Camera messaging and advertisement system

• US 6,891,567 B2
• Filed: 05/17/1999
• Issued: 05/10/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 06/26/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Scenera Technologies LLC (Scenera Research LLC)
• Original Assignee: FotoNation Holdings, LLC (Adeia, Inc.)
• Inventors: Steinberg, Eran
• Primary Examiner(s): Garber, Wendy R.
• Assistant Examiner(s): NGUYEN, LUONG TRUNG
• Application Number:
  US09/313,131
• Publication Number:
  US 20020041329A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,185 Days
• Field of Search: 348/211.1, 348/211.2, 348/14, 348/211, 348/14.02, 348/211.99, 348/211.12, 348/211.13, 348/552, 705/10, 705/14, 705/40, 709/219, 709/217, 455/556, 455/557, 725/34, 725/35
• US Class Current: 348/211.99
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/33 by means of a password
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/00 User-to-user messaging in packet-switching networks, transmitted according to store-and-forward or real-time protocols, e.g. e-mail
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00 Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00127 Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00204 with a digital computer or a digital computer system, e.g. an internet server programmed control between transmitter and receiver or between image input and image output device H04N1/32561
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00209 Transmitting or receiving image data, e.g. facsimile data, via a computer, e.g. using e-mail, a computer network, the internet, I-fax
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00281 with a telecommunication apparatus, e.g. a switched network of teleprinters for the distribution of text-based information, a selective call terminal details of transmission H04N1/00095; establishing a communication with one of a facsimile machine or another apparatus sharing a single line H04N1/32704; interfacing cordless telephone terminals with an accessory to increase the functionality of user interface H04M1/72409
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00307 with a mobile telephone apparatus constructional features of portable telephone sets H04M1/0202; mobile radio systems H04W84/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00312 with a digital transmission apparatus, e.g. a switched network of teleprinters for the distribution of text-based information, SMS or ISDN device transmitting or receiving via a computer, e.g. using e-mail, a computer network or the internet H04N1/00214; transmission of digital information H04L
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00344 with a management, maintenance, service or repair apparatus monitoring H04N1/00002
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00925 Inhibiting an operation
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/0097 Storage of instructions or parameters, e.g. customised instructions or different parameters for different user IDs
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/34 for coin-freed systems ; Pay systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/25891 being end-user preferences retrieval of video data in a video database based on user preferences G06F16/739; arrangements for recognizing users' preferences H04H60/46; user profiles in network data switching protocols H04L67/306; processing of user preferences or user profiles in wireless networks H04W8/18
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4223 Cameras H04N23/00 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/42684 Client identification by a unique number or address, e.g. serial number, MAC address, socket ID network arrangements, protocols or services for addressing or naming H04L61/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4788 communicating with other users, e.g. chatting arrangements for providing for computer conferences, e.g. chat rooms, to substation in data switching networks H04L12/1813; distributed application using peer-to-peer [P2P] networks H04L67/104
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4882 for displaying messages, e.g. warnings, reminders arrangements for providing short real-time information to substation in data switching networks H04L12/1895
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/6131 involving transmission via a mobile phone network wireless downlink channel access H04W74/006
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/812 involving advertisement data advertising per se G06Q30/02
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2101/00 : Still video cameras
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0015 : Control of image communication with the connected apparatus, e.g. signalling capability
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0034 : Details of the connection, e.g. connector, interface
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0074 : Arrangements for the control of a still picture apparatus by the connected apparatus arrangements for the control of the connected apparatus by the still picture apparatus H04N2201/0013; control of image communication with the connected apparatus H04N2201/0015
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/63 : by using electronic viewfinders
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/765 : Interface circuits between an apparatus for recording and another apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/772 : the recording apparatus and the television camera being placed in the same enclosure
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/775 : between a recording apparatus and a television receiver
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/165 : Centralised control of user terminal subsequent to an upstream request signal H04N7/17345; Registering at central by two-way working H04N7/17309
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/17318 : Direct or substantially direct transmission and handling of requests

Abstract

A digital photography messaging and advertisement system wherein a message center maintains records of camera purchasers, and each corresponding camera identification (ID). The message center prepares and collects messages, putting them in categories including personal messages for a particular camera/user, messages for all users of a particular interest group, and generic messages which can be advertisements for al users with cameras configured according to the system. Each camera is equipped with a transceiver for receiving and sending data, and a display for observing the messages or listening to them. Each camera subscribes to its own personal messages. In addition, a camera user may subscribe to a single or multiple interest groups. When a user turns on the camera, the transceiver transmits a signal conveying the camera identification to the message center. In response, the center packages the messages that are identified for the particular camera/user and transmits them along with a code that assures reception only by the specific camera. Alternatively, the messaging and advertisement center continuously transmits generic and user interest group messages. The camera receives the messages, and places them on a display. Interactive messages remain on the display until the user responds through activation of a key or key sequence on a camera keypad. Alternatively, a key or key sequence is provided whereby a user can select to not receive messages, the activation of the key/sequence directing the camera processor to not initiate the signal transmission to the message center upon camera activation.

Claims

1. An integrated digital camera apparatus comprising:

(a) a housing;

(b) a digital image acquisition apparatus built into said housing, said digital image acquisition apparatus including image capture apparatus for converting a light image to digital image data and image storage apparatus for storing said digital image data;

(c) a messaging apparatus independent of said digital image acquisition apparatus built into said housing, said messaging apparatus including

(i) transceiver apparatus limited to sending and receiving messages through a communications network, said messages not including digital image data from said digital image acquisition apparatus;

(ii) automatic signal transmission apparatus for automatically causing said transceiver apparatus to transmit a message request signal to said messaging apparatus conveying an identification of said camera apparatus when said transceiver is turned on;

(iii) code apparatus for selectively receiving messages sent to said transceiver by a message center from a service provider, wherein said messages include advertisements and at least one of warranty registration forms and questionnaires, and wherein said service provider includes any combination of a billing center, a retailer, and a camera manufacturer; and

(iv) message display apparatus for communicating said messages to a user of said camera apparatus in graphic or audio form;

whereby said messaging apparatus in said camera apparatus and said message center allows said service provider to promote an ongoing business relationship with said user after sale of said camera apparatus.

2. A digital camera apparatus as recited a claim 1 further comprising user activated apparatus for causing said transceiver to transmit a message request signal to said message center conveying an identification of said camera.

3. A digital camera apparatus as recited a claim 1 further comprising apparatus disabling said automatic signal transmission apparatus when a user does not want to receive messages.

4. A digital camera apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said code apparatus includes identification of a model number of said camera.

5. A digital camera apparatus as recited in claim 1 further interactive message response apparatus for responding to question received in a message from said message center.

6. A digital camera message system comprising:

(a) a message center including

(i) apparatus for collecting, preparing and sorting messages to be sent to a transceiver in an assembly including a digital camera, wherein said messages include advertisements and at least one of warranty registration forms and questionnaires from a service provider, wherein said service provider includes any combination of a billing center, a retailer, and a camera manufacturer;

(ii) first communication apparatus responsive to reception of a message request signal conveying a camera identification for transmitting said messages to said transceiver along with a code; and

(b) an integrated hand held assembly including

(i) a housing;

(ii) a digital image acquisition apparatus built into said housing, said digital image acquisition apparatus including image capture apparatus for converting a light image to digital image data and image storage apparatus for storing said digital image data;

(iii) transceiver apparatus limited to sending and receiving messages through a communications network, said messages not including digital image data from said digital image acquisition apparatus;

(iv) code apparatus including apparatus responsive to said code for selectively processing messages sent to said camera;

(v) automatic signal transmission apparatus for automatically causing said transceiver apparatus to transmit a message request to said message center conveying an identification of said integrated hand held assembly when said transceiver apparatus is turned on; and

(vi) message display apparatus for communicating said messages to a user of said integrated hand held assembly in graphic or audio form;

whereby said message center allows said service provider to promote an ongoing business relationship with said user after sale of said integrated hand held assembly.

7. A digital camera message system as recited in claim 6 wherein said message center includes a capability to send a selected message to a specific said assembly based on said code.

8. A digital camera message system as recited in claim 6 wherein said message center further includes a capability to send a message simultaneously to a plurality of assemblies by transmitting a corresponding particular said code.

9. A digital camera message system as recited in claim 6 wherein said message center further includes a capability to prioritize messages as part of a single packet of multiple said messages.

10. A digital camera message system as recited in claim 6 wherein said assembly further includes means for disabling said automatic signal transmission apparatus when a user does not want to receive messages.

11. A digital camera system as recited in claim 6 wherein said assembly further includes interactive message response apparatus for responding to a question received in a message from said message center.

12. A method for maintaining communication between a camera-related service provider and a camera user after sale of the camera, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a message center for;

maintaining records of camera users and corresponding camera identification (ID),

storing messages that include advertisements and at least one of warranty registration forms and questionnaires, and

grouping the messages into categories based on individual users and categories of users; and

transmitting from said message center to the camera, messages that match the categories associated with the user, such that the messages are communicated to the user of the camera in graphical or audio form, thereby providing the service provider with an opportunity to promote an ongoing business relationship with the user.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein the message center transmits the messages to the camera in response to receiving the camera ID from the camera.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein the message center transmits each message with an ID code, and wherein the camera receives and stores only the messages having an ID code that corresponds to the camera.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the user can subscribe with the message center to receive messages for selected categories.

16. The method of claim 14 wherein the user may select an option from the camera not to receive any messages.

17. The method of claim 12 wherein the message center continuously transmits generic messages to a plurality of cameras.

18. The method of claim 12 wherein the message center packages personal messages for the user and for a particular camera model together with generic messages, and transmits the package to the camera.