Method and apparatus for photograph finding
First Claim
1. A computer-implemented method for distributing image data, comprising:
- collecting digital image data comprising a plurality of discrete photographic images in digital form;
collecting source information for each of the plurality of discrete photographic images;
automatically analyzing the digital image data to assign alphanumeric descriptions of objects appearing in each of the plurality of discrete photographic images;
providing the digital image data for storage in a database in association with source information and the assigned alphanumeric descriptions of objects appearing in the images;
receiving requests to search the digital image data over a wide area network, wherein the requests comprise alphanumeric search criteria specifying alphanumeric descriptions of objects;
serving responses to the requests, the responses comprising a list of identifiers for discrete photographic images in the database at least partially matching the search criteria.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Digital image data including discrete photographic images of a variety of different subjects, times, and so forth, are collected and analyzed to identify specific features in the photographs. In an embodiment of the invention, distinctive markers are distributed to aid in the identification of particular subject matter. Facial recognition may also be employed. The digital image data is maintained in a database and quarried in response to search requests. The search requests include criteria specifying any feature category or other identifying information, such as date, time, and location that each photograph was taken, associated with each photograph. Candidate images are provided for review by requesters, who may select desired images for purchase or downloading.
32 Citations
15 Claims
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1. A computer-implemented method for distributing image data, comprising:
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collecting digital image data comprising a plurality of discrete photographic images in digital form; collecting source information for each of the plurality of discrete photographic images; automatically analyzing the digital image data to assign alphanumeric descriptions of objects appearing in each of the plurality of discrete photographic images; providing the digital image data for storage in a database in association with source information and the assigned alphanumeric descriptions of objects appearing in the images; receiving requests to search the digital image data over a wide area network, wherein the requests comprise alphanumeric search criteria specifying alphanumeric descriptions of objects; serving responses to the requests, the responses comprising a list of identifiers for discrete photographic images in the database at least partially matching the search criteria. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification