Photography – Fluid-treating apparatus
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-18
2001-03-27
Rutledge, D. (Department: 2851)
Photography
Fluid-treating apparatus
C345S960000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06206585
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.
One of a customer's biggest fears with any drop-off system is that the film might be lost. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a film drop-off kiosk and which minimize the possibility of losing film.
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 location; and a printer controlled by the computer which prints information identifying the photo delivery location on a film envelope.
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 location; printing information identifying the photo delivery location on a film envelope; and dispensing the envelope.
The film processing method may also include reading the information identifying the photo delivery location on the film envelope at a location; and if the location is not the photo delivery location on the film envelope, delivering the envelope to the photo delivery location on the film envelope.
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 prints information on film envelopes, including the store name and address where the kiosk is located.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a film drop-off method which minimizes the chance that developed film will be lost or delivered to a wrong store.
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patent: 5667288 (1997-09-01), Kang
patent: 5737729 (1998-04-01), Denman
patent: 5799219 (1998-08-01), Moghadam et al.
Martin Paul W.
NCR Corporation
Rutledge D.
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