U.S. patent application number 10/665736 was filed with the patent office on 2005-03-17 for location-referenced photograph repository.
Invention is credited to Filley, George, Gibson, Timothy, Gourdine, Robert, Herbst, James, Khan, M. Salahuddin, Kozak, Frank, Shutter, Jon.
Application Number | 20050060299 10/665736 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34194767 |
Filed Date | 2005-03-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050060299 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Filley, George ; et
al. |
March 17, 2005 |
Location-referenced photograph repository
Abstract
A photograph repository system includes data storage for storing
photographs in the form of digital data files and a search feature
that provides for searching for photographs by location and
optionally by other search criteria. In one embodiment, a
photograph repository service is accessible to users over a common
data network, such as the Internet. In the photograph repository
service, each stored photograph is associated with a location,
i.e., where the photograph was taken and/or the location of an
object in the photograph. Users can search for and obtain copies of
their own photographs that they had stored previously with the
photograph repository service. In addition, users can search for
and obtain copies of photographs that had been taken by other users
and stored with the photograph repository service. The photograph
repository system can also be implemented as a standalone system, a
hybrid system, or a peer-to-peer system.
Inventors: |
Filley, George; (Barrington,
IL) ; Herbst, James; (Chicago, IL) ; Khan, M.
Salahuddin; (Lake Forest, IL) ; Gourdine, Robert;
(Naperville, IL) ; Gibson, Timothy; (Barrington,
IL) ; Shutter, Jon; (Chicago, IL) ; Kozak,
Frank; (Naperville, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NAVIGATION TECHNOLOGIES
222 MERCHANDISE MART
SUITE 900, PATENT DEPT.
CHICAGO
IL
60654
US
|
Family ID: |
34194767 |
Appl. No.: |
10/665736 |
Filed: |
September 17, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 ;
707/999.003; 707/E17.026 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 16/58 20190101;
G06F 16/29 20190101 |
Class at
Publication: |
707/003 |
International
Class: |
G06F 017/30 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A method of storing photographs comprising: providing a data
repository on a network accessible to a plurality of users who have
digital photographs, wherein the digital photographs are comprised
of data files in a suitable format; receiving digital photographs
from the users over the network; storing the digital photographs in
the data repository; when storing each digital photograph in the
data repository, associating each digital photograph with data that
indicate a physical location; providing a search function available
to the users over the network that enables users to search by
physical location for digital photographs stored by other users;
allowing users to select digital photographs stored by other users;
and transmitting copies of the selected digital photographs to the
users who selected them over the network.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising: for some of the
digital photographs stored in the data repository, associating
additional data with the digital photograph and storing the
additional data in the data repository, wherein the additional data
indicates an orientation.
3. The method of claim 1 further comprising: for some of the
digital photographs stored in the data repository, associating
additional data with the digital photograph and storing the
additional data in the data repository, wherein the additional data
restrict which other users may obtain a copy of the digital
photograph.
4. The method of claim 1 further comprising: for some of the
digital photographs stored in the data repository, associating
additional data with the digital photograph and storing the
additional data in the data repository, wherein the additional data
indicate an owner of the digital photograph.
5. The method of claim 1 further comprising: for some of the
digital photographs stored in the data repository, associating
additional data with the digital photograph and storing the
additional data in the data repository, wherein the additional data
indicate a date on which the digital photograph was taken.
6. The method of claim 1 further comprising: for some of the
digital photographs stored in the data repository, associating
additional data with the digital photograph and storing the
additional data in the data repository, wherein the additional data
indicate a date on which the digital photograph was deposited in
the data repository.
7. The method of claim 1 further comprising: for some of the
digital photographs stored in the data repository, associating
additional data with the digital photograph and storing the
additional data in the data repository, wherein the additional data
provide a description of the digital photograph.
8. The method of claim 1 further comprising: for some of the
digital photographs stored in the data repository, associating
additional data with the digital photograph and storing the
additional data in the data repository, wherein the additional data
include a focal length used for the digital photograph.
9. The method of claim 1 further comprising: for some of the
selected digital photographs transmitted to users, charging the
users a fee for the selected digital photographs.
10. The method of claim 1 further comprising: storing links to web
cams in the data repository; when storing each link to a web cam in
the data repository, associating each link to a web cam with data
that indicate a physical location, wherein the physical location
indicates where the web cam associated with the link is located;
providing a search function available to the users over the network
that enables users to search by physical location for web cam links
stored by other users; allowing users to select links to web cams
of other users; and transmitting the respective selected web cam
links to the users who selected them over the network.
11. The method of claim 1 wherein the physical location associated
with the digital photograph indicates a vantage point of the
digital photograph.
12. The method of claim 1 wherein the physical location associated
with the digital photograph indicates the location of an object in
the digital photograph.
13. The method of claim 1 wherein the data that indicate a physical
location is obtained, for at least some of the digital photographs,
from positioning equipment associated with the camera that took the
photograph.
14. The method of claim 1 wherein the data that indicate a physical
location is obtained from the user from whom the associated digital
photograph was received.
15. The method of claim 1 further comprising: when receiving
digital photographs from users, requesting each user to indicate
the physical location to be associated with the digital
photograph.
16. The method of claim 1 further comprising: making the data
repository accessible to a map developer; and allowing the map
developer to update maps using the digital photographs stored in
the data repository.
17. The method of claim 1 further comprising: for some of the
copies of selected digital photographs transmitted to users over
the network, providing the users with route guidance for traveling
to the respective locations shown in the digital photographs.
18. The method of claim 1 further comprising: for some of the
digital photographs received from users, allowing the users to
associate a plurality of digital photographs as a related
group.
19. The method of claim 1 wherein the search function allows a user
to specify a physical location by distance from a reference
point.
20. The method of claim 1 wherein the search function allows a user
to specify a physical location by a bounding area.
21. The method of claim 1 further comprising: establishing groups
of users, wherein each group comprises a subset of all users; and
restricting exchange of digital photographs stored in the data
repository by members of a group to only members of the group.
22. The method of claim 1 wherein the search function supports free
text searches.
23. The method of claim 1 wherein the data repository automatically
recognizes potential placenames when users enter text to be
associated with digital photographs being stored.
24. A method of exchanging photographs comprising: providing an
indexing program on a network accessible to a plurality of users,
wherein each of the users has digital photographs stored as data
files on a respective separate one of a plurality of data storage
devices connected to the network, wherein the indexing program
associates each digital photograph with a physical location, and
wherein the indexing program refers to each digital photograph by
referencing the user's data storage device on which the digital
photograph is stored; providing a search function available to the
users over the network that enables users to search by physical
location for digital photographs of other users; allowing users to
select digital photographs stored by other users on said other
users' data storage devices; and providing for the transmission of
copies of the selected digital photographs to those users who
selected them over the network.
25. The method of claim 24 wherein the indexing program includes a
client component that forms an individual index of digital
photographs stored on an individual user's data storage device, and
wherein the individual index is transmitted over the network and
integrated with other users' individual indexes to form a master
index.
26. A method of storing photographs in a standalone computing
system comprising: providing a data repository on the standalone
computing system; storing digital photographs in the data
repository; when storing each digital photograph in the data
repository, associating each digital photograph with data that
indicate a physical location; providing a search function available
to the user of the standalone computing system that enables the
user to search by physical location for digital photographs stored
in the data repository; allowing the user to select digital
photographs stored in the data repository; and providing copies of
the selected digital photographs to the user from the standalone
computing system.
27. A method of storing photographs in computing systems connected
to a data network, the method comprising: providing a first data
repository on first computing system connected to the data network;
storing a first plurality of digital photographs in the first data
repository; when storing each digital photograph in the first data
repository, associating each digital photograph with location
reference data that indicate a physical location, wherein the
location reference data is in a selected format; providing a second
data repository on a second computing system accessible to a
plurality of users who have digital photographs, wherein the second
computing system is accessible over the data network to the first
computing system; storing a second plurality of digital photographs
in the second data repository; when storing each digital photograph
in the second data repository, associating each digital photograph
with location reference data that indicate a physical location,
wherein the location reference data associated with the digital
photographs stored in the second data repository is in the selected
format; providing a search function available to a user of the
first computing system that enables the user to search by physical
location for digital photographs stored in the first data
repository and the second data repository; allowing the user to
select digital photographs stored in the first data repository and
the second data repository; and providing copies of the selected
digital photographs to the user from the first data repository and
the second data repository.
28. A method of enabling a user to take photographs of a place of
interest comprising: storing data in a computing system to indicate
a user-selected subject matter category; determining locations of
the user as the user travels through a geographic region; using a
geographic database to compare locations of the user to locations
of places that match the user-selected subject matter category; and
informing the user when the user is in proximity to one place that
matches the user-selected subject matter category.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a system that enables
persons to store and retrieve photographs and other images.
[0002] Digital photography has affected the ways that people take
and use photographs. For example, because digital photographs exist
as data files on computer-readable media, persons can easily
exchange copies of digital photographs with friends and family
members.
[0003] Digital cameras are expected to become more common as they
become smaller and less expensive. As digital cameras become
smaller and less expensive, they are being incorporated into other
devices, such as PDAs ("personal digital assistants") and portable
phones. As digital cameras become more available, people are
expected to take more and more digital photographs.
[0004] Although digital photography has resulted in significant
changes in the ways that people take and use photographs, there
continues to be room for further improvements. One consideration
associated with the large number of digital photographs being taken
is how to organize them. Although taking photographs is easier and
less expensive, it can be difficult to find a particular photograph
because there are so many.
[0005] Accordingly, it is an objective to provide ways to organize
photographs.
[0006] It is another objective to provide a way for users to
exchange photographs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] To address these and other objectives, the present invention
includes a photograph repository system. The photograph repository
system includes data storage for storing photographs in the form of
digital data files and a search feature that provides for searching
for photographs by location and optionally by other search
criteria. In one embodiment, the photograph repository system is a
service accessible to users over a common data network, such as the
Internet. In the photograph repository service, each stored
photograph is associated with a location, i.e., where the
photograph was taken and/or the location of an object in the
photograph. Users can search for and obtain copies of their own
photographs, i.e., that they had stored previously with the
photograph repository service. In addition, users can search for
and obtain copies of photographs that had been taken by other users
and stored with the photograph repository service.
[0008] In alternative embodiments, the photograph repository system
is implemented as a standalone system, a hybrid system, or a
peer-to-peer system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first embodiment of a
photograph repository system.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a process performed by the
photo acceptance application of FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing components of the photo
database of FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a process performed by the
photo retrieval application of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a peer-to-peer embodiment of a
photograph repository system.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a standalone embodiment of a
photograph repository system.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a hybrid embodiment of a
photograph repository system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0016] I. First Embodiment
[0017] A. Overview of System
[0018] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a photograph repository
(or archive) system 100. In FIG. 1, users 110 have digital
photographs. The digital photographs are in the form of data files
114 stored in suitable image formats, such as *.jpg, *.bmp, or
*.png. Other suitable file formats may be used. The data files 114
that comprise the digital photographs are stored on suitable data
storage media 116, such as flash memory cards, computer hard
drives, CD-ROMs, DVDs, and so on. Any suitable data storage media
may be used.
[0019] The digital photographs may be obtained from digital cameras
120 that are operated by the users 110. The digital cameras 120 may
be standalone units or may be incorporated into other devices, such
as portable phones or PDAs. Digital photographs may also be
obtained from scanners that form image data files 114 from physical
photographs (which may have been taken with either film cameras or
digital cameras). The scanners may be connected to other suitable
equipment, if necessary, such as personal computers.
[0020] In this embodiment, the users 110 may include individual
people or corporate entities. The users 110 may include commercial
or non-commercial users.
[0021] The users 110 operate devices 128 that are equipped to
access a data network 134. The devices 128 include personal
computers, PDAs, telephones, and so on. The devices 128 may use any
means now known or developed in the future for interfacing with the
network 134.
[0022] The network 134 may include any common data network, such as
the Internet, or any other type of network capable of exchanging
data, including public and private networks, POTS (plain old
telephone service), wireless and land-based communications
networks, and so on.
[0023] The users 110 operate the devices 128 to access a photograph
repository service 140. The photograph repository service 140 is a
combination of hardware and software components. The photograph
repository service 140 allows users to store and retrieve digital
photographs. For these purposes, the photograph repository service
140 includes suitable hardware and software that enables users to
conduct interactive sessions in which the digital photograph data
files are exchanged between the users and the photograph repository
service 140. For example, the photograph repository service 140
includes one or more servers or other computing platforms and
appropriate programming. The photograph repository service 140 also
includes one or more data storage devices, such as hard drives,
tape drives, etc.
[0024] B. Operation--Storage of Digital Photos
[0025] The photograph repository service 140 includes applications
144 that provide functions to users. The applications 144 provide
for interactive on-line sessions between users and the photo
repository service 140. In one embodiment, the applications 144
provide for accessing the photo repository service 140 using a web
browser.
[0026] Among the applications 144 is an acceptance application 150.
The acceptance application 150 enables users 110 to store their
digital photographs (as data) on a data storage medium 146 in the
photo repository service 140. (The data storage medium 146 may be
one or more hard drives or other suitable equipment.) The
acceptance application 150 also enables users to categorize their
stored photographs by location. To provide for this feature, the
acceptance application 150 enables users to associate each stored
photograph with one or more location references. A location
reference is a data item that is associated with a photograph. The
location reference may indicate a location from which the
photograph was taken (i.e., the "vantage point"). Alternatively,
the location reference may indicate the location of a feature in
the photograph (i.e., an object location). In another alternative,
a photograph may be stored with a composite location reference that
indicates both the location from which the photograph was taken and
the location of one or more features or objects in the
photograph.
[0027] FIG. 2 shows a process 152 performed by the acceptance
application 150. In a first step, a session is initiated between a
user and the photo repository service 140 (Step 154). Then, the
photo repository service 140 receives a digital photograph (as a
data file) from the user 110 (Step 156). Next, the photo repository
service 140 associates one or more location references with the
photograph (Step 158).
[0028] The location reference may be expressed in several different
ways. For example, the location reference may be expressed as
geographic coordinates (e.g., latitude, longitude, and optionally
altitude). Alternatively, the location reference may be expressed
as a street address (e.g., 1245 N. Main St., Springfield, Ill.,
USA). According to another alternative, the location reference may
be expressed as a point relative to a map. Alternative ways of
expressing a location reference may be supported.
[0029] The location reference to be associated with a digital
photograph may be obtained in several different ways. Some cameras
include positioning equipment, such as a GPS unit. These types of
digital cameras are capable of determining a position (e.g.,
latitude and longitude coordinates) at which a photograph is taken.
Data indicating the position are associated (e.g., linked,
embedded) with the photograph image data file. Alternatively, the
position information is overlaid on the photograph.
[0030] Another way that the photo repository service 140 may obtain
a location reference to associate with a photograph is from the
user. The acceptance application 150 provides a means for the user
to indicate a location to associate with a photograph. According to
one alternative, the acceptance application 150 may provide entry
fields in a web page displayed on the user's computing platform
into which the user can indicate a location. The acceptance
application 150 may provide various different ways for the user to
indicate a location. For example, the acceptance application 150
may allow the user to specify geographic coordinates.
Alternatively, the acceptance application 150 may allow the user to
specify a street address or street intersection. Alternatively, the
acceptance application 150 may allow the user to specify a point of
interest or a well-known location. The acceptance application 150
may also allow a user to specify an inexact or fuzzy address (e.g.,
a zip code or a neighborhood).
[0031] The acceptance application 150 also allows a user to provide
additional information to be associated with a photograph (Step
160). This additional information may be optional. This additional
information may include the identity (or alias) of the person
submitting the photograph to the repository, an orientation (e.g.,
a compass heading and elevation) of the camera when the photograph
was taken, a date on which the photograph was taken, a time-of-day
at which the photograph was taken, the date the photograph is being
archived, a title to be associated with the photograph, a subject
matter category to be associated with the photograph, restrictions
imposed on sharing the photograph with other users, and a
user-provided description or narrative to be associated with the
photograph. Other information may also be included. For example,
aperture setting, focal length and shutter speed may be
included.
[0032] Some of these types of information may be provided
automatically, e.g., without requiring the user to input a value.
For example, some cameras can automatically associate time-of-day
data with a photograph. Similarly, cameras equipped with a compass
or gyroscope can automatically associate orientation data with a
digital photograph. Cameras can also automatically associate focal
length, aperture setting and shutter speed data with
photographs.
[0033] As stated above, restrictions may be imposed on the sharing
of photographs with other users. In one embodiment, the photo
repository may support password protection of photographs.
According to this feature, a user storing a photograph on the photo
repository may specify a password to be associated with the
photograph. The photo repository would then make the photograph
available to only users who specify the password.
[0034] Once the acceptance application 150 obtains the digital
photograph, location reference information and any other
information to be associated with the photograph from the user, the
acceptance application 150 stores the digital photograph, location
reference information and other associated information in a photo
database 164 on the data storage medium 146 (Step 162). The
acceptance application 150 stores the digital photograph, location
reference information and other information so that the digital
photograph is searchable. Accordingly, appropriate indexing or
other data search techniques are used. In addition, appropriate
indexing or other techniques may be used so that the digital
photographs are searchable by any of the other stored information,
such as by date, owner, and so on.
[0035] FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of some of the data components
associated with stored photograph images 114 in the photo database
164.
[0036] Referring again to FIG. 1, the acceptance application 150
may transform the location reference information into one or more
alternative formats as part of the process. This transformation
process is performed so that photographs may be searched by
location using any of several alternative location referencing
systems. As part of this process, the acceptance application 150
may geo-code the location information. As an example, if a user
specifies a photograph location by street address, the acceptance
application 150 may determine the geographic coordinates of the
street address provided by the user and associate (e.g., store) the
geographic coordinates as well as the street address specified by
the user in the photo database 164. In order to perform this
function, the acceptance application 150 may use a geographic
database 170 that associates addresses and geographic coordinates.
Such databases are available from commercial sources, such as
Navigation Technologies Corporation of Chicago, Ill. Similarly, if
the user specifies geographic coordinates, the acceptance
application 150 may determine a street address that corresponds to
the coordinates and store the street address as well as the
geographic coordinates in the photo database 164. Conversion to
other location referencing formats may also be performed.
[0037] C. Operation--Retrieval of Photos
[0038] Referring still to FIG. 1, the photo repository service 140
also includes a retrieval application 174. The retrieval
application 174 enables each user to retrieve his/her own
photographs from the photo database 164. When retrieving photos, a
user may use the location associated with the photo as a search
criterion. Alternatively, a user may use any of the other
attributes associated with a photo as a search criterion. The photo
retrieval application 174 also provides a means by which users can
obtain (e.g., retrieve) copies of photos taken by others from the
photo database 164 using the location of the photo as a search
criterion or alternatively, any of the other attributes associated
with a photo as a search criterion.
[0039] The retrieval application 174 is accessed and used in the
same or a similar way as the acceptance application 150. The user
110 operates the device 128 that is equipped to access the data
network 134. The photo retrieval application 174 provides for an
interactive on-line session between the user 110 and the photo
repository 140.
[0040] FIG. 4 shows a process 178 performed by the photo retrieval
application 174. In a first step, an interactive on-line session is
initiated between a user and the photo repository service 140 (Step
180). Upon initiating the session with the photo repository 140,
the user is prompted to search for photos by location (Step 182).
The user may be presented with labeled entry fields on a display of
the device 128 used to access the photo repository 140.
Alternatively, the user may be prompted to indicate the location
using voice input. The user may specify the location in various
ways. For example, the user may specify the location by geographic
coordinates. Alternatively, the user may specify the location by
street address. According to other alternatives, the user may
specify the location by cross streets or by the name of the
location. The user may also specify an approximate location (e.g.,
a zip code).
[0041] In a present embodiment, the user may also provide one or
more additional criteria to restrict the search for photos (Step
184). For example, the user may want only photos of 1245 Main
Street, Springfield, Ill. that were taken between Jul. 1, 2002 and
Aug. 1, 2002. According to another alternative, the search may be
restricted spatially. For example, the search may be restricted to
a specified distance from a reference point (e.g., a search radius)
or to a specified bounding area (e.g., a bounding rectangle).
Appropriate input fields may be presented to the user for these
purposes.
[0042] Upon obtaining information from the user that specify the
criteria for selecting photos, the photo retrieval application 174
conducts a search of the photo database 164 for photos that match
the specified criteria (Step 186). The matching photos, if any, are
provided to the user (Step 188). Full copies of the matching photos
may be provided to the user. Alternatively, only thumbnail copies
of the matching photos may be provided initially with full copies
available upon further selection by the user. According to another
alternative, a count of the number of matches is provided to the
user and the user is requested to indicate whether to transmit all,
or just some of the photos. According to still another alternative,
if there are a large number of matches, the user may be provided
with a portion of the results (e.g., ten matches), with a link to
get another portion (e.g., the next 10) and so on.
[0043] III. Alternatives
[0044] A. Peer-to-Peer
[0045] FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment 200 of the photo
repository system. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, a peer-to-peer
technology is used to store and exchange photographs.
[0046] In FIG. 5, each user 206 has a computing platform 210 that
has a data storage device 214. The computer platform 210 may be a
personal computer or PDA. The data storage device 214 may be a hard
drive, CDROM or DVD. Other types of computing platforms and data
storage devices may be suitable. The end users' computer platforms
210 are connected to a data network 220, such as the Internet.
[0047] Each end user has digital photographs stored on his/her data
storage device 214 of his/her respective computer platform 210. The
digital photographs are obtained from digital cameras 120 or from
other sources, such as scanners. The digital photographs are stored
as data files 230 in appropriate image formats, such as jpeg, gif,
png, etc.
[0048] In the embodiment of FIG. 5, instead of transmitting copies
of their digital photographs to a central photograph repository (as
in the embodiment of FIG. 1), each end user retains his/her copies
of digital photographs on his/her own local data storage device 214
but makes the digital photographs available to other users over the
data network 220. In order for users to find digital photographs of
other users, each end user runs a peer-to-peer photo exchange
program 240.
[0049] The peer-to-peer photo exchange program 240 allows end users
to conduct searches for digital photographs of other end users and
to download selected digital photographs from the other end users'
local data storage devices. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the
peer-to-peer photo exchange program 240 provides for searching by
location (i.e., the location where the photograph was taken or the
location of an object in the photograph).
[0050] The peer-to-peer photo exchange program 240 is obtained from
a map service provider 244 or other source. The peer-to-peer photo
exchange program 240 installs a client component on an end user's
computer. The peer-to-peer photo exchange program 240 provides an
indexing function that allows the photo files stored on an end
user's computing platform to be categorized by location, e.g., with
location references. The peer-to-peer photo exchange program 240
uses a geographic database 256 to geocode an end user's
photographs. The geographic database 256 and geocoding software 258
may be located on a server associated with the photo service
provider 244. As described in connection with the first embodiment,
the peer-to-peer photo exchange program 240 may provide for various
different ways of indicating location, such as by street address,
geographic coordinates, and so on. Also as described in connection
with the first embodiment, the peer-to-peer photo exchange program
240 may provide for different ways by which location data may be
associated with a photograph. In addition, the peer-to-peer photo
exchange program 240 may also provide for associating additional
attributes (e.g., date, orientation, etc.) with photograph images
and providing for searches based on these additional
attributes.
[0051] After an end user has associated a location with each
digital photograph to be shared, the client component of the
peer-to-peer photo exchange program 240 forms an individual index
file 260. The individual index file 260 indicates the location
references (and possibly other searchable attributes) associated
with a user's photographs and includes references (e.g., pathnames)
to the associated photograph data files. The individual index file
260 is transmitted over the data exchange network 220 to the map
service provider 244. In this embodiment, the photograph data files
are not transmitted to the map service provider 244 but instead
remain on the user's local data storage device.
[0052] The map service provider 244 receives an individual index
file 260 from each user. The map service provider 244 integrates
the individual index file 260 obtained from each user into a master
index file 262. The master index file 262 indexes the photographic
data files from all end users by their associated locations. When
an individual index file 260 from a user is integrated into the
master index file 262, references to the photograph data files on
the end user's computing platform are augmented with a reference to
the end user's computer on the network, e.g., an IP address.
[0053] Using the master index file 262, the peer-to-peer photo
exchange program 240 enables users to search for photographs stored
on any data storage device (e.g., hard drive) connected to the
network 220. The peer-to-peer photo exchange program 240 enables
searches for photographs by their associated location references
(i.e., where the photographs were taken or the locations of
features in the photographs). By providing a centralized master
index, searches for photographs can be conducted quickly and
efficiently. Keeping the photographs on the end users' local data
storage devices reduces the need for providing a large amount of
data storage on a server.
[0054] B. Standalone Version
[0055] Another alternative embodiment of a photo repository system
300 is shown in FIG. 6. The embodiment of FIG. 6 includes
decentralized storage of photographs. According to this embodiment,
each user has a computing platform 310 that runs a repository
program 316 that provides for associating location data (and
possibly other information) with digital photographs 318 and then
search for digital photographs based on the associated location. In
order to geocode the photographs, the repository program 316 uses a
geographic database 320 and a geocoding program 324. In one version
of this embodiment, the geographic database 320 and geocoding
program 324 are stored locally (i.e., on the end user's computing
platform). In an alternative version of this embodiment, the
geographic database 320 and geocoding program 324 are stored
remotely (e.g., with a map service provider 326) and accessed over
a network 328 by the local portion of the repository program 316.
In still another version of this embodiment, the geocoding program
324 is stored locally and the geographic database 320 is stored
remotely and accessed by the local geocoding program 324. The
repository program 316 provides that the digital photographs can be
stored locally, i.e., on a data storage device, such as a hard
drive 322, located with the end user's own computing platform
310.
[0056] This embodiment is similar to the other embodiments in that
the users are provided with a way to organize their digital
photographs. The digital photographs 318 stored on a user's local
hard 322 are associated with location references. As in the
previously described embodiments, users may employ various search
criteria to find photographs of interest. As in the previously
described embodiments, users may search for photographs by
location, i.e., the location associated the photograph. In this
embodiment, the repository program 316 provides that the
photographs stored locally are kept private and not necessarily
shared with others.
[0057] C. Hybrid Version
[0058] Another alternative embodiment 400 of the photo repository
system is shown in FIG. 7. The embodiment of FIG. 7 is a hybrid
version that provides for both centralized and decentralized
storage of photographs. In this embodiment, each user has a
computing platform 410 that runs a repository program 416 (similar
to the program 316 in FIG. 6) that provides for associating
location data with digital photographs and then search for digital
photographs based on the associated location data. Photographs are
geocoded (i.e., associated with location references) using a local
or remote geographic database 420 and local or remote geocoding
software 424. The repository program 416 provides that the user can
store some digital photographs 418L locally on a data storage
device 419 located with the end user's own computing platform 410
so that these photographs can be kept private and not necessarily
shared with others. The repository program 416 also provides that
the user can store some photographs 418R remotely in a photo
database 428 on a data storage device 430 associated with a
remotely located photo repository 440. The remotely stored
photographs 418R are shared with other users, as described in
connection with the first embodiment (in FIG. 1).
[0059] In this embodiment, the location referencing of locally
stored photographs is compatible with the location referencing of
remotely stored photographs. Searches may be performed for locally
stored photographs, remotely stored photographs, or both locally
and remotely stored photographs. Compatible location referencing
facilitates the ability to interact with the remote photo
repository 440 for sharing, purchasing, and selling photographs and
other information (such as point of interest information).
[0060] D. Groups
[0061] According to this alternative, a photo repository system
provides for the establishment of groups. A group refers to one or
more users. A group can be established to include various users who
have a common interest in sharing photographs. For example, a group
may include all members of a family, all employees of a company,
all employees of a company above (or below) a certain management
level, all employees of a department in a company, all members of a
labor union, all students or faculty of an educational institution,
all residents of a neighborhood, all customers of a business, all
members of a religious institution, clubs, societies, and so forth.
In this embodiment, the photo repository allows stored photographs
to be group-restricted. The photo repository allows photographs to
be shared only within the group.
[0062] In one alternative, all members of the group can store
photos in, retrieve photo from or remove photos from the photo
repository. In other alternatives, only some group members are
authorized to store or delete photos.
[0063] The photo repository may use various means to verify and
authenticate group members.
[0064] Groups may be implemented with various different embodiments
of the photo repository system. For example, groups may be
implemented with a centralized photo repository (e.g., FIG. 1), a
peer-to-peer photo repository (e.g., FIG. 5), or a hybrid photo
repository (e.g., FIG. 7).
[0065] E. Other Alternatives
[0066] In one alternative embodiment, the photograph repository can
provide a marketplace to buy and sell photographs. Photographs for
sale may be photographs taken by professional photographers or that
otherwise have value. According to this embodiment, a user accesses
the photo repository and selects a location reference. The location
reference may be a location from which the user took a photograph
or may be a location in which the user has an interest. The photo
repository identifies photos that match the user's search criteria
and also indicates prices for the identified photos. The prices may
be fixed or negotiable. If the user wishes the purchase an
identified photograph, the user pays for it using any available
method for making on-line purchases. The buying and selling of
photographs on the photo repository may be provided in addition to
the free exchange of photographs.
[0067] According to another alternative embodiment, the photo
repository service may also provide navigation-related or
map-related features. These navigation-related or map-related
features may pertain to the locations of photographs. As an
example, when a user obtains a photograph from the photo repository
service, the user may be provided with routing directions (e.g.,
turn-by-turn driving instructions, pedestrian, inter-modal) to the
location associated with the photograph. According to another
alternative, when a user obtains a photograph from the photo
repository service, the user may be provided with a map that shows
the location associated with the photograph.
[0068] In further alternative embodiments, a photo-taking location
assistance feature is provided. According to this feature, an
application (executed on a standalone, server, or hybrid system)
allows a user to specify subject matter categories (e.g. historical
sites, natural/scenic, etc.) that he/she wants to take pictures of.
As the user travels through a geographic area, the user's position
is determined on a regular basis by equipment (e.g., GPS, cell
phone positioning) in the standalone, server, or hybrid system. The
photo-taking location assistance feature of the application
notifies the user when the user is in proximity to a location where
a photo can be taken of an object of one of the user's specified
subject matter categories. Alternatively, the application may
direct the user (e.g., with driving or pedestrian routing
instructions) to the location where a photo can be taken of an
object of one of the user's specified subject matter categories.
Once the user takes a picture, all the other repository-related
functions mentioned in connection with the various embodiments
apply.
[0069] In another alternative embodiment, the photo repository may
include links to web cam feeds. These web cam feed links would be
categorized and searchable by location. According to this
embodiment, the photo repository service includes an acceptance
application for web cam links. This acceptance application for web
cam links would be similar to the photo acceptance application
described above. A user who is operating a web cam would provide a
link to the web cam's network address. The user would also indicate
the physical location (e.g., geographic coordinates, street
address, etc.) of the web cam, and possibly other information, such
as the orientation of the web cam, permissions, etc. The link and
location information would be stored in a database file at the
photo repository. (The web cam links may be stored in the same
database used to store digital photographs, or alternatively the
web cam links may be stored in a separate database.) Using this
information, the photo repository service would be a resource for
viewing live conditions anywhere in the world. As an example, a
user may want to get a live view of weather conditions at a
particular location. The user would search the photo repository
database for a web cam feed associated with that particular
location. If a web cam feed is available for the desired location,
the link to that web cam is sent the user. Then, the user uses the
link to receive the web cam feed to observe conditions at the
location.
[0070] Another use for the photo repository is to provide evidence
in judicial matters or to aid investigations. As an example, the
photo repository could be used to find photographs of a particular
location taken on a particular day in order to corroborate a
witness's testimony. The photo repository might also be used to
establish before-and-after conditions at sites of accidents, fires,
etc.
[0071] Another way that the photo repository can be used is to view
sites that were visited in the past to observe how they have
changed. For example, a user may store a series of photos showing
locations visited on a vacation. Years later, the user may obtain
current photographs of those same locations in order to see how
they have changed.
[0072] According to another embodiment, the photos stored in the
photo repository by users can be used by a map developer to create
new maps or update existing maps. Because photos stored in the
repository are indexed by location, a map developer can use the
photos taken by users to obtain information about the locations in
the photos. As an example, if a photo taken by a user shows a
bridge, the map developer can examine the photo to obtain
information about the bridge, such as the number of lanes of
traffic, the bridge height, the bridge length, road signs, and so
on. Similarly, a user's photo of a building can be used by the map
developer to obtain information about the building height,
footprint, address, and so on. The information obtained in this
manner may be used directly by a map developer for creating or
updating a map, or alternatively, the information obtained in this
manner may be used by the map developer to determine where to send
field personnel for updating purposes.
[0073] The various embodiments of the photo repository may include
versions particularly designed for either home or business
uses.
[0074] In some of the embodiments disclosed above, photo repository
software or data are stored locally on an end user's computer
platform. In these embodiments, the software or data may be
downloaded to the end user's computer platform. Alternatively, the
software or data may be provided on media (e.g., CD-ROM) delivered
to the end user.
[0075] In another embodiment, the photo repository can provide
users a feature that allows a plurality of stored photographs to be
associated with each other. As an example, a user may take a number
(e.g., 50) of photographs while on a vacation. According to this
embodiment, the photo repository allows the user to associate these
photographs as a set. The user may be allowed to name the set
(e.g., Hawaiian vacation, August 2003). When the user wishes to
retrieve these photos for viewing, the photo repository would allow
the user to retrieve the photos as a set.
[0076] It was stated above in connection with the embodiment of the
photo repository that used peer-to-peer data exchange technology
that photos stored on end users' computers were referenced by a
link that included the end user's network address. One way to
implement this is to establish a separate domain or suffix to be
used for photo links, e.g., pix.
[0077] There are various ways to generate revenue from the
operation of embodiments of the photo repository. In one
alternative, end users pay a fee for storage of photographs in the
repository. Alternatively, end users pay a fee for downloading
photographs of others. In another alternative, advertising is
presented to the users when they access or use the photo
repository. Alternatively, advertising may be added to or overlaid
on downloaded photographs. In alternatives in which users install
repository software or geographic data locally, the users may pay a
fee (e.g., a license fee) for the software and/or data.
[0078] As mentioned above, a user may search the photo repository
for stored photographs based on search criteria other than
location. In one embodiment, users may search the photo repository
for photographs by color or color combination. In this embodiment,
a user may want a photograph having a specific color or combination
of colors for decorating purposes, for example. According to this
embodiment, the photo repository supports searches of stored
photographs based on the dominant color or color combinations in
the photographs. Searches may combine color with other criteria
(e.g., photographs of the Grand Canyon that have strong red
colors).
[0079] According to another embodiment, the photo repository
includes a free text search engine. This would enable searches for
photos based on any word or phrase associated in any way with a
photograph. Inexact and fuzzy matches would also be supported.
[0080] Another feature included in an alternative embodiment of the
photo repository provides for automatic recognition of placenames
when entering text. As mentioned above, some embodiments of the
photo repository allow a user to provide a description, title or
narrative to be associated with a photograph when the photograph is
being stored. The user may provide these types of information as
text. According to this feature, if a user indicates a placename
when providing text for a description, title or narrative, the
photo repository automatically identifies the potential placename
and asks the user to confirm that the identified text is the
placename of the location associated with the photograph. As an
example, if a user provides the text "This is a picture of the
Empire State Building at noon" for a description to be associated
with a digital photograph being stored, the photo repository
automatically identifies the text "Empire State Building" as the
name of a place and asks the user to confirm that the object in the
picture is the "Empire State Building." If the user confirms that
the object in the picture is the Empire State Building, the photo
repository automatically associates the location of the Empire
State Building with the photo being stored. The photo repository
can automatically identify placenames in text by comparing
user-entered text to a table of placenames, searching user-entered
text for placename patterns (e.g., "1245 Main Street", first letter
capitalized words), or various other means.
[0081] It is intended that the foregoing detailed description be
regarded as illustrative rather than limiting and that it is
understood that the following claims including all equivalents are
intended to define the scope of the invention.
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