The invention includes a print terminal that prints input image data and outputs the input image data as a print image, and an image storage server that is connected to the print terminal via a public network, and that stores the image data sent from the print terminal and user identification information. The print terminal creates, out of the print image, user identification information based on photographing location information and photographing date/time information included as data in a user identification information image specified by the user. In a case where the print terminal receives a re-input of image data of the user identification information image, the print terminal resends user identification information to the image storage server. In a case where an image directory including the resent user identification information internally exists, the image storage server sends the image data in the image directory to the print terminal.

A device comprising: an input for receiving images captured by a camera, of an environment illuminated by light from a light source; an image processing module; and a verification module. The image processing module is configured to process one or more of the images to decode a timestamp modulated into the light, and to output an indication of the decoded timestamp. The verification module is arranged to receive the indication of the decoded timestamp output by the image processing module, and based thereon to perform an at least partially automated verification of a time at which the one or more images were captured.

First image data captured by a first image pickup apparatus and second image data captured by a second image pickup apparatus are stored in storing means. Thus, it is possible to correlate images with each other by using identification information of a user or the image pickup apparatus and identification information of an image capturing time, an image capturing position, or an image pickup target (event). Further, the correlated image data is edited on the basis of editing structure data, thereby generating album image data.

There is provided a technique for dividing a plurality of images into a plurality of image groups using a method which differs according to a predetermined condition. An image processing apparatus divides the plurality of images into the plurality of image groups according to time information corresponding to the plurality of images which are candidates to be laid out on a template. Then, at least one image included in each of the plurality of image groups is laid out on the template corresponding to each of the plurality of image groups. In the dividing, the plurality of images is divided into the plurality of image groups by a method which differs according to the predetermined condition.

A printing apparatus includes a memory, a receiving unit, and a printing unit. The memory stores print schedule information indicating regular time information concerning a time at which printing is regularly performed and also stores print settings information in association with the print schedule information. The receiving unit receives print data. The printing unit prints the print data received by the receiving unit in accordance with the print settings information if a time at which the print data is received matches the regular time information indicated in the print schedule information.

A method and device for encoding a captured screenshot and controlling program switching on an electronic device based on the captured screenshot. The method includes the electronic device performing: capturing from a display a screenshot of a playing program or display content with a stored image data frame; encoding the image data frame of the screenshot, afterwards storing the encoded image data frame of the screenshot; retrieving program information data of the screenshot from a program database; embedding retrieved program information data of the captured screenshot into the encoded image data frame to form an embedded encoded image file. The embedded encoded image file enables the first electronic device or a second electronic device to directly switching to start playing the program or displaying the content on the electronic device according to the captured screenshot.

A method, system, and processor-executable software for processing images or video captured by a smartphone or other digital image capture device for subsequent validation and authentication captures not only the image, but also metadata relevant to the authenticity of validity of the image, such as position, time, camera movement and orientation, image parameters, and so forth. The image is watermarked and both the watermarked image and the metadata, as well as a symmetric key used in the watermarking, are digitally signed and transmitted or uploaded to a web server or authentication centric entity for authentication and storage. When a third party submits an image to the web server or authentication centric entity, the submitted image is compared with the stored watermarked image for authentication and validation of the submitted image, and the metadata is then retrieved to enable analysis of the contents of authenticated and validated image.

A method, system, and processor-executable software for processing images or video captured by a smartphone or other digital image capture device for subsequent validation and authentication captures not only the image, but also metadata relevant to the authenticity of validity of the image, such as position, time, camera movement and orientation, image parameters, and so forth. The image is watermarked and both the watermarked image and the metadata, as well as a symmetric key used in the watermarking, are digitally signed and transmitted or uploaded to a web server or authentication centric entity for authentication and storage. When a third party submits an image to the web server or authentication centric entity, the submitted image is compared with the stored watermarked image for authentication and validation of the submitted image, and the metadata is then retrieved to enable analysis of the contents of authenticated and validated image.

An image forming apparatus includes an interface through which printing data to be printed onto a sheet is acquired, and a printer unit configured to print the printing data, and to print information different from the printing data on the sheet using a decolorable recording agent.

A process for securely coordinating different image capture devices at an event so that images captured may be vetted and redisplayed for all participants to view in near real-time. The process includes a group of image capture devices, wirelessly communicating to a remote server that is located at the event. The server coordinates the devices in the group, consolidating the captured images from all the devices and presenting them to an event hoster for their approval so that they can be redisplayed to all participants at the event through a display system, which may include one or more of the capture devices.