Patent Abstract:
A method for specialized photofinishing goods and/or services produced from a one-time-use camera, including providing a label on the one-time-use camera, with at least one area containing first instructional information, that identifies particular photofinishing goods and/or services to be applied to images captured by the one-time-use camera. Subsequently, displaying a second instructional information according to the first instructional information. Finally, capturing a second instructional information onto a film residing in the one-time-use camera and resulting in a latent image, the second instructional information for use by a photofinisher for producing the specialized photofinishing goods and/or services from latent images on the film.

Full Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention relates generally to the field of photofinishing, and in particular to customized or specialized photofinishing. More specifically, the invention relates to a method and system utilizing a unique, affixed label on a camera to indicate to a photofinisher that specific specialty types of goods and/or services are requested. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Photofinishing modifications are often made on the basis of film type. However, the details of modification are limited to specific treatments for specific film types. Specialty photofinishing is not encouraged since detection and execution of different processing features disrupts the photo processing environment. 
   What is needed is a simple and reliable means for delivering a request for specialty photofinishing to the photofinisher. The requested type of photofinishing must also be communicated to the consumer. Printing a data frame on film is well known. It is possible to simultaneously expose a data frame and print, by means of ink jet technology, on the camera label; however, labels are conventionally printed and applied in different operations in the manufacturing process. Also, the label has to be customized at a speed that is equal to the exposure rate of the data frame. 
   The APS film system reads a number from the label that will be applied to the film cassette and exposes that number to the film. However, that number is not read from a camera, and it is not used to make any determination of film processing. 
   A need exists for easily communicating to a photofinisher specialty type film processing as explicitly requested by the consumer or implicitly from the consumer&#39;s use of the camera. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems set forth above. Briefly summarized, according to one aspect of the present invention, a method for specialized photofinishing goods and/or services produced from a one-time-use camera, including providing a label on the one-time-use camera, with at least one area containing first instructional information, that identifies a particular photofinishing goods and/or services to be used with images captured by the one-time-use camera. Subsequently, displaying a second instructional information according to the first instructional information. Finally, recording a second instructional information onto a film residing in the one-time-use camera and resulting in a latent image, said second instructional information for use by a photofinisher for producing the specialized photofinishing goods and/or services from latent images on said film. 
   Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for obtaining photofinishing goods and/or services, including capturing an image of a public target associated with photofinishing goods an/or services and subsequently, forwarding the captured image of the public target to a photofinisher. Finally, the user obtains at least one photofinishing good and/or service according to information associated with the public target. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The above aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent when taken in conjunction with the following description and drawings wherein identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical features that are common to the figures, and wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a one-time use camera with an external printed unique code; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a digital system for exposing the unique code obtained from the printed label to the film data frame within the one-time-use camera; 
       FIG. 3  is a front view of a section of an exposed and processed film strip including data and image frames; 
       FIG. 4  is a diagram of a system for obtaining the unique ID from the data frame; 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an analog system for exposing the unique code obtained from the printed label to the film data frame within the one-time-use camera; 
       FIG. 6  is an exemplary label for a one-time use camera having a detachable receipt and externally printed unique code; 
       FIG. 7  is an exemplary system according to the present invention for creating targets; 
       FIG. 8  is an example of a pre-printed target for use in retail locations; 
       FIG. 9  is an exemplary billboard used for creating targets; and 
       FIG. 10  is an exemplary flowchart of capturing and displaying instructional information associated with specialized photofinishing goods and/or services. 
   

   To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. 
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention provides a means for communicating the desired type of specialized photofinishing to both the consumer and the photofinisher. 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , a one-time-use camera  10  (herein after referred to as OTUC  10 ) with a pre-exposed image frame that includes an affixed label  20  that has written upon it a machine readable code  30  or a human readable code  40  to alert a photofinisher that the OTUC  10  requires a specialized photo finishing service. Machine readable code  30  and human readable code  40  may be combined such as in characters designed for optical character recognition and written upon label  20 . Label  20  may also include a detachable receipt  50  that has written upon it a URL internet address for receipt or ordering of photofinishing goods and/or services. These photofinishing goods and/or services may be accessed with a password that is included with detachable receipt  50 . Furthermore, label  20  may be an RF tag with a unique ID code capable of being linked to a database that includes other photofinishing ID codes. 
   Referring to  FIG. 2 , a system  5  includes a OTUC  10  and a camera retaining fixture  60  with the ability to read label  20  via barcode reader  70 . In lieu of using barcode reader  70 , the camera may include an RF tag to automatically communicate information via an RF reader (not shown). In a preferred embodiment, this label is permanently affixed to the OTUC, but that need not be the case. The label may be temporary or detachable in the manufacturing process. 
   Diopter  80  is employed to reduce the distance from soft display  90  and OTUC  10  in camera retaining fixture  60  while maintaining good focus. A database is also employed to associate the unique ID to a specified photofinishing service such as “internet access.” 
   Label  20  with a specialized marking or other means of communication such as an RF tag is affixed to the OTUC. The case of the label will be described by way of example and not limitation. Label  20  alerts the purchaser that the film from this OTUC will be printed or otherwise acted upon by the digital photofinishing system to create the desired output. In a preferred embodiment, camera  10  is an OTUC capable of taking pictures underwater such as the Kodak&#39;s Max Water &amp; Sport®. Label  20  on OTUC  10  contains instructional information such as machine readable code  30  and human readable code  40 . The instructional information alerts the digital photofinishing system that appropriate photofinishing such as Eastman Kodak&#39;s Sea Processing® is to be applied to the developed images. 
     FIG. 2  shows OTUC  10  in camera retaining fixture  60 . Barcode reader  70  reads machine readable code  30  and sends it to computer  110  by means of fixture/computer linkage  120 . Alternately, an electronic camera can be used in place of barcode reader  70 . In this example, linkage  120  is shown as a wire, but other means such as wireless transmission may be employed. Computer  110  uses machine readable code  30  to select a displayed image  100  for display on soft display  90 . Displayed image  100  may be an image of machine readable code  30  or some other image. OTUC  10  now opens its shutter and an exposure of displayed image  100  is made. Focusing the exposure of displayed image  100  is accomplished by use of an ancillary optical means for focusing, such as a close up diopter  80 . The film in OTUC  10  may be advanced so that the exposed frame is not double exposed, or it may be advanced by the user of OTUC  10 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the user obtains OTUC  10  in the traditional manner at retail and captures his desired images. When the photofinisher receives the OTUC  10 , exposed film  190  is extracted from OTUC  10  and processed in the film processor  200 . Processed film strip  130  is scanned in scanner  210 . Image server  220  identifies the scanned images as conventional images  180  or data frame  140 . Data frame  140  may have instructional information within it, and be in the form of a unique ID. Upon detecting data frame  140 , image server  220  reads machine readable unique ID  160  and applies the desired algorithm to the captured images. In this example, Sea Processing® from Eastman Kodak Company is applied to the images taken underwater so that their appearance is improved. Modified image files are sent to digital printer  230  where they are printed. Data frame  140  may not be printed. 
   When the film is processed in film processor  200  and scanned with scanner  210 , machine readable unique ID  160  in data frame  140  is read by the scanner  210 . Alternatively, the human readable unique ID  150  could be read by scanner  210  and interpreted by Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The unique ID number is now available to be used to access the database to provide the designated photofinishing service. 
   Alternatively, human readable unique ID  170  could be used by an operator to key the appropriate photofinishing. This human readable unique ID  170  may be used by a photofinisher who does not understand the meaning of the machine readable unique ID  160  to provide the appropriate photofinishing. This photofinisher may not have the algorithms indicated by the unique ID and can use the human readable unique ID  170  information to key photofinishing similar to the desired type. 
   Another method of exposing data frame  140  can be via a folded optical path as shown in FIG.  5 . Instead of reading a number and having OTUC  10  capture an image on a soft display, OTUC  10  can be used to provide an exposure of label  20  on the camera itself. Thus, the exposure of the data frame  140  is actually a captured image of the label  20 . Light source  240  illuminates label  20 . An image of label  20  is reflected by mirrors  250  and  260 . The close up diopter  80  provides appropriate focus and magnification for OTUC  10  to expose data frame  140 ′. Another optical path (not shown) may be provided to illuminate the label  20  with the light from a flash  15  on OTUC  10 . 
   The designated photofinishing service can be many different services depending on the unique ID. The aforementioned Sea Processing® is one example. The service could be as simple as backprinting the date or a logo on the back of the prints. The specialization of the service could go as far as a different specialized service for each camera. 
   If there is a means for detecting a switchable condition, such as in the well known APS system, during the time the consumer is taking images, the service could be requested for less than all the exposures for a single camera. Thus, the specialized service designated by data frame  140  can be selected for some pictures and not others. 
     FIG. 6  shows label  20  with detachable receipt  50  with a completely unique code. Label  20  has some unique identifier that distinguishes it from all others. In this case, detachable label  50  carries URL  52  or a number that corresponds to a URL. Additionally, the label  20  carries password  54  that is obscured from view by a scratch off coating. A database is also employed to associate the unique code to a specified photofinishing service such as “internet access.” This unique code is exposed to the film in the OTUC  10 , in this case a one-time-use camera, by the method described above. When the consumer has the film processed after capturing images, the code is read and the scanned images are posted to URL  52  on the detachable receipt  50  and the consumer can access the images on that site by using the password  54 . This demonstrates the potential of using the invention to control photofinishing via the unique exposure on the film. 
   The method allows a unique ID to be applied to film in each OTUC  10 . The unique ID allows the images from each OTUC  10  to be handled differently. In this case, the images from each individual OTUC  10  are posted to a different URL  52  and accessed only by a specific password  54  that may be different for each OTUC  10 . Note that if the database contains password  54  associated with URL  52 , password  54  may also be included in the exposure on data frame  140 . This allows the user to access images posted to URL  52  without the detachable receipt  50  if negatives are returned, or if the URL  52  and password  54  are printed along with any prints returned with the order. Additionally, password  54  may be printed with an ink only visible under special lighting conditions. The website corresponding to URL  52  may also provide a means for image storage and access to selecting alternative types of images, including, but not limited to: big prints, sentiments, greetings, multiple images, digital zoom instruction, panoramic instruction, DVD orders, CD orders, or large index print orders. 
   Data frame  140  may also include security information. Watermarks (not shown) or other security measures can be included to determine authenticity of the data frame  140 . This may be important if the purchase price includes an extra cost for the specialized photofinishing service. The photofinisher can detect the watermark and look up in a database provided by the camera manufacturer the validity of the service for the unique ID. 
   Referring to  FIG. 7 , a system  700  is described for providing targets to control photofinishing. The system  700  includes a touch screen monitor  710  which provides a means for selecting photofinishing goods and/or services; a computer  720 ; a printer  725 ; and a target  730  used for providing photofinishing control codes. A user  705  selects photofinishing goods and/or services on monitor  710  and computer  720  directs printer  725  to print appropriate target  730 . Subsequently, the user  705  captures an image of target  730 . Alternatively, user  705  may capture an image of monitor  710  directly. 
   Similarly, the user  705  could be instructed to go to www.kodak.com\specials and see a myriad of options for ‘programming’ the OTUC  10 . The web interface would allow the user to print out an 8.5×11 sheet which would have instructions for exposing one frame from the camera (e.g. place printout on floor—place toes on edge of sheet—in standing position take picture of printout, etc.). 
   Referring to  FIG. 8 , a target  730  is provided by a retailer for placement on photo retail counter  800 . A user  705  is encouraged by an explicit message  810  on target  730  to capture an image of target  730 . This image capture results in a creation of data frame  140 , as shown in FIG.  3 . The user  705  receives specialized photofinishing, such as a free second set of prints when the photofinisher reads data frame  140 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 9 , another way to create the data frame  140  is to provide public targets for consumers in public places or theme locations, etc. A billboard  900  shows enticing instructions, such as, “Take a picture of this billboard and send your film to CVS and get a second set of B&amp;W prints.” Another embodiment would have consumers at a sporting event capture at certain times a large outdoor display screen, such as a Jumbo-Tron™ screen, displaying a target label. (Not shown) The camera users would be encouraged to take a picture of the Jumbo-Tron™ and send their film to a specific photofinisher for a special service such as, a free 8×10 of a winning touchdown or bordered prints with a sporting events theme (e.g., football, baseball, soccer, etc.) Capture of the billboard or Jumbo-tron image can be accomplished with any camera, including film or digital, and is not limited to OTUC  10 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 10 , a flowchart  1000  describing a series of operations for capture and display of instructional information associated with specialized photofinishing goods and/or services is shown. Operation  1010  requires image capture of instructional information on label  20 , the instructional information comprising machine readable code  30  or human readable code  40 . A determination of requested specialized photofinishing goods and/or services from a first instructional information source occurs in operation  1020 . Operation  1030  requires a display of second instructional information (second instructional information is based on first instructional information); whereupon, operation  1040  requires image capture of the second instructional information via OTUC  10 . 
   Also, the specialized service could be applied to only sections of the film order. The consumer could take a picture of target label  1  (B&amp;W prints) and expose several pictures in that ‘mode’ then decide they would like color prints for the next several frames—so they would expose another frame with target label  2  (Color prints) and then decide for the remainder of the order they would like Cartoon prints (exposing another target label). So at the photofinishing system the targets would be valid until another target is detected or until the end of the order. This technique may also be used by digital cameras. The first image exposed with a target may alert a photofinisher or software receiving the digital images that the next images in sequence are desired to be handled in some special fashion. A second target or a second exposure of the first target may indicate that the user desires to return to normal image handling. 
   The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, it will be appreciated that variations and modifications can be effected by a person of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. 
   PARTS LIST 
   
       
         5  system 
         10  one-time-use camera 
         15  flash 
         20  label 
         30  machine readable code 
         40  human readable code 
         50  detachable receipt 
         52  URL 
         54  password 
         60  camera retaining fixture 
         70  barcode reader 
         80  diopter 
         90  soft display 
         100  displayed image 
         110  computer 
         120  camera retaining fixture/computer linkage 
         130  processed film strip 
         140  data frame 
         150  human readable unique ID 
         160  machine readable unique ID 
         170  human readable unique ID 
         180  image frame 
         190  exposed film roll 
         200  film processor 
         210  film scanner 
         220  image server 
         230  digital printer 
         240  light source 
         250  mirror 
         260  mirror
 
Parts List—Continued
 
         700  system 
         705  user 
         710  touch screen monitor 
         720  computer 
         725  printer 
         730  target 
         800  retail counter 
         810  message 
         900  billboard 
         1000  flowchart 
         1010  capture image of instructional information 
         1020  determinization of requested specialized photofinishing goods and/or services 
         1030  display second instructional information 
         1040  image capture of second instructional information

Technology Classification (CPC): 7