A CCD image sensor and an imaging system, which can change their movements to adapt to various shooting conditions, have been developed by utilizing characteristics of human eyes as hints. They are a switchable system between Wide dynamic range mode, High sensitivity mode and High resolution mode. As a result of this, the most suitable mode for the shooting conditions can be selected, like human eyes.

An increasing consumer problem concerns the disappointing image quality of many digital prints, and the unavailability of simple, user-friendly remedial procedures. Thus the proportion of pictures printed from those acquired using digital cameras is falling dramatically, and especially from those taken with the newer generations of portable devices. We have previously described the evolution of a real-time image-processing methodology that enables non-technical consumers to optimize their personal images according to individual preference in an entirely intuitive manner. In light of the ability to place this software at any point where a consumer interacts with an image (camera, portable device, scanner, printer, photo-kiosk, desk-top, document processor, etc), we have used the term ubiquitous image processing to encompass all these applied fields. Here we will describe our experiences in applying this user-friendly technology to the latest-generations of touch-screen portable devices, and the technical problems encountered while doing so. These problems have included adapting the image-quality choice hierarchy to the smaller screen sizes, and solving the computational limitations imposed by these devices in order to provide real-time user access to optimum image quality. In addition, it has been necessary to adapt and develop software versions across the gamut of competing operating systems used by these latest touch-screen devices, while at the same time minimizing the application file-size. Practical examples will be demonstrated of fully operational installed versions, including automatic features and a sharpness capability, yet with overall size as installed kept below 100kbs.

HIPIE 2 is an internal code name for the HP Smartstream Photo Enhancement Server, – a robust, scalable, and automatic photo image enhancement application, designed for photo specialty work flows ful filled using Indigo presses. It is intended for 24/7 operation, without human intervention, and is part of HP Indigo's Smartstream work flow offering. The codename HIPIE stands for the original "HP Indigo Photo Image Enhancement" name, with HIPIE 2 being its second version. This paper describes the various modules of HIPIE 2, giving an overview of the technology inside the product, and its usage.

A metadata policy must be defined when trying to give images a value in time, by attaching to the basic "data" an amount of selected information. Creation, preservation and downstream usage should be considered the three main topic to take care of. Automatic input is not enough to personalize photos at the Consumer Level, which is our focus point today. Storage, but mainly preservation during the different operations a consumer set of photos has to endure is a critical problem. Obviously, the main motivation is "how useful it will be" in the coming years and decades, and how can I make sure that it will be re-usable. In the second part of the paper, a proposition of metadata set devoted to consumer level is explained and valued with a number of typical use cases, as an example of consensus on that delicate problem, when addressing a specific type of workflow : consumers. Other types of specific uses, professional and commercial, will be shortly tackled as well.

The KODAK Adaptive Picture Exchange (APEX) system is a modular, scalable, integrated solution that is being positioned for use by an entire on-site retail photo department. The system is affordable, easy to use, and delivers a low total cost of operation and a positive environmental impact while enabling the production of premium, high-margin consumer photo products. APEX software centralizes production of local and remote digital and film orders behind the counter and offers a clean, eco-friendly alternative to today's wet AgX minilabs. This paper will describe the details and features of the new system and show how it has been designed to integrate operations of an entire photo department in a way that is easy and efficient for the retail environment.

Photo gifts include a far greater variety of materials than used in traditional photo finishing operations. Durability and image permanence play important roles in the quality of these products, which include photo books, poster, mugs, mouse pads, and other items. In some cases, traditional test methods may be modified to assess the quality of these products. In other cases, entirely new test methods are required. This presentation will compare the performance of photo gifts to traditional photographic materials under a variety of test conditions.

New digital technologies mean that a wider array of personalized products is available to the consumer via digital fulfillment. Qualex and its competitors have concentrated considerable effort to employ new technologies and provide leading edge products to web site and retail customers. As digital images become the photographic standard, there are more possibilities than ever for a consumer to express themselves with photographic products and displays. Driven by more powerful processing systems and affordable software, there is a convergence of technologies which utilize digital images. The printing, sign making, textile, engraving, photographic and entertainment industries all utilize digital images in new product offerings. The convergence of technologies is generating higher quality products and lower costs for both business and consumers. Products as diverse as full color etchings in granite, a 3D version of a Wii alter-ego, or a digitally woven wall hanging can be created and ordered from the comfort of the home or office by the consumer. This paper will highlight and describe a variety of these products and the technologies behind them.

The shift from film-based to digital photography in the past decade has resulted in significant changes in the photo printing needs at retailers. Consumers now want to choose the pictures that they print, compose and edit their images, and expect a choice of service levels (instant, one-hour, and two-day fulfillment) for their “standard” prints. At the same time, some retailers have experienced significant declines in their daily print volumes, making it difficult for those retailers to continue operation of a silver halide minilab in those locations. In response to this changing market landscape, Kodak and other suppliers of innovative retail printing solutions have had to look beyond traditional AgX printing technology to meet market needs. This paper will identify the key attributes a printing technology must meet for each of the three retail printing segments – instant (kiosk), behind-the-counter (minilab), and off-site (wholesale) – and then compare how each of the digital printing technologies – Silver Halide (AgX), Dye Diffusion Thermal Transfer, Electrophotography, and Inkjet – addresses those needs.

Understanding the rapid advances in image processing and photo gift creation technology is a challenge for the traditional customer. For them, it is hard to imagine what great products can be made out of their personal photos let alone visualize how they will eventually look. Photo gift producers need a tool to show their clients the possibilities available. In 2007, Personello, the German photo gift company, interviewed 500 potential photo gift clients and found out that there were two major reasons why potential clients did not buy a photo gift. Reason One: Clients felt they did not have a suitable image. Reason Two: Many clients preferred traditional products like mugs because they did not want to risk buying something they couldn't imagine. We took our studies one step further and analyzed what made our customer's photos unsuitable, and discovered that a lot of good images were spoiled by bad backgrounds. As a result of this, Personello created the DAZZ. com 'Photostyle' creation service which eliminates the original background of the customer's photo, restyles it and sets it into a collection of new backgrounds to suit a variety of products and occasions. In order to introduce the customer to our complete range of photo gift products, and give them a variety to choose from, their collection of 'Photostyles' is presented on all of our photo gifts. To recreate a store-like shopping experience the customer can take a closer look at the gift by clicking on the picture. A video file opens enabling the customer to visualise the final product from all sides. For example, see jigsaw pieces drop onto a desk and fly together piece by piece until the customer's personal image appears. The DAZZ. com service increases the customer base by opening up a channel to reach out to new customers who previously considered their photos unworthy. Once the customer sees the 3D video clips of their restyled photo on a range of products an emotional bond is created to the product which, more often than not, leads to a sale. The innovative video presentation serves to create a buzz amongst users triggering them to share their experience with others. This paper outlines the problems that hold potential customers back from having a photo gift made, and shows how offering choice and providing entertainment can arouse emotions that stimulate customers to buy. Thus increasing photo gift sales.

The most important fact from ANALOG to DIGITAL is not the technical change; It is the change of consumer habits and there new demands! It is not true that we have today less outputs of pictures, we have today much more possibilities to print out at many new and different locations. While in the past picture outputs where printed most on silver halide, there are today hardly borders on which media we can produce pictures. This development has lead to a decrease of turnover in wholesale labs and of course has touched also very strong Minilabs!