METHOD AND SYSTEM OF DISPLAYING, MANAGING AND SELLING IMAGES IN AN EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY ENVIRONMENT

• US 20110055045A1
• Filed: 09/02/2010
• Published: 03/03/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 09/02/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Image Holdings Corporation (Lap-Shun Hui, MBA)
• Original Assignee: Image Holdings Corporation (Lap-Shun Hui, MBA)
• Inventors: SMITH, CAINE, DAVIES, BRYNLEY
• Granted Patent: US 8,332,281 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/26.5
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0621 Item configuration or customization
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00132 in a digital photofinishing system, i.e. a system where digital photographic images undergo typical photofinishing processing, e.g. printing ordering
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00145 from a remote location
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00151 with selective access
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00164 at a remote location
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00167 Processing or editing H04N1/00196 - H04N1/00201 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00188 Printing, e.g. prints or reprints H04N1/0019, H04N1/00196 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/0019 on souvenir-type products or the like, e.g. T-shirts or mugs

Abstract

An image display system is provided that allows event organizers to sell images of the event to interested parties. The interested parties would have access to the images and allow them to copy and manipulate the same. In addition, customers would have the ability to order image related products containing one or more of the images.

Claims

1. A method of providing digital images to a customer comprising:

taking at least one image of a customer at an event;

providing the customer with access to digital versions of the at least one image;

providing the customer with access to a software application;

allowing the customer to purchase images using the software application; and

allowing the customer to manipulate purchased images using the software application.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein providing the customer with access to digital versions of the at least one image comprises establishing a connection to an event server that allows the customer to view the at least one image using the software application.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein establishing a connection to an event server using the software application comprises accessing the software application at a website using the internet.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein providing the customer with access to digital versions of the at least one image and providing the customer with access to a software application comprises forwarding the at least one image and software application to the customer.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein establishing a connection to an event server using the software application comprises installing the software application on a computer and using the computer.

6. The method of claim 4, further comprising:

storing the at least one image and software application on an electronic readable medium and

forwarding said electronic readable medium to the customer.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein manipulating purchased images comprises at least one of copying, editing and altering an image.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising allowing the customer to select or create an image related product using the software application.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the steps of forwarding digital versions of the at least one image to a customer and providing a software application to the customer are accomplished simultaneously.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein accessing the software application causes the application to be installed locally on the customer'"'"'s computer, mobile communication device, laptop, or tablet computer.

11. The method of claim 6, wherein storing the at least one image on an electronic readable medium comprises downloading the at least one image onto at least one of a compact disc, a digital video disc, flash memory drive, and a memory card.

12. The method of claim 8, wherein an image-related product comprises a calendar, a mug, a photo book, clothing, a poster, a balloon, a postcard, a banner, and a puzzle.

13. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving image orders by the customer prior to the event, the ordering occurring online or by phone.

14. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving orders for the at least one image from the customer at the event using a web-based system or kiosk.

15. The method of claim 1, further comprising taking at least one image of a plurality of customers and linking the customers to their images using one or more of a code uniquely associated with a customer, facial recognition software, pattern recognition or other indexing technology.

16. The method of claim 1, further comprising using the software application off-line to preconfigure an order or to create image-related products.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising automatically prompting the customer to submit the preconfigured order or automatically submitting the order upon reconnecting the computer containing the software application to the Internet.

18. The method of claim 2, wherein the software application allows the customer to prepare orders for at least one image or image related product when a connection is not established between the customer'"'"'s computer and the event server.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the software application automatically places the prepared order when a connection is established between the customer'"'"'s computer and the event server or automatically prompts the customer to place the order.

20. The method of claim 1, further comprising permitting third parties, authorized by the customer, to access the at least one image.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the third parties access the at least one image by downloading a copy of the software application onto their computer or by accessing a website.

22. The method of claim 20, further comprising providing the third parties with the ability to purchase images and image related products.

23. The method of claim 22, further comprising allowing the customer to upload images to an event server.

24. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

taking at least one image of a customer at a second event; and

,

using the software application to access images of the customer at the second event.

25. The method of claim 1, further comprising acquiring identification information, delivery information and/or billing information from the customer.

26. The method of claim 25, further comprising saving the customer information on an event server.

27. The method of claim 1, further comprising using the software application to establish a connection to an event server to determine if updates or upgrades to the software application are available.

28. A method of providing digital images to an individual comprising:

obtaining an image of the individual;

receiving a signal indicating that the individual wishes to obtain said image;

matching the individual with said image; and

delivering said image to said individual.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein said signal comprises a wireless information sent by the individual'"'"'s mobile communication device.

30. The method of claim 28, further comprising sending a code to the individual that indicates that the request for image was received.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein said code comprises a text message with instructions to access an image viewing application, an email message with instructions to access an image viewing application, a text message with a link to the image, an email message with a link to the email, a text message with a link to a website for accessing the image, an email message with a link to a website for accessing to the image, a phone call, a voice mail, a UPC code, or a QR code.

32. The method of claim 30 further comprising transferring the code to a third party who matches the individual with the image and delivers the requested image to the individual.

33. The method of claim 28 wherein said delivering comprises delivering a plurality of images to the individual that correspond with a predetermined time range.