Image processing and manipulation system

Abstract

An image processing and manipulation system provides a user the opportunity to customize images exposed on dry process photosensitive film. That is, the system of the present invention permits a user to choose a particular look that is to be associated with exposed images on photosensitive film. The looks can be, but are not limited to, for example, accurate color reproduction, portraiture, brilliant color, black and white, etc. Therefore, with the system of the present invention, a customer is presented with the option of choosing a photographic appearance and or look that the customer desires for planned images. In the system and method of the present invention, an order based on a photographic film selected by the customer and a selected appearance characteristic is associated with the images exposed on the film. A code is assigned to at least a sample of the selected film and/or the order. At a photofinishing site, the film is developed to produce the images captured by the user, and scanned to produce a digital record of the captured images. The digital record is thereafter digitally processed based on the user selected appearance characteristic to produce processed images that reflect the user selected appearance characteristic.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An imaging system comprising: 
 a reader for reading an identification associate with a photographic film, said identification identifying said photographic film as compatible with a dry processing; and    a developing station for developing a dry process photographic film to produce images exposed on the film, wherein compatible film identified by said reader is developed at said developing station.    
     
     
         2 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein said reader is an automated reader.  
     
     
         3 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein said reader is a user operated interface requiring a positive user action to enable acceptance of a presented film as compatible.  
     
     
         4 . An image processing method comprising the steps of: 
 reading an identification associated with a photographic film, said identification identifying said photographic film as compatible with dry processing; and    developing the compatible film at a developing station to produce images exposed on the film.