I3A Publishes Version 2.0 of CPXe - Common Picture eXchange Environment - Specifications; CIPA PTP-IP Standard Extends I3A's Original Picture Transfer Protocol.

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. -- The International Imaging Industry Association (I3A), the leading global association for the imaging industry, has published a new version of its Common Picture eXchange environment (CPXe) specifications, Version 2.0. The suite of specifications is available for download from the I3A Web site at no charge for I3A members, and to non-members for a nominal fee. Use of CPXe specifications is royalty free.

Based on an open-standard Web Services framework, CPXe enables the global transmission of digital pictures, order and commerce information between digital cameras, PCs, desktop software, Internet services, photo kiosks, digital minilabs and photofinishers -- regardless of the type of digital camera, device, PC brand, operating system, or photofinishing equipment used by service providers. By incorporating CPXe, photographic device and software vendors can give their customers easy connection to a range of digital photography services. Version 1.0 of the CPXe specification was released in February 2003.

CPXe Version 2.0 builds on the Version 1.0 foundation by providing interface definitions for key services that are important to the digital imaging industry, including:

--Image storage

--Updates to interface definitions for fulfillment services

--Providing additional infrastructure required for tracking and resolving financial transactions among CPXe-implementing companies

The CPXe specifications were developed through I3A's Initiative group process. The overall goals of these Initiatives are to create industry standards that will accelerate the growth of the consumer digital photo services category. CPXe has enabled adopter companies to offer significant new value propositions to consumers more quickly and at lower development cost.

"In keeping with our mission to support the imaging industry in realizing the full potential of standards, we have made I3A's new CPXe2 specifications available on our public Web site," said Lisa Walker, president of I3A. "Our unique Initiative process provides the platform for leading imaging companies to work together to benefit the industry and enhance consumers' enjoyment of digital photography. We are grateful to these companies for their efforts in developing CPXe2."

I3A's CPXe 2 Initiative Group, formed in April 2004, includes Eastman Kodak Company, Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd, Hewlett Packard Co., Noritsu Koki Co., Ltd., Pixology PLC, and Qualex, Inc.

CPXe 2 utilizes open standards for the exchange of digital images via the Internet, such as Extensible Markup Language (XML), Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP), Web Services Definition Language (WSDL), and Universal Description, Discovery and Integration (UDDI), and also includes the Web Browser Interaction Service API (WBIS), for uploading and downloading images to and from service providers using standard HTTP syntax. This means that basic functions can be conducted from a standard Web browser.

The CPXe 2 specification suite can be ordered at http://www.i3a.org/downloads.html. A free CPXe2 White Paper can also be accessed at this location. The White Paper provides an overview of CPXe 2 from a technical perspective, defining the roles of CPXe Service Providers and Requestors, the components found in its architecture and their function, the mechanisms used to support requests between components, and the standards that are employed.

CIPA PTP-IP Standard Extends I3A's Original Picture Transfer Protocol 

In another standards-related news item, I3A announced the extension of its PTP (Picture Transfer Protocol) by the Camera and Imaging Products Association (CIPA) of Japan, so that the expanded protocol - termed PTP-IP - can be used via TCP-IP and over networks.

PTP-IP extends PTP (Picture Transfer Protocol, originally published by I3A and recently released as ISO 15740-2005; it is an image transfer protocol standard used in camera controls and for transferring images taken with a digital camera to a computer or printer) to network environments such as wireless LAN and Ethernet.

"The extension of I3A's PTP standard by CIPA is an excellent illustration of the value of cooperation between organizations, and across national boundaries," said I3A president Walker. "Such synergy benefits our industry as well as our customers."

The new standard enables PTP to be used with TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol), the standard transfer protocol for network environments. The standard was designed to allow extension to a network environment without affecting applications that use PTP. It also allows multiple simultaneous connections among digital devices, which had not been possible through USB.

CIPA will distribute the standard free of charge to companies that conclude an agreement with the association, whether or not they are CIPA members. For an overview of the standard and for information on obtaining it, go to http://www.cipa.jp/ptp-ip/index_e.html, or send email to CIPA at [e-mail].

Join I3A at PMA 2006: Tech Forum on RAW Camera Data, Spotlight Reception

Following the well-received RAW Camera session at the I3A Leadership Conference Tech Forum in November 2005, I3A will host an expanded Technical Forum panel discussion in conjunction with PMA 2006 in Orlando, Fla. American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP) executive director Gene Mopsik will reprise his role as panel moderator. The panel will include experts from HP, Adobe, Microsoft, DxO and ASMP. Save the date: Monday, Feb. 27, 2006, 8:30 am-Noon, Orange County Convention Center.

For more information about the Tech Forum, or to register for the event, visit I3A's Web site at www.i3a.org or send an email message to Shannon Taylor, [e-mail].

About the International Imaging Industry Association (I3A)

I3A is the leading global imaging industry association, driving growth of and setting standards for the photographic and information imaging markets. As the industry focal point, I3A offers a framework and environment where members can quickly find resources to solve critical issues and develop market solutions. Members of I3A work together to find common ground for advancing the industry and to enable better products and services for their customers.

I3A is an accredited Standards Developing Organization, serving as secretariat for the International Organization for Standardization Technical Committee 42 (ISO/TC42) on Photography, and as administrator for the USA Technical Advisory Group for this committee. Information about I3A can be found on the World Wide Web at www.i3a.org or by phone at 914-285-4933.