SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING IMAGE PRODUCTS AND/OR SERVICES
First Claim
1. A system for providing image capture devices and imaging services using images captured by the image capture devices, the system comprising:
- a plurality of input stations for establishing imaging service accounts for a plurality of users, each input station being coupled to a communication network and being located at a different retail location, each imaging service account containing information concerning an image capture device and an imaging service plan selected by a particular user, the imaging service plan providing services for a predetermined time period at a predetermined fee with respect to images captured using the image capture device; and
a remote computer database unit coupled to the communication network for communicating with the plurality of input stations, for storing the information for each imaging service account, and for automatically updating the information for each imaging service account as imaging services are requested by the particular user associated with the selected imaging service plan.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A system and method for obtaining photographic products and/or services comprises bundling image capture and printing technologies into products and/or services that are paid for by a consumer with monthly or yearly subscription fees. The system and method involves selecting a camera and selecting a photographic products/service plan which designates photographic products and/or services which are to be associated with the selected camera. The system and method gives the consumer the option of selecting a specific camera from a menu of cameras, and a specific photographic product/service plan which is to be associated with the selected camera from a product/service menu. As a further option, the consumer can customize his/her product/service plan in accordance with his/her preference. The plan can provide for products and/or services for images captured and/or film exposed by the camera for a predetermined amount of time at a predetermined fee. At the end of the plan, the consumer could have the option of returning the camera, exchanging the camera for a different camera, or keeping the camera at no cost or for a reduced price. The photographic products and/or services provided by the plan could be products and/or services such as film developing, printing, image products, scanning, photo CDs, image storage, etc.
34 Citations
38 Claims
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1. A system for providing image capture devices and imaging services using images captured by the image capture devices, the system comprising:
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a plurality of input stations for establishing imaging service accounts for a plurality of users, each input station being coupled to a communication network and being located at a different retail location, each imaging service account containing information concerning an image capture device and an imaging service plan selected by a particular user, the imaging service plan providing services for a predetermined time period at a predetermined fee with respect to images captured using the image capture device; and
a remote computer database unit coupled to the communication network for communicating with the plurality of input stations, for storing the information for each imaging service account, and for automatically updating the information for each imaging service account as imaging services are requested by the particular user associated with the selected imaging service plan. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A method of providing image capture devices and imaging services to a plurality of customers, comprising:
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establishing imaging service accounts for a plurality of users at a plurality of input stations located at different retail locations, storing information in each imaging service account concerning an image capture device and an imaging service plan selected by a particular user, the imaging service plan providing services for a predetermined time period at a predetermined fee with respect to images captured using the image capture device;
coupling each input station to a communication network; and
coupling a remote computer database unit to the communication network for communicating with the plurality of input stations, for storing the information for each imaging service account, and for automatically updating the information for each imaging service account as imaging services are requested by the particular user associated with the selected imaging service plan. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35)
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36. A method of providing imaging services to a consumer, the method comprising:
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selecting an imaging device from a plurality of imaging devices for establishing imaging service accounts, and selecting imaging services from a menu of imaging services that are to be associated with said selected imaging device for a predetermined time period at a predetermined fee, each imaging service is provided with respect to images captured by said selected imaging device;
providing an account on a computer database for storing said selected imaging services associated with said selected imaging device; and
automatically updating said account on said computer database with respect to requested imaging services. - View Dependent Claims (37, 38)
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Specification