan et al. (Eastman Kodak). Print protection may also be accomplished by thermal sublimation transfer of a clear layer, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,847,738 of Tutt et al. (Eastman Kodak).  
         [0065]    While the present invention has been described with reference to a digital ink-jet printer, the present invention may be incorporated into to any type scanning digital printer.  
         [0066]    The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention.  
                                         PARTS LIST                                10.   photofinishing apparatus       12.   film processor       14.   scanner       16.   image data manager       18.   ink jet printer       20.   post print treatment processor       22.   printer sorter       24.   computer       26.   media segment       28.   platen       30.   supply roll       31.   pinch roller       32.   media supply transport mechanism       33.   pinch roller       34.   print head       38.   transport mechanism       40.   images       44a-44f.   segments (sheets)       45.   segments       46.   post-print treatment transport mech.       48.   supply cutter       50.   prints       52.   tray