Photography – Studio structure – Photo booth
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-18
2001-05-15
Rutledge, D. (Department: 2851)
Photography
Studio structure
Photo booth
C396S364000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06233399
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to photo processing and more specifically to a film drop-off apparatus and method.
Film drop-off kiosks are commonplace in grocery stores and other retail establishments. A customer removes a film drop envelope from an envelope bin, fills out the envelope with name and address information, puts film to be developed into the envelope, and drops the envelope into a storage bin for pickup by photo processing personnel. More sophisticated film drop-off kiosks include computer interfaces and provide additional features for customers.
Film drop-off kiosks have only limited processing and delivery capability. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a film drop-off kiosk and method which reduce processing and delivery time.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a film drop-off apparatus and method are provided.
The apparatus includes a computer; a display controlled by the computer which displays instructions to a customer, including photo delivery options during a film processing transaction; an input device controlled by the computer which records a customer choice for a photo delivery time; and communication circuitry which sends an alert message to the film laboratory based upon the customer choice.
A film processing method includes displaying instructions to a customer, including photo delivery options during a film processing transaction; recording a customer choice for a photo delivery time; sending an alert message to the film laboratory based upon the customer choice; receiving the alert message by the film laboratory; and assigning a film development priority to the transaction based upon the received alert.
The film processing method may also include displaying instructions to a customer, including photo delivery options and a special promotion during a film processing transaction; recording a first customer choice for a photo delivery time and a second customer choice for the special promotion; and determining a price based upon the first and second choices.
The film processing method may also include delivering a bar code label identifying the transaction to the customer; reading the bar code label by a bar code reader coupled to the computer; and displaying a status of the transaction by the computer.
It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a film drop-off apparatus and method.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a film drop-off kiosk with a computer interface which records delivery choices by customers;
It is another object of the present invention to provide a film drop-off kiosk with a computer interface which alerts a photo processing laboratory of film processing priorities associated with the delivery choices;
It is another object of the present invention to provide a film drop-off kiosk with a computer interface which records customer information instead of requiring a customer to write the information by hand;
It is another object of the present invention to provide a film drop-off kiosk with a computer interface which can store and track customer orders;
It is another object of the present invention to provide a film drop-off method which records customer delivery choices and which alerts a photo processing laboratory of film processing priorities associated with the delivery choices.
REFERENCES:
patent: D. 251649 (1979-04-01), Devin et al.
patent: 4803348 (1989-02-01), Lohrey et al.
patent: 5113351 (1992-05-01), Bostic
patent: 5499707 (1996-03-01), Steury
patent: 5652936 (1997-07-01), Klees et al.
patent: 5666215 (1997-09-01), Fredlund et al.
patent: 5667288 (1997-09-01), Kang
patent: 5710889 (1998-01-01), Clark et al.
patent: 5737729 (1998-04-01), Denman
patent: 5971273 (1999-10-01), Vallaire
Martin Paul W.
NCR Corporation
Rutledge D.
LandOfFree
Film drop-off apparatus and method does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Film drop-off apparatus and method, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Film drop-off apparatus and method will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2485447