System and method for remote image communication and processing using data recorded on photographic film

An automated film processing system, comprising:

• a film having at least one recordable section for storing at least one customer selected electronic address;
• a film finishing system for reading the electronic addresses recorded on said film, developing said film, digitizing the images developed on said film, and forming the digitized images into an index of digitized images, said film finishing system transmitting the index of digitized images to the customer selected electronic addresses;
• and
• at least on customer station, remotely located from said film finishing system, said station electronically connected to said film finishing system for receiving and displaying the index of digitized images when addressed by said film finishing system.

Film handling apparatus for sorting out film orders for telecommunication to a remote destination;

• said apparatus comprising:
• data reading means for reading data recorded on said film orders including telecommunication data identifying said remote destination;
• scanner means for converting developed images on said film orders into digital image data signals;
• and
• controller means responsive to said telecommunication data on the film for establishing a telecommunication link and for transmitting said digital image signals to said destination address.

A method of performing remote image processing and communication using data recorded on film comprising the steps of:

• recording telecommunication data on a photographic film magnetic layer, said telecommunication data including at least a remote destination address to which images on the film are to be transmitted by telecommunication means;
• processing said film to develop images exposed on the film;
• scanning said images to produce digital image data;
• reading said telecommunication data from the film magnetic layer;
• establishing a telecommunication link to a remote destination address represented by said telecommunication data;
• and
• communicating said digital image data to said remote destination address.