Rob
I am not too concerned about the lack of price movement on the news. Lots of good things to come
More stuff from Kodak url
The Technology Behind The New Kodak Digital Lab System
COLOGNE, Germany, Sept. 16--A state-of-the-art illumination on the input scanning system, advanced image processing algorithms and a cutting-edge laser printer are only highlights of the technologies behind the new Kodak digital lab system.
In fact, at virtually every step in its process, the Kodak digital lab system is designed with unique and innovative technologies. In addition, Kodak developed its digital lab system to be a modular, scaleable design that supports efficient upgrades and migration to future technologies. The result: The system makes the ideal pathway for photo retailers who want to expand their businesses with the growing consumer demand for digital imaging products and services.
The Scanning Process
After processing the film, the Kodak digital lab system's 36-bit (12-bit per color) scanner uses a proprietary Kodak CCD area array, which provides exceptional image quality by avoiding artifacts associated with scanning film by moving it past linear sensors.
This high-resolution scanner can capture up to 1,080 scans per hour at six million pixels per 35 mm frame. The productivity is nearly doubled (1,900 frames per hour) when the operator chooses to scan at 1.5 million pixels per frame. Advanced Photo System negatives are processed at the same rates as 35 mm (negatives or positives). The scanner's output data is so robust that it can capture images that have been either severely under or overexposed, without significant impact on print quality.
The scanner features a solid-state LED illumination system. Combinations of LEDs are used to provide exceptional spectral shaping of the red, green and blue exposures, which maximize the color reproduction of the most common film types. Color negative and chrome films are optimized for the most accurate color response.
Unlike halogen light sources that typically require monthly replacements, the LEDs are designed to last throughout the lifetime of the system. Because the system allows individual control of each LED, however, the illumination source can be optimized continuously over the life of the system to account for LED aging, thermal drifts and other effects.
The scanner employs an improved calibration process, which enables better accuracy in color and density matching and reduces daily operator maintenance. No on-site scanner color calibration is required.
On the software side, automatic single-channel image analysis and scene balance algorithms enable consistent, faster operation with less operator maintenance than other scanners. The dynamic range contrast adjustment algorithm automatically increases contrast in shadow and underexposed areas, and reduces contrast in highlight and overexposed areas. With one-button control, operators can override main scene lighting conditions, including frontlit, backlit and artificial illuminant conditions.
The system will also process images for digital still cameras to minimize artifacts associated with various compression techniques used in digital storage.
Order Processing
Designed for high productivity, the Kodak digital lab system includes advanced order-management and image-processing software that enables concurrent order processing and efficient throughput. The image processing architecture enables the system to simultaneously input one order (either by scanning a roll of film or receiving digital images), while the operator is performing preview/prejudge on a previously input order and the system is printing a third order. This multi-tasking capability enables the system to achieve "real productivity" performance closer to the quoted burst rate (1,080 prints per hour) than that of similar equipment with equivalent burst rates.
The system's optional Store-It image storage system holds a "digital negative" (a full-resolution copy of scanned image data) that can be used in multiple ways--reprints, enlargements, makeovers and online uploads--without the need for re-scans or time-consuming matching against the original service print.
The Store-It storage system employs RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks) to improve system storage reliability.
Printing and Output
Kodak has combined new solid-state lasers, a precise polygon scanner and real-time digital signal processing to produce a printing system that achieves true 512 dots-per-inch (dpi) printing for all image sizes. The printer's lasers support improved sharpness and minimize uniformity distortion across the printed page. The precise optical design and high-resolution output scanning produces remarkably sharp images and text even at very small font sizes.
In addition to the high-resolution laser scanning engine, the system employs Kodak-invented and patented low volume thin tank (LVTT) technology during processing. The system's Gretag-manufactured paper and film processing tanks employ LVTT technology, which decreases tank volumes by 70-90 percent and allows rapid tank turnover. The tanks also employ Kodak-patented SM chemicals--specially designed chemical products and packaging--which eliminate manual chemical mixing by injecting the correct quantity of chemical concentrate in the lab tanks.
The printer can produce 1,080 unique 4- x 6-inch prints per hour and 280 unique 8- x 10-inch prints per hour. It also can produce all three Advanced Photo System print formats (Classic, HDTV and Panoramic), and prints up to 12 x 18 inches.
The Kodak digital lab system employs the Windows NT operating system with multiple high-speed (400 MHz+) Pentium II microprocessors. It features a 100 MHz front-side bus for fast memory access and RAID technology for fast disk access and data transfers with peripherals.
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September, 1998
New Kodak Digital Lab System Offers Increased Potential For Productivity, quality and profit
Retailers and photofinishers will be able to add digital services to their traditional D&P operations in 1999 with the new Kodak Digital Lab System.
The new system accepts both 35 mm and Advanced Photo System films and a variety of digital input. It provides exceptional-quality prints in a variety of sizes, touch-up services, digital output, a convenient reordering system, Internet uploads and picture previewing capabilities.
A unique image data manager designed by Kodak is at the heart of the system - this computer controls the advanced silver halide minilab and innovative digital laser printing system and employs Kodak colour management and imaging software. It has a modular, open design, which will allow retailers to link with other digital systems, add new components and upgrade capabilities over time as technologies evolve.
"Retailers and photofinishers who were waiting to see whether a digital system makes sense for their business can invest with confidence in the Kodak Digital Lab System," said Bharat Shah, Kodak¹s Director and General Manager, Consumer Imaging. "They will have a single lab that produces high quality orders more efficiently, delivers new products and services that consumers really want, and a long-term pathway for developing their digital imaging business through incremental investment."
Other Benefits Of The New System Include:
€Improved Productivity-mixed print sizes can be produced within an order without operator intervention and no additional set-up time is required to offer many new, higher margin products and services. The new Digital Lab System scans 40 rolls of film per hour at 16-base resolution (2,048 x 3,072 pixels) for optimum quality, or approximately 75 rolls per hour at 4-base resolution (1,024 x 1,536 pixels) where speed is of the essence. With its non-linear workflow, multi-task capability and high-speed scanning, 1,080 prints per hour can be achieved providing consistently higher productivity levels than optical systems at the same rate. €Easy, Reliable Connectivity-ease of integration with the Kodak Picture Maker and Kodak PhotoNet* online. This integration enables pictures to be shared on the Internet and accept digital input from a variety of sources. €New Products and Services-customer research has led to a host of new services being incorporated as standard features in the system including:
€Noteable printsa white, writable date stamped strip across the bottom of the print for recording titles and short notes about the picture. €Friendship printsgives a standard-sized print and two wallet-sized prints for every frame €Preview & Select Serviceallows consumers to preview their scanned roll, improve them and print only those they want in the quantities they want
The system also includes image quality enhancement software applications which allow photofinishers to provide touch-up services to correct common picture-taking errors e.g. scratches and red-eye.
In addition, Kodak will offer an optional archive system, which will enable photofinishers to store scans of D&P orders for several weeks. This capability will give them a further opportunity to contact their customers when interest in their pictures is highest, and so create incremental sales of enlargements and reprints.
The Kodak Digital Lab System is scheduled to be available in the UK in early 1999.
For further information contact:
Clare Fleerackers
Public Relations Manager, Consumer Imaging
Tel: 01442 844940
Fax: 01442 844680
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Now Spectrum press release said "Eastman Kodak Company, the world leader in imaging, is a new commercial OEM customer for Spectrum. Orders have been received for over 50 DSP products for use in prototype and pre-production units of the Digital Lab System, which will be available worldwide to Retail Photo Labs in mid-1999. Spectrum expects to begin shipping volume quantities to Kodak at that time, as the manufacture of these state-of-the-art systems commences."
Now Kodak says "The Kodak Digital Lab System is scheduled to be available in the UK in early 1999."
Does this sound to you like orders will be placed prior to mid-1999 as the press release suggests? |
