Method for pre-processing and printing image and apparatus for holding printed image

Abstract

Disclosed is method for pre-processing and printing image, method comprising receiving user request for pre-processing and printing image from a user device; obtaining access permissions for retrieving at least one input image from user device; arranging retrieved at least one input image digital representation of photo frame for generating image to be printed; performing facial detection on image for ensuring each face detected in image is completely represented in image, using facial detection algorithm; assigning quality score to image, based on aesthetics of image; identifying dominant colour within image; determining transitory colour to be applied as border of image, based on identified dominant colour; applying determined transitory colour as border of image; sending data related to image with applied border to printer; and printing image with applied border, using printer.

Description

[0001] METHOD FOR. PRE-PROCESSING AND PRINTING IMAGE AND APPARATUS FOR HOLDING PRINTED IMAGE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to methods for pre-processing and printing images. Moreover, the present disclosure relates to photo albums. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to apparatuses for holding images printed using aforementioned methods. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to spacer elements for separating a plurality of aforementioned apparatuses. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to kits in parts comprising plurality of aforementioned apparatuses.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] In the current market place for remote printing, binding and / or framing documents, or photographs ("photos"), different technologies need to be applied for a final product to be ready to be delivered. This service is commonly referred to as "online printing"

[0006] For example, even in the simplest of the situations, where a single digital photo is sent to a service provider via the internet, in addition to a physical data communication network, typically wireless, for such a service to be provides, technologies related to, at least, an application interface(s) capable of running on a consumer device, online payment capability, payment verification, file format recognition, image quality recognition (to make sure it is "printable", a physical printer with appropriate ink that is acceptable by the printing media (typically an issue when the printing media is not regular paper), in addition to a system that recognises delivery location such that delivery can be made according to pre-defined contracts (for example, in some cases it is not possible to deliver outside of a country). In practical situations, consumers are often unhappy with printing quality, not least related to colours not matching the digital image, lack of availability of options for printing media, delivery delays. When services are provided at large scale, such additional issues highlighted by typical consumers, require additional technologies, for example related to online scheduling for printing and delivery, printing technologies adaptation to the chosen printing media, that are capable of performing the required tasks at an acceptable time scale and, when required by the consumer, and adaptation of such technologies or services to the image itself as well as to the chosen printing format, which can significantly vary depending on size and printing media chosen by the consumer. To date, creating and integrating such technologies such that remote printing products can be delivered at relatively large scale and acceptable time frames has been a challenge not yet met by the existing technologies. As such, there is a need to overcome the technological drawbacks related to online printing.

[0007] SUMMARY

[0008] The aim of the present disclosure is to provide a method, a photo album, an apparatus, a spacer element, and a kit in parts to automate a preprocessing of an image before printing and provide a reliable structure for holding the image. The aim of the present disclosure is achieved by a method, a photo album, an apparatus, a spacer element, and a kit in parts as defined in the appended independent claims to which reference is made to. Advantageous features are set out in the appended dependent claims.

[0009] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" , "include", "have", and "contain" and variations of these words, for example "comprising" and "comprises" , mean "including but not limited to" , and do not exclude other components, items, integers or steps not explicitly disclosed also to be present. Moreover, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0010] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIGs. 1A and IB collectively are illustrations of a flowchart depicting steps of a method for pre-processing and printing an image, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIGs. 2A and 2B are schematic illustrations of an image being pre- processed, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIGs. 3A-F are schematic illustrations of different views of an apparatus for holding an image, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIGs. 4A-C are schematic illustrations of different views of a first member and a second member of an apparatus for holding an image, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of an apparatus for holding an image, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0016] FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a spacer element for separating a plurality of apparatuses, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0018] The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and ways in which they can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the present disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practising the present disclosure are also possible. In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for preprocessing and printing an image, the method comprising: receiving a user request for pre-processing and printing the image from a user device; obtaining access permissions for retrieving at least one input image from the user device; arranging the retrieved at least one input image within a digital representation of a photo frame for generating the image to be printed; performing facial detection on the image for ensuring each face detected in the image is completely represented in the image, using a facial detection algorithm; assigning a quality score to the image, based on aesthetics of the image; identifying a dominant colour within the image; determining a transitory colour to be applied as a border of the image, based on the identified dominant colour; applying the determined transitory colour as the border of the image; sending data related to the image with the applied border to a printer; and printing the image with the applied border, using the printer.

[0019] The present disclosure seeks to provide an aforementioned method that effectively minimizes human input required for pre-processing the image. Moreover, preprocessing the image significantly enhances a quality of the image and ensures that the image that is printed is up to a required standard.

[0020] In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a photo album comprising a plurality of images printed according to the method of the first aspect. The present disclosure seeks to provide an aforementioned photo album that is visually appealing to user because of the use of the plurality of images of printed according to the method of the first aspect, which are of high quality.

[0021] In a third aspect, the present disclosure provides an apparatus for holding an image printed using a method of the first aspect, the apparatus comprising: a first member having a hollow portion between boundary walls of the first member, wherein the boundary walls of the first member comprises a plurality of protrusions arranged laterally to a surface of the boundary walls of the first member; and a second member having a hollow portion between boundary walls of the second member, such that the second member is structurally aligned with the first member, wherein the boundary walls of the second member comprises a plurality of cavities arranged laterally to a surface of the boundary walls of the second member; wherein the plurality of cavities in the second member are configured to receive the plurality of protrusions in the first member therein, such that the first member is attached to the second member with the image held between the first member and the second member.

[0022] The present disclosure seeks to provide an aforementioned apparatus that is reliable to be used in a wide range of applications. Moreover, the aforementioned apparatus is able to securely hold the image therein, thus, protecting the image from any external damage or environmental factors.

[0023] In a fourth aspect, the present disclosure provides a spacer element for separating a plurality of apparatuses of the third aspect arranged on a surface.

[0024] The present disclosure seeks to provide an aforementioned spacer element that creates an aesthetic appearance of the plurality of apparatuses arranged on the surface, by creating a uniform separation between each of the plurality of apparatuses.

[0025] In a fifth aspect, the present disclosure provides a kit in parts comprising a plurality of apparatuses of the third aspect and a spacer element of the fourth aspect.

[0026] The present disclosure seeks to provide an aforementioned kit in parts that securely holds an image in the apparatus of the third aspect and creates an aesthetic appearance of the plurality of apparatuses of the third aspect arranged on the surface while being separated by the spacer element of the fourth aspect.

[0027] Throughout the present disclosure, the term "image" refers to a visual representation of content (such as scenery, objects, persons, and the like) through different colours, shapes, textures, and the like. Optionally, the image may exist physically (such as a photograph) or virtually (i.e., displayed over a screen of a computing device). Notably, the image is well-known in the art. Throughout the present disclosure, the term "preprocessing" refers to applying processing techniques to the image to enhance a quality of the image before the image is printed. It will be appreciated that pre-processing the image ensure that the image is optimally enhanced to make the image appear more pronounced than the image is before pre-processing. Throughout the present disclosure, the term "printing" refers to the process of rendering the image that exists virtually into a physical form over a sheet of paper, thus allowing the image to be viewed without any screen.

[0028] Throughout the present disclosure, the term "user request" refers to an input received by a user (i.e., a person who wants to use the method for pre-processing and printing the image) in form of a request for the image to be pre-processed and printed. Throughout the present disclosure, the term "user device" refers to a computing device associated with the user. For example, the user device may be one of: a computer, a laptop, a smartphone, a smartwatch, and the like. Notably, the user device comprises a graphical user interface (GUI) that enables the user to provide the user request. Subsequently, the user request that is provided by the user via the GUI in the user device, is then received from the user device.

[0029] Throughout the present disclosure, the term "at least one input image" refers to one or more images stored in the user device that the user wants to be included in the image to be pre-processed and printed. Throughout the present disclosure, the term "access permissions" refers to a set of protocols indicating that the user has authorized the at least one input image to be retrieved from the user device. Optionally, obtaining the access permissions for retrieving the at least one input image comprises selection of the at least one input image by the user from a memory unit in the user device. Optionally, retrieving the at least one input image from the user device comprises uploading the at least one input image to a server arrangement from the user device.

[0030] Throughout the present disclosure, the term "photo frame" refers to a structure that surrounds and supports the printed image. Notably, the use of the photo frame for the printed image is well-known in the art. Throughout the present disclosure, the term "digital representation" refers to a virtual recreation of the photo frame visible to the user via a display screen of the user device. Notably, arranging the retrieved at least one input image within the digital representation of the photo frame comprises determining a layout and a position of each input image from amongst the at least one input image within the digital representation of the photo frame. Subsequently, the arranged at least one input image within the digital representation of the photo frame is generated as the image to be printed. It will be appreciated that the generated image arranged within the digital representation of the photo frame enables the user to view how the image would appear inside the photo frame in real life. Throughout the present disclosure, the term "facial detection" refers to biometric technique that detects different faces within the image by analysing facial features in the image. Notably, performing the facial detection enables to determine if each face detected in the image is completely or partially represented in the image. Subsequently, if any face detected in the image is partially represented in the image, then the image is modified to ensure complete representation of that face in the image as well. Thus, performing the facial detection on the image effectively automates the process of confirming that each face is completely represented in the image. Throughout the present disclosure, the term "facia! detection algorithm" refers to a computing algorithm that is used to perform the facial detection on the image by creating a digital signature of each face detected in the image. Notably, the use of the facial detection algorithm in performing the facial detection on the image is well-known in the art.

[0031] Optionally, the method further comprises creating a profile of each distinct person identified in the image from performing the facial detection on the image, wherein the profile comprises at least one of: a name, a gender, a birthday, relationships with other persons of said person as identified in the image. In this regard, each distinct face identified in the image from performing the facial detection on the image belongs to a distinct person, wherein the profile is created for each distinct person. Throughout the present disclosure, the term "profile" refers to a personalized description of said person including information about said person such the birthday, the gender, the name, the relationship with other persons of said person as identified in the image. The profile of each distinct person identified in the image comprising the aforementioned information is well-defined.

[0032] Throughout the present disclosure, the term "aesthetics" refers to a parameter that defines how visually pleasing or engaging the image is. Notably, the aesthetics of the image are based on colour, lighting, contrast, texture, and the like of the image. Throughout the present disclosure, the term "quality score" refers to a numerical value that indicates how good or bad are the aesthetics of the image. Notably, a high value of the quality score indicates the aesthetics of the image to be of high quality, whereas a low value of the quality score indicates the aesthetics of the image to be of low quality. It will be appreciated that assigning the quality score to the image enables to user to determine if the image is up to a required quality or not before the image is printed.

[0033] Optionally, if the quality score of the image is less than a predefined threshold, then the method further comprising modifying and rearranging the image for improving the quality score of the image. In this regard, the term "predefined threshold" refers to a reference numerical value that is used for comparison with the quality score of the image for determining if the quality score of the image is up to a required standard or not. Notably, the quality score of the image being less than the predefined threshold implies that the quality score of the image is not up to a required standard. Subsequently, modifying and rearranging the image for improving the quality score of the image comprises removing noise, applying filters and changing layout of the image. The quality of the image as measured by know parameters such as resolution, clarity, contracts between features and so forth is effectively ensured to be up to required standard prior to the image being printed.

[0034] Optionally, the method further comprises: generating a caption for the image, using a Large Language Model (LLM); and inserting the generated caption in the image within the digital representation of the photo frame.

[0035] In this regard, the term "caption" refers to a brief text that accompanies the image for providing a context or an additional comment about the image. Throughout the present disclosure, the term "Large Language Model (LLM)" refers to an artificial intelligence model that is capable of understanding and generating human-like text. The LLM detects people, objects, and places in the image for understanding the context of the image and subsequently, generates the caption in a human-like text based on the understanding of the context of the image. Notably, the use of the LLM for generating the caption for the image enables to automate the generation of the caption in a human-like manner without the need for human input. Moreover, inserting the generated caption in the image implies that the generated caption is included to be a part of the image within the digital representation of the photo frame. Optionally, the generated caption is inserted at a bottom portion or a top portion of the image. The process of generating the caption is effectively automated to produce human-like captions with the use of the LLM, and the generated caption is inserted in the image in a visually pleasing manner.

[0036] Throughout the present disclosure, the term "dominant colour" refers to a specific colour that is most prominently visible in the image. Herein, identifying the dominant colour within the image enables to determine which colour in the image acquires the most attention from the viewers of the image. Throughout the present disclosure, the term "transitory colour" refers to a colour that is selected to be applied as the border of the image, in order to provide a transition between the image and the photo frame or any other apparatus in which the image is held. Notably, the transitory colour being determined based on the identified dominant colour enables to the transitory colour to provide a smooth transition between the dominant colour and the photo frame, that is visually pleasing and less noticeable by the any one viewing the image. Notably, applying the transitory colour as the border of the image comprises rendering the transitory colour around the boundary of the image in symmetry with the shape of the image.

[0037] Optionally, the method further comprises generating a three dimensional (3-D) preview of the image with the applied border, arranged within the digital representation of the photo frame. In this regard, the term "three dimensional (3-D) preview" refers to a visual representation of the image with the applied border in a 3-D space. An effect of generating the 3-D preview of the image applied with the applied border, arranged within the digital representation of the photo frame is that the user can effectively view how the image with the applied border will appear as arranged within the photo frame in real-world and subsequently, determine if the image requires any adjustment based on the arrangement of the image within the digital representation of the photo frame.

[0038] Throughout the present disclosure, the term "printer" refers to a device that is used to print the image from its digital form into its physical form. Notably, the use of the printer is well-known in the art. Optionally, the printer is one of: an inkjet printer, a laser printer, a thermal printer, and the like. Optionally, the data related to the image with the applied border comprises: a size, a quality, a resolution, and the like of the image with the applied border to be printed. The data related to the image with the applied border is sent to the printer using a communication interface such as a Bluetooth® module, a Wi-Fi® module, a cellular network module, and the like. Subsequently, the image with the applied border is printed using the printer.

[0039] Optionally, the method further comprises printing a Quick Response (QR) code on the printed image, wherein the QR code is printed on a corner of a blank surface opposite to a printed surface of the printed image. In this regard, the term "Quick Response (QR) code" refers to two-dimensional (2-D) barcode that stores information which can be accessed by scanning the QR code. Notably, the use of the QR code is well-known in the art. Throughout the present disclosure, the term "printed surface" refers to one of the two surfaces of the printed image over which the visual content is rendered with ink to be visible to the viewers. Throughout the present disclosure, the term "blank surface" refers to the other surface of the printed image having a white background, opposite to the printed surface. Notably, the white background of the blank surface is ideal for the QR code to be printed. The QR code is therefore printed on the printed image with clarity and without affecting the quality of the visual content on the printed surface of the printed image.

[0040] Optionally, the method further comprises providing instructions to the printer for adding a glazed finish to the printed image. In this regard, the term "glazed finish" refers to a reflective coating applied to the printed surface of the printed image, providing a sleek, polished appearance to the printed image. The use of the glazed finish for the printed image is well-known in the art. By adding the glazed finish to the printed image, that the visual appearance of the printed image is significantly enhanced with sharper details and colours as typically perceived by the average person.

[0041] The present disclosure also relates to the photo album as described above. Various embodiments and variants disclosed above, with respect to the aforementioned method, apply mutatis mutandis to the photo album.

[0042] Throughout the present disclosure, the term "photo album" refers to a collection of the plurality of images printed according to the aforementioned method, that are organized and presented in form of a book. Notably, the use of the photo album is well-known in the art.

[0043] The present disclosure also relates to the apparatus as described above. Various embodiments and variants disclosed above, with respect to the aforementioned method and the aforementioned photo album, apply mutatis mutandis to the apparatus.

[0044] Throughout the present disclosure, the term "first member" refers to a component of the apparatus having a fixed shape which is used hold the image from one of the printed surface or the blank surface of the image. Throughout the present disclosure, the term "boundary walls" refers to that portion around an entire periphery of the first member. Notably, the shape of the boundary walls of the first member define the shape of the first member. For example, if the shape of the boundary walls of the first member is a circle, then the shape of the first member is a circle. Throughout the present disclosure, the term "hollow portion" refers to an entire portion of the first member that is vacant in space, between the boundary walls of the first member. In other words, the first member is hollow except for the boundary walls of the first member.

[0045] Throughout the present disclosure, the term "protrusion" refers to a structural element that protrudes out of the surface of the boundary walls of the first member. Notably, the plurality of protrusions being arranged laterally to the surface of the boundary walls of the first member implies that an axis on which the plurality of protrusions arranged on the boundary walls of the first member is parallel to an axis of the surface of the boundary walls of the first member.

[0046] Throughout the present disclosure, the term "second member" refers to a component of the apparatus having a fixed shape aligned with the shape of the first member, which is used hold the image from one of the printed surface or the blank surface of the image opposite to the surface that is held by the first member. Throughout the present disclosure, the term "boundary walls" refers to that portion around an entire periphery of the second member. Notably, the shape of the boundary walls of the second member define the shape of the first member. For example, if the shape of the boundary walls of the second member is a circle, then the shape of the second member is a circle. Throughout the present disclosure, the term "hollow portion" refers to an entire portion of the second member that is vacant in space, between the boundary walls of the second member. In other words, the second member is hollow except for the boundary walls of the second member.

[0047] Optionally, the boundary walls of the first member and the boundary walls of the second member are in a shape of one of: a polygon, a circle, an oval. The boundary walls of the first member and the boundary walls of the second member being in the shape of one of the aforementioned shapes enable the shape to be selected from a wide range of well-known structures which makes the apparatus to be suitable for variety of applications.

[0048] Optionally, the hollow portion between the boundary walls of the first member and the hollow portion between the boundary walls of the second member comprises a glass arranged therein. In this regard, the hollow portion between the boundary walls of the first member and the hollow portion between the boundary walls of the second member comprising the glass arranged therein enables to provide a transparent medium to view the image held in the apparatus while shielding the image from different environmental conditions (such as dirt, rain, external damage, and the like). The image is therefore protected from the different environmental conditions via the glass.

[0049] Throughout the present disclosure, the term "cavity" refers to a hollow space in the surface of the boundary walls of the second member. Notably, the plurality of cavities being arranged laterally to the surface of the boundary walls of the second member implies that an axis on which the plurality of cavities arranged on the boundary walls of the second member is parallel to an axis of the surface of the boundary walls of the second member.

[0050] Notably, the plurality of cavities in the second member being configured to receive the plurality of protrusions in the first member therein enables to attach the plurality of protrusions in the first member to the plurality of cavities in the second member. Subsequently, the boundary walls of the first member are attached to the boundary walls of the second member while the image is held therebetween, thus, forming the apparatus holding the image between the first member and the second member. The present disclosure also relates to the spacer element as described above. Various embodiments and variants disclosed above, with respect to the aforementioned method, the aforementioned photo album and the aforementioned apparatus, apply mutatis mutandis to the spacer element.

[0051] Throughout the present disclosure, the term "spacer element" refers to an element that is placed between the plurality of apparatuses such that the plurality of apparatuses are separated uniformly from each other while being arranged on the surface. Optionally, the surface is a wall. Optionally, the spacer element comprises a plurality of bends, such that each bend from amongst the plurality of bends is configured to accommodate a portion of a corresponding apparatus from amongst the plurality of apparatuses.

[0052] The present disclosure also relates to the kit in parts as described above. Various embodiments and variants disclosed above, with respect to the aforementioned method, the aforementioned photo album, the aforementioned apparatus and the aforementioned spacer element, apply mutatis mutandis to the kit in parts.

[0053] Throughout the preset disclosure, the term "kit in parts" refers to a collection of components namely the plurality of apparatuses and the spacer element, wherein the spacer element and the plurality of apparatuses can be sold separately or together as a kit.

[0054] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] Referring to FIGs. 1A and IB collectively, illustrated is a flowchart depicting steps of a method for pre-processing and printing an image, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. At step 102, a user request for pre-processing and printing the image is received from a user device. At step 104, access permissions are obtained for retrieving at least one input image from the user device. At step 106, the retrieved at least one input image are arranged within a digital representation of a photo frame for generating the image to be printed. At step 108, facial detection is performed on the image for ensuring each face detected in the image is completely represented in the image, using a facial detection algorithm. At step 110, a quality score is assigned to the image, based on aesthetics of the image. At step 112, a dominant colour is identified within the image. At step 114, a transitory colour is determined to be applied as a border of the image, based on the identified dominant colour. At step 116, the determined transitory colour is applied as the border of the image. At step 118, data related to the image with the applied border is sent to a printer. At step 120, the image with the applied border is printed, using the printer.

[0056] The aforementioned steps are only illustrative, and other alternatives can also be provided where one or more steps are added, one or more steps are removed, or one or more steps are provided in a different sequence without departing from the scope of the claims herein. For example, the method of the present disclosure may comprise performing salient image analysis, for object or feature detection within an image by employing

[0057] One or more algorithms for detecting salient objects. Such salient image analysis typically involves employing one or more algorithms to identify areas of interest in an image based on at least one of: colour, intensity contrast, edge detection, texture, other known parameters (or values) recorded as part of a digital image. The result obtained from employing salient image analysis is detect features that at least to an extent, stand out or in any way or degree noticeable when compared to their surroundings (which would be less noticeable or would not Stand out. For example, in addition to human faces, a known that features that stand out or a noticeable from their surroundings may be a tree on a grassy field, or a boat floating on surrounding water or the like. Referring to FIGs. 2A and 2B, illustrated are schematic illustrations of an image 200 being pre-processed, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG 2A, facial detection is performed on the image 200 for ensuring each face detected in the image is completely represented in the image 200. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 2B, a transitory colour 202 is determined to be applied as a border 204 of the image.

[0058] Referring to FIGs. 3A-F, illustrated are schematic illustrations of different views of an apparatus 300 for holding an image (not shown), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Herein, FIG. 3A is a front view, FIGs. 3B and 3C are top views, FIGs. 3D and 3E are side views, and FIG. 3F is a perspective view of the apparatus 300, respectively. As shown, the apparatus 300 comprises a first member 302 and a second member 304.

[0059] Referring to FIGs. 4A-C, illustrated are schematic illustrations of different views of a first member 400 and a second member 402 of an apparatus (not shown) for holding an image (not shown), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the first member 400 is having a hollow portion 404 between boundary walls 406 of the first member 400, wherein the boundary walls 406 of the first member 400 comprises a plurality of protrusions (depicted as a first protrusion 408A and a second protrusion 408B) arranged laterally to a surface of the boundary walls 406 of the first member 400. Moreover, the second member 402 is having a hollow portion 410 between boundary walls 412 of the second member 402, such that the second member 402 is structurally aligned with the first member 400, wherein the boundary walls 412 of the second member 402 comprises a plurality of cavities (depicted as a first cavity 414A and a second cavity 414B) arranged laterally to a surface of the boundary walls 412 of the second member 402. Referring to FIG. 5, illustrated is a schematic illustration of an apparatus 500 for holding an image 502, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the image 502 is applied with a transitory colour as a border 504 of the image 502. Referring to FIG. 6, illustrated is a schematic illustration of a spacer element 600 for separating a plurality of apparatuses (depicted as a first apparatus 602A, a second apparatus 602B, a third apparatus 602C and a fourth apparatus 602D), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method for pre-processing and printing an image, the method comprising: receiving a user request for pre-processing and printing the image from a user device; obtaining access permissions for retrieving at least one input image from the user device; arranging the retrieved at least one input image within a digital representation of a photo frame for generating the image to be printed; performing facial detection on the image for ensuring each face detected in the image is completely represented in the image, using a facial detection algorithm; assigning a quality score to the image, based on aesthetics of the image; identifying a dominant colour within the image; determining a transitory colour to be applied as a border of the image, based on the identified dominant colour; applying the determined transitory colour as the border of the image; sending data related to the image with the applied border to a printer; and printing the image with the applied border, using the printer.

2. A method of claim 1, further comprising: generating a caption for the image, using a Large Language Model (LLM); and inserting the generated caption in the image within the digital representation of the photo frame.

3. A method of claim 1 or 2, further comprising generating a three dimensional (3-D) preview of the image with the applied border, arranged within the digital representation of the photo frame.4 A method of any of the preceding claims, further comprising printing a Quick Response (QR) code on the printed image, wherein the QR code is printed on a corner of a blank surface opposite to a printed surface of the printed image.

5. A method of any of the preceding claims, further comprising providing instructions to the printer for adding a glazed finish to the printed image.

6. A method of any of the preceding claims, wherein if the quality score of the image is less than a predefined threshold, then the method further comprising modifying and rearranging the image for improving the quality score of the image.

7. A method of any of the preceding claims, further comprising creating a profile of each distinct person identified in the image from performing the facial detection on the image, wherein the profile comprises at least one of: a name, a gender, a birthday, relationships with other persons of said person as identified in the image.

8. A photo album comprising a plurality of images printed according to the method of any of the claims 1-7.

9. An apparatus for holding an image printed using a method of any of the claims 1-7, the apparatus comprising: a first member having a hollow portion between boundary walls of the first member, wherein the boundary walls of the first member comprises a plurality of protrusions arranged laterally to a surface of the boundary walls of the first member; and a second member having a hollow portion between boundary walls of the second member, such that the second member is structurally aligned with the first member, wherein the boundary walls of the secondmember comprises a plurality of cavities arranged laterally to a surface of the boundary walls of the second member; wherein the plurality of cavities in the second member are configured to receive the plurality of protrusions in the first member therein, such that the first member is attached to the second member with the image held between the first member and the second member.

10. An apparatus of claim 9, wherein the boundary walls of the first member and the boundary walls of the second member are in a shape of one of: a polygon, a circle, an oval.

11. An apparatus of claim 9 or 10, wherein the hollow portion between the boundary walls of the first member and the hollow portion between the boundary walls of the second member comprises a glass arranged therein.

12. An apparatus of anyone of claims 9, 10 or 11, holding an image printed using a method of any of the claims 1-7.

13. A spacer element for separating a plurality of apparatuses of any of the claims 9-12 arranged on a surface.

14. A kit in parts comprising a plurality of apparatuses of any of the claims 9-12 and a spacer element according to claim 13.

Images