Case Studies

Case 2:

Kodak Memory Album Finisher*

Product Concept:

Eastman Kodak Company wanted to provide a new service to its clients whereby the client could input their digital photographs via the web. The output would be customer-selected combinations of color pictures on photographic print paper in a unique simplex or duplex album page format. Single or multiple pictures as well as printed captions related to individual and/or groups of photos are possible on both sides of each page. The desired photo album page required a smooth glossy surface with individual photographs and captions permanently imbedded within the silver halide color layers. The resulting output is a page that is essentially a double-sided photographic print.

TPR Value Added:

The requirements of each engineering project differ broadly. This particular effort emphasized three crucial value-added attributes:

• Time to completion: with a timeline of only seven months from concept to delivery, TPR was able to successfully meet the constraint of this tight window.

• Concept to implementation: TPR was able to provide a turnkey solution to a customer that desired a dual path development effort since resources for an alternative product version were not available.

• Integration of multiple technologies: TPR was able to apply experienced resources to successfully devise and implement unique solutions to a wide range of diverse technical requirements.

End Result:

TPR was able to go from a clean sheet design to prototype product delivery in seven months, during which time three different media input concept changes were accommodated. An intellectual property strategy was also developed based on several potentially patentable concepts that resulted directly from our technical expertise and creativity. Prototype product development required a team of engineers to handle a wide variety of tasks - from system architecture development to detail mechanical design and final prototype build which also included development of the electronic control system software. Expertise in software development, roll/cut-sheet paper inputs, paper insertion transport, folding, cutting, heat application, and trimming were essential for developing the final prototype product.

Why TPR?:

This particular project required the integrated efforts of multiple engineering disciplines. In working jointly with Kodak personnel, TPR technical resources having backgrounds and experience that complemented the Kodak team were able to craft a solution by developing a world-class answer to a consumer requirement. The end result was that the customer selected TPR in order to satisfy their critical skill needs and successfully meet their demanding schedule requirement.

* Patent of technology, process, and end-product image held by Eastman Kodak Company.

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