System and method for automated identification of a photographed subject at a resort area

• US 9,195,867 B2
• Filed: 01/22/2014
• Issued: 11/24/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 03/30/2007
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: VAIL Resorts Incorporated
• Original Assignee: VAIL Resorts Incorporated
• Inventors: Chakraborty, Sayan, Bruns, Logan, Urwiler, Robert, April, Tim, Younge, Stephen
• Primary Examiner(s): Hunnings, Travis
• Assistant Examiner(s): AKKI, MUNEAR T
• Application Number:
  US14/161,532
• Publication Number:
  US 20140136106A1
• Time in Patent Office: 671 Days
• Field of Search: 340/5.6, 340/5.52, 340/5.53, 340/10.1, 340/573.1, 340/572.1, 701/521, 235/382, 705/14.25, 705/7.11, 705/7.37
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 22/00 Measuring distance traversed on the ground by vehicles, persons, animals or other moving solid bodies, e.g. using odometers, using pedometers
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/00 Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns methods or arrangements for marking the record carrier in digital fashion G06K1/00; pattern recognition G06F18/00; arrangements for image or video recognition or understanding G06V10/00; character recognition, recognising digital ink or document-oriented image-based pattern recognition G06V30/00
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10425 the interrogation device being arranged for interrogation of record carriers passing by the interrogation device
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/08 Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/0833 Tracking
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 50/00 Information and communication technology [ICT] specially adapted for implementation of business processes of specific business sectors, e.g. utilities or tourism healthcare informatics G16H

Abstract

A system and method monitor skier behavior. An identifier is read from a lift access product when the lift access product is in the vicinity of a lift boarding area and a scan record containing the identifier, location information of the lift boarding area and a time stamp if generated. The scan record is processed to generate a location event record that is stored within a location database. The location database is processed to determine skier behavior based upon the location event records.

Claims

1. A computer-based method for automatic identification of a photographed customer at a ski resort, comprising,

identifying a profile of the customer, the profile configured to predict preferences of the customer based on previous activities of the customer;

suggesting activities to the customer, based on the profile, wherein at least one of the suggested activities includes having a photograph taken at a photography area;

detecting, at the photography area using a scanner, a customer identifier from a lift access product associated with the customer;

associating a photograph taken of the customer at the photography area with said customer identifier; and

allowing the customer electronic access to the photograph for possible purchase by the customer.

2. The computer-based method of claim 1, wherein the photograph is sent via e-mail to the customer.

3. The computer-based method of claim 1, wherein the photograph is uploaded onto a web site, wherein a method of access to the web site is then conveyed to the customer.

4. The computer-based method of claim 1, wherein the scanner is an RFID scanner.

5. The computer-based method of claim 1, wherein the photography area is a pre-designated location on a ski slope, the scanner is positioned in proximity to the pre-designated location and is configured to capture the customer identifier of the customer passing in proximity to the pre-designated location.

6. The computer-based method of claim 5, wherein the pre-designated location is a feature in a terrain park.

8. The computer-based method of claim 1, further comprising a message being sent to the customer including a discount incentive for having a second photograph taken at the photography area.

7. A system for automatic identification of a photographed customer at a ski resort, comprising,

a scanner, configured to detect, at a photography area, a customer identifier from a lift access product associated with the customer;

a computer configured to associate a photograph taken of the customer at the photography area with said customer identifier,

wherein the computer allows the customer access to the photograph for possible purchase by the customer via an electronic network; and

a profile identifier configured to identify a profile of the customer, the profile configured to predict preferences of the customer based on previous activities of the customer;

an activity predictor configured to suggest activities to the customer, based on the profile,

wherein at least one of the suggested activities includes having a photograph taken at the photography area.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein the scanner is an RFID device.

12. The system of claim 7, wherein the computer is further configured to store a location event record indicating the location and time at which the photograph was taken of the customer and to allow the customer to access an electronic map showing activities of the user, including where the photograph had been taken.

10. A system for automatic identification of a photographed customer at a ski resort, comprising,

a profile identifier configured to identify a profile of the customer, the profile configured to predict preferences of the customer based on previous activities of the customer;

an activity predictor configured to suggest activities to the customer, based on the profile, wherein at least one of the suggested activities includes having a photograph taken at a photography area;

a scanner, configured to detect, at the photography area, a customer identifier from a lift access product associated with the customer;

a computer configured to associate a photograph taken of the customer at the photography area with said customer identifier,

wherein the computer allows the customer access to the photograph for possible purchase by the customer via an electronic network; and

a loyalty point generator configured to generate loyalty points to the customer for activities performed by the customer, wherein one of the activities for which loyalty points can be generated includes having the photograph taken at the photography area.

13. The system of claim 10, wherein the customer can redeem the loyalty points for goods and services.

11. A system for automatic identification of a photographed customer at a ski resort, comprising,

a profile identifier configured to identify a profile of the customer, the profile configured to predict preferences of the customer based on previous activities of the customer;

an activity predictor configured to suggest activities to the customer, based on the profile,

wherein at least one of the suggested activities includes having a photograph taken at a photography area;

a scanner, configured to detect, at a photography area, a customer identifier from a lift access product associated with the customer;

a computer configured to associate a photograph taken of the customer at the photography area with said customer identifier,

wherein the computer allows the customer access to the photograph for possible purchase by the customer via an electronic network;

the computer further configured to store, as historical information, a location event record indicating the location and time at which the photograph was taken of the customer, and

a message conveyor configured to convey, as an electronic message to the customer, suggesting at least one of the suggested activities.