U.S. patent application number 09/181140 was filed with the patent office on 2001-05-24 for arangement and method for displaying and sharing images.
Invention is credited to BARRACLOUGH, KEITH, NOONEN, MICHAEL EDWARD.
Application Number | 20010001865 09/181140 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27372365 |
Filed Date | 2001-05-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010001865 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BARRACLOUGH, KEITH ; et
al. |
May 24, 2001 |
ARANGEMENT AND METHOD FOR DISPLAYING AND SHARING IMAGES
Abstract
According to an aspect of the disclosure, the present invention
provides methods and arrangements for using the internet and an
internet access appliance to share images, wherein the images are
captured, downloaded, and sent to a server. At the server, the
images are parsed and posted to a web page. Subsequent
communication is automatically sent to individuals selected by the
sender to notify them of the posting of new images. The present
invention provides an effective and efficient manner in which to
share images for business, marketing, and home use.
Inventors: |
BARRACLOUGH, KEITH; (MENLO
PARK, CA) ; NOONEN, MICHAEL EDWARD; (SAN JOSE,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CRAWFORD PLLC
1270 NORTHLAND DRIVE,
SUITE 390
MENDOTA HEIGHTS
MN
55120
|
Family ID: |
27372365 |
Appl. No.: |
09/181140 |
Filed: |
October 27, 1998 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60073874 |
Feb 6, 1998 |
|
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60075858 |
Feb 25, 1998 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
709/206 ;
707/E17.116; 709/203 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 16/958
20190101 |
Class at
Publication: |
709/206 ;
709/203 |
International
Class: |
G06F 015/16 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method for displaying and sharing digital images using an
internet access appliance with internet telephony and image capture
capability, comprising the steps of: capturing digital images of an
item; downloading the digital images to the internet access
appliance or directly to network storage through the appliance;
including the digital images with a first email addressed to a
server and sending the first email; parsing the first email at the
server and posting the images to a web page where the images are
stored; selecting sets of individuals for whom targeted images are
to be sent; and sending a communication to a selected set of
individuals to notify of the images posted to the web page.
2. A method, according to claim 1, wherein the images are
accompanied by descriptions, and are included with the first email
as attachments.
3. A method, according to claim 1, wherein the images are posted
onto a web page with information imbedded into them, wherein the
selected individuals visit the web page to view the images.
4. A method, according to claim 3, wherein clicking on the images
initiates an internet phone call to the sender.
5. A method, according to claim 4, wherein an internet phone
conference call is held between the sender and the selected
individuals while simultaneously accessing web pages with
images.
6. A method, according to claim 3, wherein clicking on the images
initiates an email letter to the sender.
7. A method, according to claim 3, wherein clicking on the images
initiates access to the sender's internet web page.
8. A method, according to claim 1, wherein the images that are of
low to medium resolution can be downloaded for viewing across the
internet.
9. A method, according to claim 1, wherein the images that are of
high resolution are stored for professional reprints.
10. A method, according to claim 1, of operating a real-estate
business wherein the digital images comprise images of real estate
property.
11. A method, according to claim 10, wherein the sets of selected
individuals comprise potential purchasers of real estate.
12. A method of operating a photo developing business using an
internet access appliance with internet telephony and image capture
capability and a web site with photo processing options, comprising
the steps of: capturing digital images of an item; downloading the
digital images to the internet access appliance or directly to
network storage through the appliance; accessing the web site and
selecting a photo processing option; and including the digital
images with an email addressed to a server and sending the
email.
13. A method, according to claim 12, further comprising the steps
of developing the images into photographs and delivering the
photographs to the sender.
14. A method, according to claim 12, further comprising the steps
of: parsing the first email at the server and posting the images to
a web page where the images are stored; selecting sets of
individuals for whom targeted images are to be sent; sending a
second email to a selected set of individuals to notify of the
posted images to the web site; selecting a photo processing option
by a member of the set of selected individuals; and developing the
selected images into photographs and delivering the selected
photographs to the selected individual.
15. A method, according to claim 12, further comprising the step of
modifying the digital images at the server.
16. A method, according to claim 15, further comprising the step of
delivering the modified digital images to the sender.
17. A method, according to claim 15, further comprising the steps
of: parsing the first email at the server and posting the modified
images to a web page where the images are stored; selecting sets of
individuals for whom targeted images are to be sent; sending a
communication to selected individuals to notify of the addition of
the images to the web site; selecting a digital photo processing
option by a member of the set of selected individuals; and
delivering the modified digital images to the selected
individual.
18. A method, according to claim 12, wherein the images are
accompanied by descriptions.
19. A method, according to claim 12, wherein the payment for the
photo processing is made via the internet.
20. A method, according to claim 1, wherein the internet access
appliance includes a VC55 Set Top manufactured by 8.times.8, Inc.
Description
[0001] U.S. Provisional Applications Nos. 60/073,874 (filed Jun.
10, 1998) and 60/075,858 (filed Feb. 25, 1998) are incorporated by
reference and priority thereto is claimed.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to image retrieval and image
transfer using commercially available communication channels such
as POTS (plain old telephone service) lines, and a server system
such as the Internet.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Devices for video and image capturing have evolved into
common and affordable household tools. Such devices include digital
cameras and videophones. The advancing technology is continually
making such devices cheaper, easier to use, and more versatile.
[0004] Another advancing technology, the internet, has evolved into
a common household tool used for fast and efficient communication
of endless types of information. The methods of communication have
been evolving rapidly and are growing in number. The communication
of such information includes the display of fixed and video images.
These images have been used both privately and commercially for
purposes such as image sharing. Applications include the posting of
images to a web page or BBS, and direct electronic delivery of the
images to selected recipients.
[0005] Notwithstanding the existence of the foregoing advancements,
endeavors such as photo developing businesses and real estate
businesses have not yet realized the advantages, including the use
of rapid image transfer, associated with these advancing
technologies. Photo developing businesses continue to use archaic
communication methods to submit photos to be processed, such as
hand delivery or conventional mail. In addition, the sharing of
images for selection for photo processing, such as between family
members and friends, continues to be carried out through outdated
methods, such as by the physical sharing or mailing of such
images.
[0006] Real estate businesses also continue to use archaic
communication methods. Physical presence at a real estate site and
hand delivery of real estate pictures or videos to potential
purchasers are common. Such photos or videos are not interactive,
meaning the potential purchasers must search elsewhere, contact the
realtor via other means, or travel to the real estate site in order
to obtain further information. In addition, realtors continue to
use manual communication to reach potential purchasers, such as by
conventional newspaper advertisements, phone calls, or physical
visits.
SUMMARY
[0007] The present invention is directed to a method of sharing and
displaying images using an internet access appliance with internet
telephony and image capture capability for commercial and
non-commercial use.
[0008] According to an example embodiment, digital images are
captured, downloaded to an internet access appliance with internet
telephony and image capture capability, or downloaded directly to
network storage through the network appliance (that may be
transmitted with or without compression), attached to an electronic
communication, and sent to a server where the images are parsed and
posted onto a web page where they are stored, and subsequent
communication is automatically sent to selected individuals. The
images may comprise stationary and video images. The selected
individuals may comprise family members, friends, target customers,
and business associates.
[0009] The above summary of the present invention is not intended
to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of
the present invention. The figures and the detailed description
which follow more particularly exemplify these embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0010] Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and
upon reference to the drawing in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram representing a method of using the
internet to display and share images, according to particular
embodiments of the present invention;
[0012] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications
in alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown
by way of example in the drawing and will herein be described in
detail. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended
to limit the invention to a particular form disclosed. On the
contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents,
and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the
invention was defined by the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] In the following detailed description, reference is made to
the accompanying drawing which forms a part hereof, and in which
are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the
invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other
embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made
without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0014] According to an example embodiment, FIG. 1 shows a flow
diagram of a system for displaying and sharing images using an
internet access appliance with internet telephony and video capture
capability. Images are captured with a digital camera or camcorder
100 and downloaded to an internet access appliance 110 with image
capture capability. The images are attached to a first electronic
communication and sent to a web server 120 via the internet. At the
web server 120, the images are parsed and posted to a web page on
the internet. The images may comprise stationary and video
images.
[0015] A second electronic communication is automatically sent from
the web server 120 to individuals, selected by the sender of the
first electronic communication, via the internet, notifying the
individuals of the new posting on the web page. The selected
individuals may comprise family members, friends, target customers,
and business associates. The individuals visit the web page via the
internet to view the new images using an internet access appliance
with image capture capability 130. The automatic delivery of the
second electronic communication provides a highly efficient manner
in which the sender of the first electronic communication can
communicate with the selected individuals.
[0016] Information such as the sender's IP address, email address,
web site address, or telephone number may be imbedded into,
associated with or attached to the images posted on the web page.
This information provides an easy way for the selected individuals
to return a communication efficiently to the sender. Also,
information such as descriptions, prices, and ordering details may
accompany the images posted on the web page. This accompanying
information may be used to describe the images, or list prices of
goods for sale, or provide information such as availability,
delivery costs, or other ordering information.
[0017] Selected individuals may visit the web page via the internet
to view the new images using an internet access appliance 130, as
in FIG. 1. An individual may click on a posted image with
information that is imbedded, associated or attached, thereby
initiating an internet phone call to the sender. The sender
receives the call and a conference call is held while
simultaneously accessing the images on the web page, using the
internet access appliance 130.
[0018] In addition, an individual may click on a posted image with
information that is imbedded, associated or attached, thereby
initiating an internet phone call to the sender. The sender
receives the call and a conference call is held while
simultaneously accessing the images on the web page, using the
internet access appliance 130, wherein the web page is interactive,
such that the images can be altered or exchanged by one of the
users, and wherein the alterations or exchanges are viewed by all
users holding the conference call and simultaneously accessing the
web page.
[0019] Furthermore, an individual may click on a posted image,
thereby initiating an electronic communication to the sender,
initiating access to another web page, or generating a
facsimile.
[0020] The present invention greatly enhances communication
abilities. For example, the use of this method in the operation of
a real estate business broadens the abilities of realtors to
communicate with customers, and provides a more cost effective way
to do so. For instance, in an example embodiment of the present
invention, a realtor can capture video images of real estate
property, download them to an internet access appliance 110, as in
FIG. 1, and send them to the server 120 where they are posted to a
web site. Subsequent electronic communication is automatically sent
to potential buyers of the real estate, as selected by the realtor,
to inform them of the new posting. The potential buyers can then
access the web site, using an internet access appliance 130, and
view the real estate video images. Information may be imbedded into
the video images, allowing the potential buyers to click on the
images and initiate communication with the realtor. The
communication may be in the form of an internet phone call, wherein
the realtor answers the call and discusses the real estate with the
potential buyer.
[0021] Furthermore, the realtor and the potential buyer may
simultaneously access the web site, wherein the realtor may alter
the images in order to demonstrate certain aspects of the real
estate, or the realtor may exchange the images on the site to show
alternate images to the potential buyer. Additionally, the realtor
may be present at the location of the real estate, and may use an
internet access appliance with video capture and telephony
capability 110 to capture further images of the real estate while
holding an internet phone call with the potential buyer, and may
download those video images and send them to the server 120, where
they are posted to the web site, and wherein the potential buyers
can instantaneously view the newly posted images.
[0022] The present invention provides real-time, or nearly
real-time, viewing of the real estate by the potential buyer, and
allows the realtor to respond to the potential buyer's requests for
images. For instance, the potential buyer could direct the realtor
to capture images of certain parts of the real estate, such as
asking to see a master bedroom in a house.
[0023] According to another example application, in the operation
of a photo developing business, digital images are downloaded to
the internet access appliance 110 and sent to the server 120 where
they are parsed and posted to a web page, and subsequent
communication is automatically sent to selected individuals,
wherein the images are digital photographs, and the selected
individuals are friends and family of the sender, and wherein the
web page contains photo development ordering information, and
wherein the images are developed into physical photographs as
directed by the sender and the sender's friends and family as
indicated on the web page with photo development ordering
information.
[0024] For use in the operation of a photo and video developing
businesses, according to an example embodiment of the present
invention, as in FIG. 1, digital photographs and videos of an
event, such as a religious gathering or a wedding, may be
downloaded to the internet access appliance 110 and sent to the
server 120 where they are parsed and posted to a web site, and
wherein subsequent communication is automatically sent to
individuals, such as relatives and friends of those present at the
event. For instance, a wedding couple and their relatives and
friends can then access the web site, view the wedding photograph
and video images, and select those photos or videos that they wish
to have developed and delivered to them by making selections while
accessing the web site.
[0025] For further use in the operation of a photo and video
developing businesses, according to another example embodiment of
the present invention, as in FIG. 1, digital photographs and videos
of a family gathering, such as a birthday or reunion, or digital
photographs and videos of family members, may be downloaded to the
internet access appliance 110 and sent to the server 120. A
subsequent electronic communication may be sent to family members.
The family members can then access the web site using the internet
access appliance 130, view the images, and select those photos or
videos that they wish to have developed and delivered to them by
making selections while accessing the web site. This example
embodiment of the present invention would be particularly useful
for friends and family members who do not live near each other, yet
wish to stay close to their friends and family, such as for
grandparents who want to see their grandchildren grow up.
[0026] According to another example application, in the operation
of a digital photograph processing business, digital images are
downloaded to the internet access appliance 110 and sent to the
server 120 where they are parsed, modified, and posted to a web
page, and subsequent communication is automatically sent to
selected individuals, wherein the images are digital photographs,
and the selected individuals are friends and family of the sender,
wherein the web page contains digital photo ordering information,
and wherein the images are modified as directed by the sender and
the sender's friends and family as indicated on the web page
digital photo ordering information.
[0027] According to a further example embodiment of the present
invention, the internet access appliance includes the use of the
VC55 Set Top manufactured by 8.times.8, Inc., 2445 Mission College
Boulevard, Santa Clara, Calif.
[0028] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and
described herein, it is appreciated by those of ordinary skill in
the art that any arrangement which is calculated to achieve the
same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown.
This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations
of the present invention. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that
this invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents
thereof.
* * * * *