US4933711A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Apparatus and method for encoding identification data in an automated photofinishing packaging system
Assignee: Gretag Imaging Inc
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Filing: 1988-12-02
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Granted: 1990-06-12
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Expires: 2008-12-02
Abstract
Abstract There is disclosed herein an improved automated photofinishing packaging system for receiving film, processing it into the final prints, and packaging the film with the associated prints. The improvement pertains to a technique for encoding identification data onto the roll of prints which data can key the prints to the associated film during packaging. If more prints are in a particular order than are necessary to encode the identification data, the encoding of the identification data is repeated until substantially all prints in the order have been encoded. In addition, in one embodiment, each encoding of the identification data is followed by the encoding of distinguishable synchronization data, which can be used to distinguish between the repeated encodings of the identification data. The encoding of all prints in an order, particularly a large order, enables the prints to be divided up into separate groupings destined for separate packaging and still be associated with the same order, and also allows the prints for such an order to be packaged beginning with the last print in the order.
Inventors
- 👤 Gunnar G. Gudmundson
- 👤 Martin E. Hebert
- 👤 Walter R. Hadank
- 👤 Raymond H. Crochetiere
- 👤 Douglas A. Kenyon
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 23:21
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03D; G03D15/00; G03D15/001; G03D15/005
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
143 words
A method for encoding an identification number in an automated photofinishing packaging system onto prints of a print roll for a particular film order, the print roll having first and second edges and boundaries between adjacent prints, comprising the steps of: encoding the identification number onto the prints of the print roll, least significant digit first, by converting the identification number to a sequence of binary bits, and successively punching notches in either the first or the second edges of the print roll at the boundaries between successive prints according to the sequence of binary bits, one notch per boundary, the first edge for a binary "0" and the second edge for a binary "1"; encoding synchronization data which is distinguishable from the encoded identification number; and optionally reencoding at least part of the identification number after the encoding of the synchronization data.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
143 words
A method for encoding an identification number in an automated photofinishing packaging system onto prints of a print roll for a particular film order, the print roll having first and second edges and boundaries between adjacent prints, comprising the steps of: encoding the identification number onto the prints of the print roll, least significant digit first, by converting the identification number to a sequence of binary bits, and successively punching notches in either the first or the second edges of the print roll at the boundaries between successive prints according to the sequence of binary bits, one notch per boundary, the first edge for a binary "0" and the second edge for a binary "1"; encoding synchronization data which is distinguishable from the encoded identification number; and optionally reencoding at least part of the identification number after the encoding of the synchronization data.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
67 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the identification number encoding step includes the substeps of converting the identification number to hexadecimal, and for each hexadecimal digit, converting the hexadecimal digit into four binary bits, encoding the binary bits, and then following the encoding of the binary bits by the encoding of a binary "0" framing bit, and wherein the synchronization data comprises six successive binary "1" bits.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
81 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the encoding of the identification number is followed by the encoding of a binary "0" stop bit and the six binary "1" synchronization bits, wherein the encoding of the number is preceded by the encoding of an end-of-order mark comprising punching notches in the first and second edges of the film roll, and wherein the optional reencoding of at least part of the number is preceded by the encoding of a binary "0" start bit.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the synchronization data comprises a first pattern of bits which is encoded before the encoding of the identification number.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the synchronization data comprises a second pattern of bits which is encoded after the encoding of the identification number.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
23 words
The method of claims 4 and 5 wherein the first pattern of synchronization bits is different from the second pattern of synchronization bits.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
109 words
A method for encoding an identification number in an automated photofinishing packaging system onto prints of a print roll for a particular film order, the print roll having first and second edges and boundaries between adjacent prints, comprising the steps of: encoding the identification number onto the prints of the print roll, least significant digit first, by successively punching notches in either the first or second edges of the print roll at the boundaries between successive prints according to the identification number; encoding synchronization data which is distinguishable from the identification number; and optionally reencoding at least part of the identification number after the encoding of the synchronization data.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
109 words
A method for encoding an identification number in an automated photofinishing packaging system onto prints of a print roll for a particular film order, the print roll having first and second edges and boundaries between adjacent prints, comprising the steps of: encoding the identification number onto the prints of the print roll, least significant digit first, by successively punching notches in either the first or second edges of the print roll at the boundaries between successive prints according to the identification number; encoding synchronization data which is distinguishable from the identification number; and optionally reencoding at least part of the identification number after the encoding of the synchronization data.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
215 words
An improved automated photofinishing packaging system comprising: control means for (1) translating an identification number associated with a film order into a sequence of binary bits; and (2) controlling and signalling a punch means to encode the sequence of bits onto prints of a roll of print paper for the film order, the print roll having first and second edges, and boundaries between adjacent prints; and punch means coupled to and responsive to signals from the control means for (1) successively making notches in either the first or the second edges of the print roll at the boundaries between successive prints according to the sequence of binary bits, one notch per boundary, the first edge for a binary "0" and the second edge for a binary "1", both to both mark the boundary and to encode the identification number; and (2) making notches in both the first and second edges to mark the end of a film order, the improvement comprising: improved control means for controlling and signalling the punch means to (1) encode the sequence of bits representing the identification number onto the prints of the print roll, least significant digit first; (2) encode a sequence of distinguishable synchronization bits; and (3) optionally reencode at least part of the sequence of identification number bits.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
215 words
An improved automated photofinishing packaging system comprising: control means for (1) translating an identification number associated with a film order into a sequence of binary bits; and (2) controlling and signalling a punch means to encode the sequence of bits onto prints of a roll of print paper for the film order, the print roll having first and second edges, and boundaries between adjacent prints; and punch means coupled to and responsive to signals from the control means for (1) successively making notches in either the first or the second edges of the print roll at the boundaries between successive prints according to the sequence of binary bits, one notch per boundary, the first edge for a binary "0" and the second edge for a binary "1", both to both mark the boundary and to encode the identification number; and (2) making notches in both the first and second edges to mark the end of a film order, the improvement comprising: improved control means for controlling and signalling the punch means to (1) encode the sequence of bits representing the identification number onto the prints of the print roll, least significant digit first; (2) encode a sequence of distinguishable synchronization bits; and (3) optionally reencode at least part of the sequence of identification number bits.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
78 words
A photofinishing packaging system comprising: a decoder for decoding a splice bar code number into a decimal film identification number; a converter for converting the decimal identification number to a sequence of binary bits; a reverse encoder for encoding the binary bits onto a print roll with the least significant digit of the decimal film identification number encoded first, in binary form; a synchronization encoder for encoding synchronization data which is distinguishable from the encoded film identification number.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
78 words
A photofinishing packaging system comprising: a decoder for decoding a splice bar code number into a decimal film identification number; a converter for converting the decimal identification number to a sequence of binary bits; a reverse encoder for encoding the binary bits onto a print roll with the least significant digit of the decimal film identification number encoded first, in binary form; a synchronization encoder for encoding synchronization data which is distinguishable from the encoded film identification number.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 9 further comprising a hexadecimal converter for converting the decimal film identification number to a hexadecimal number.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 9 further comprising a framing encoder for encoding a framing bit onto the print roll.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 9 further comprising an end-of-order encoder for encoding and end-of-order mark onto the print roll.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
53 words
The system of claim 12 further comprising a puncher coupled to the reverse encoder, synchronization encoder, and end-of-order encoder and arranged to successively notch at least one of the upper and lower edges of the print roll between successive prints according to signals received from the reverse encoder, synchronization encoder, and end-of-order encoder.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 9 further comprising a reverse re-encoder for re-encoding at least part of the decimal film identification number in the format of binary bits.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1993-06-11 | 1993-12-11 | 1994-06-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-06-11 | 1997-12-11 | 1998-06-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-06-11 | 2001-12-11 | 2002-06-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |