U.S. patent application number 14/826783 was filed with the patent office on 2015-12-10 for method and system for replaying a voice message and displaying a signed digital photograph contemporaneously.
The applicant listed for this patent is Autography, LLC. Invention is credited to David Auld, Robert N. Barrett, Erem Boto, William Chan, Eric Feeny, Andrew Smith, Thomas J. Waters.
Application Number | 20150356363 14/826783 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48467920 |
Filed Date | 2015-12-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150356363 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Auld; David ; et
al. |
December 10, 2015 |
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR REPLAYING A VOICE MESSAGE AND DISPLAYING A
SIGNED DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPH CONTEMPORANEOUSLY
Abstract
Systems and methods for generating authentic digital memorabilia
are described. A signor may be provided a digital photograph. The
signor's signature, written message, or voice message may be
received. Biometric authentication or verification may be performed
on the signor's handwriting or voice sample through comparison with
stored samples. If the verification signifies a high likelihood
signor's handwriting or voice sample is authentic, creation of
digital memorabilia is performed by embedding signor's signature or
written message in a digital photograph and linking the signor's
voice message with the photograph. The digital memorabilia is
accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and distributed to a
customer or displayed on a website.
Inventors: |
Auld; David; (Seattle,
WA) ; Boto; Erem; (Seattle, WA) ; Chan;
William; (Seattle, WA) ; Feeny; Eric;
(Seattle, WA) ; Smith; Andrew; (Seattle, WA)
; Waters; Thomas J.; (St. Petersburg, FL) ;
Barrett; Robert N.; (St. Petersburg, FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Autography, LLC |
St. Petersburg |
FL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
48467920 |
Appl. No.: |
14/826783 |
Filed: |
August 14, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13683247 |
Nov 21, 2012 |
9141959 |
|
|
14826783 |
|
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|
|
61564552 |
Nov 29, 2011 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
382/116 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 30/018 20130101;
G06K 9/00281 20130101; G06K 9/00416 20130101; G06K 9/00899
20130101; H04L 9/3231 20130101; H04L 63/12 20130101; G06K 9/00892
20130101; H04L 67/10 20130101; H04L 63/0884 20130101; G06Q 30/0185
20130101; G10L 17/00 20130101; H04L 9/3247 20130101; G06K 9/00288
20130101; G06K 9/00194 20130101; H04L 2209/56 20130101; G06K
9/00744 20130101; A63B 71/06 20130101; G06K 9/00161 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06K 9/00 20060101
G06K009/00; A63B 71/06 20060101 A63B071/06; H04L 29/08 20060101
H04L029/08; G10L 17/00 20060101 G10L017/00; G06Q 30/00 20060101
G06Q030/00; H04L 29/06 20060101 H04L029/06 |
Claims
1. A method for generating digital memorabilia, the method
comprising: providing a digital memorabilia signor with a digital
item; receiving an electronic signature, an electronic written
message, or a combination thereof from the digital memorabilia
signor, embedding the electronic signature, the electronic written
message, or the combination thereof from the digital memorabilia
signor into the digital item thereby generating the digital
memorabilia; verifying authenticity of the electronic signature,
the electronic written message, or the combination thereof of the
generated digital memorabilia by generating a scoring number
associated with signor identification verification; after
successfully verifying authenticity, storing the generated digital
memorabilia; and/or delivering the generated digital memorabilia to
a digital memorabilia receiver in real time.
2. The method for generating digital memorabilia of claim 1,
wherein the electronic signature or the electronic written message
must achieve at least a 90% confidence level based on an X,Y array
coordinates including a statistical comparison of velocity between
coordinates and relative position of points between
coordinates.
3. The method for generating digital memorabilia of claim 1,
further comprising providing vector scaling to prevent distortion
of the digital memorabilia while magnifying or shrinking the
digital memorabilia.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the electronic signature and
electronic written message are embedded in the digital item thereby
generating the digital memorabilia.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the electronic signature or the
electronic written message must achieve at least a 90% confidence
level based on an X,Y array coordinates including a statistical
comparison of velocity between coordinates and relative position of
points between coordinates.
6. The method of claim 5, further comprising providing vector
scaling to prevent distortion of the digital memorabilia while
magnifying or shrinking the digital memorabilia.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising monitoring the
electronic signature, the electronic written message, or the
combination thereof by a monitoring agent while the signor is
providing the electronic signature, the electronic written message,
or the combination.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the monitoring agent further
comprises determining whether the generated digital memorabilia
with the electronic signature, the electronic written message, or
the combination thereof is delivered to the digital memorabilia
receiver based at least in part on the monitoring agent.
9. The method of claim 1, further comprising generating a
certificate of authenticity for the generated digital
memorabilia.
10. The method of claim 9, further comprising delivering the
certificate of authenticity to the digital memorabilia
receiver.
11. A system for generating digital memorabilia, the system
comprising: a memory for storing executable instructions; a
processor for executing the executable instructions, the executable
instructions comprising: a content module that: provides a digital
memorabilia signor with a digital item; receives an electronic
signature, an electronic written message, or a combination thereof
from the digital memorabilia signor, and an embedding module that
embeds the electronic signature, the electronic written message, or
the combination thereof from the digital memorabilia signor into
the digital item thereby generating digital memorabilia; optionally
a storage module that stores the digital memorabilia; and a
delivery module that delivers the digital memorabilia to a digital
memorabilia receiver, wherein: the content module sends the
electronic signature, the electronic written message, or the
combination thereof to a verification service that verifies
authenticity of the electronic written message, the electronic
signature, or the combination thereof by generating a scoring
number associated with signor identification verification in which
the electronic signature or the electronic written message must
achieve at least a 90% confidence level based on an X,Y array
coordinates including a statistical comparison of velocity between
coordinates and relative position of points between
coordinates.
12. The system of claim 11, in which the delivery module delivers
the digital memorabilia to the digital memorabilia receiver based
at least in part on the scoring number.
13. The system of claim 11, the processor further comprising
executable instructions for a monitoring agent that monitors the
electronic signature, the electronic written message, or the
combination thereof.
14. The system of claim 11, wherein the content module further
comprises executable instructions to generate a certificate of
authenticity for the digital memorabilia for delivery to a digital
memorabilia receiver.
15. The system of claim 14, the processor further comprising
executable instructions for the delivery module to deliver the
certificate of authenticity to a digital memorabilia receiver.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the priority benefit of U.S.
provisional application No. 61/564,552, filed Nov. 29, 2011 and
titled, "Method to Provide Digital Memorabilia Utilizing Biometric
Verification," which is incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to digital
memorabilia, and more particularly, to digital memorabilia that
feature both a voice message and a signed digital photograph to a
receiver of the digital memorabilia.
[0004] 2. Background Art
[0005] Celebrities attempt to monetize their "fame" (e.g., their
talent, access, status, attention, etc.) in a variety of ways.
These ways can include the creation of content, such as signed
memorabilia, etc. Markets for celebrity memorabilia, e.g., signed
sports equipment, autographed cards, jerseys, pictures, etc., have
developed over the years. However, despite the availability of
companies that evaluate and certify memorabilia, an ever-present
danger of fraud still exists. Such memorabilia fraud can discourage
fans from purchasing celebrity memorabilia.
[0006] In light of the above, there exists a need for an effective
and low-maintenance system and method to ensure authenticity of
celebrity memorabilia.
SUMMARY
[0007] The present technology provides a method for generating
digital memorabilia, which may advantageously feature both
replaying of a voice message and displaying of a signed digital
photograph to the receiver of digital memorabilia. The replaying of
a voice message and displaying of a signed digital photograph may
occur contemporaneously. This technique provides a more
personalized digital autograph experience to the receiver of
digital memorabilia. This technique also provides for the
authentication of the signor (e.g., the celebrity) of digital
memorabilia.
[0008] In one embodiment, a non-transitory computer readable
storage medium having embodied thereon a program, the program being
executable by a computer to perform a method for generating digital
memorabilia is provided. The method may include providing the
signor of the digital memorabilia with a digital photograph,
receiving a voice message and at least one of an electronic
signature and an electronic written message from the signor of the
digital memorabilia, the voice message and the at least one of an
electronic signature and an electronic written message associated
with the digital photograph, embedding the at least one of an
electronic signature and an electronic written message into the
digital photograph, and delivering the digital photograph with the
voice message and the embedded at least one of an electronic
signature and an electronic written message to the receiver of the
digital memorabilia.
[0009] In another embodiment, a method for enrolling the signor of
digital memorabilia is provided. The method may include receiving
information from the signor, the information associated with
creating an account for the service for generating digital
memorabilia, creating an account for the signor, receiving
identification data from the signor in order to confirm the
identity of the signor, initiating the biometric verification
workflow, verifying the identity of the signor through at least one
of an in-person meeting and a remote meeting, receiving at least
one voice sample and at least one handwriting sample from the
signor, and utilizing the at least one voice sample and the at
least one handwriting sample to authenticate the identity of the
signor.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Certain embodiments of the present technology are
illustrated by the accompanying figures. It will be understood that
the figures are not necessarily to scale and that details not
necessary for an understanding of the technology or that render
other details difficult to perceive may be omitted. It will be
understood that the technology is not necessarily limited to the
particular embodiments illustrated herein.
[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary
environment of the invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the
invention.
[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary enrollment
method in accordance with the invention.
[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary method for
purchasing digital memorabilia.
[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary process
for receiving orders for digital memorabilia.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method of
generating digital memorabilia.
[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary graphical user interface
(GUI) displaying a digital memorabilia request.
[0018] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary GUI displaying a digital
memorabilia request and personal message.
[0019] FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary GUI for autographing.
[0020] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary GUI for voice
authentication.
[0021] FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary GUI displaying a failed
authentication.
[0022] FIG. 12 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary
embodiment of a server comprising modules.
[0023] FIG. 13 illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary method of
generating digital memorabilia.
[0024] FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary GUI of an earnings
report.
[0025] FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary GUI of an earnings
chart.
[0026] FIG. 16 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary
computing device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] While this technology is susceptible of embodiment in many
different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be
described in detail several specific embodiments with the
understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an
exemplification of the principles of the technology and is not
intended to limit the technology to the embodiments
illustrated.
[0028] It will be understood that like or analogous elements and/or
components, referred to herein, may be identified throughout the
drawings with like reference characters. It will be further
understood that several of the figures are merely schematic
representations of the present technology. As such, some of the
components may have been distorted from their actual scale for
pictorial clarity.
[0029] Despite the demand for celebrity memorabilia, the creation
of "content", i.e., the media and athletic entertainment for which
a celebrity is known, is a time consuming process. Content creation
typically involves appearances and signings, endorsements, or
personally branded products. These channels may involve high risk,
heavy manual intensity, high upfront costs and commitments or a
combination thereof. Using a digital channel may present advantages
over the traditional channels such as instantaneous fan connection,
new scenarios for fans and celebrities to interact, and
scalability. Moreover, the digital channel may allow for fans to
purchase fame on demand through an online marketplace, through
digital memorabilia.
[0030] Generally speaking, the present technology may be directed
to a method and system for generating digital memorabilia, which
may advantageously feature both replaying of a voice message and
displaying of a signed digital photograph to the receiver of
digital memorabilia. According to some embodiments the present
technology may employ a server to assist in generating, processing
and tracking requests for digital memorabilia and storing the
digital memorabilia for access by the receiver. Mobile devices may
be used by a celebrity to generate the digital memorabilia and
assist in accurately authenticating the celebrity remotely. These
and other embodiments of the present technology will be described
in greater detail below.
[0031] As defined herein, a digital memorabilia signor may be any
person who generates digital memorabilia. A digital memorabilia
signor may be referred to herein as a signor, celebrity, or
athlete.
[0032] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary environment 100
for a digital memorabilia system. The environment 100 may include a
mobile device 105, a network 110, a server 115, an optional third
party authentication or verification server 120, and a customer
device 125. The mobile device 105 may be a tablet (e.g., an iPad or
other similar device with a touchscreen), for use by a celebrity or
signor to autograph digital memorabilia. The mobile device 105 may
also be used to capture biometric data for authorization. The
mobile device 105 may connect to a network 110, either wired or
wirelessly through use of a router, modem, cellular technologies,
or other similar technology. The network 110 can include any type
of data communication network, including an intranet, the Internet,
a LAN, WAN, public network, private network, and any combination of
these.
[0033] A server 115 may communicate with the mobile device 105
through the network 110. The server 115 may receive and store the
digital memorabilia from the mobile device 105 and display it on a
website. The server 115 may also receive and store biometric data
captured or recorded by the mobile device 105. Optionally, the
server may send the biometric data received to a third party
authentication or verification server 120 for analysis or
authentication. Alternatively, authentication or verification may
be performed by server 115. The server 115 may perform additional
functions which are described in detail below.
[0034] A customer device 125 (e.g., a tablet, phablet, computer,
smartphone, etc.) may communicate with the server 115 through the
network 110. The customer device 125 may view the digital
memorabilia at a website hosted by the server 115. The customer
device 125 may also place orders or requests for digital
memorabilia.
[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of digital
memorabilia 200. The digital memorabilia 200 may include a digital
item (e.g., a digital photo of the celebrity, a customer-provided
photo, etc.). Optionally, a digital watermark 205 may be embedded
into the digital item. The digital watermark 205 may indicate the
origin of the digital item, the authenticity of the item, etc. An
optional Universal Resource Locator (URL) 210 may be included with
the digital watermark 205. The URL 210 may be a shortcode URL 210
to facilitate authentication of the digital memorabilia. The
shortcode URL 210 may also facilitate sharing of the digital
memorabilia (e.g., through email, social networks (Twitter,
Facebook, etc.), text messages, websites, etc.) Alternatively, the
shortcode URL 210 may be separate from the digital watermark.
[0036] The digital memorabilia 200 may also include or be
associated with a certificate of authenticity 215. The certificate
of authenticity 215 may be displayed with the digital memorabilia
200 when viewed at the URL 210 or available as a download. The
certificate of authenticity 215 may serve as a verified chain of
custody for the digital memorabilia. The certificate of
authenticity 215 may include information such as timestamps (e.g.,
the date and time at which the digital memorabilia was purchased,
the date and time at which the digital memorabilia was signed by
the celebrity, the date and time the digital memorabilia was
verified or approved, or the date and time at which the digital
memorabilia was received), the unique document identification of
the digital memorabilia, the owner (e.g., the purchaser or
customer) information (e.g., email, name, etc.), ownership history
of the digital memorabilia, the internet protocol (IP) address or
device identification (ID) of the signor's device, information of
the biometric authentication of the signor, a real time redrawing
of the signature or message, or a third party stamp of
approval.
[0037] Optionally, the digital memorabilia 200 may be available for
download 220 through the shortcode URL 210 without the digital
watermark 205.
[0038] In one embodiment, the digital memorabilia 200 may include
an optional personalized message 225 from the signor (e.g., the
celebrity). The personalized message 225 may be a requested message
by the customer.
[0039] The digital memorabilia 200 may include the autograph or
signature 230 of the celebrity. A stylus or other input device may
be used to enter the signature 230. The signature 230 may be
digitally sampled or interpolated and sharpened or neatened. An
example of digital sampling may be to record the X, Y coordinates
and the time at which the coordinates were captured. The digital
sampling and sharpening may occur on the mobile device for the
signor to view. Optionally, a server may perform the neatening each
time the digital memorabilia 200 is displayed. The data underlying
the signature may be stored separately from the photo, allowing for
vector scaling of the signature 230 to enable physical
enlargements. The separate storage may allow for vector scaling
independent from the digital image. Optionally the signature 230
may be scaled at a fixed aspect ratio in relation to the digital
image.
[0040] The digital memorabilia 200 may optionally include an audio
message recorded by the celebrity to the owner. The audio message
may be accessed through the URL 210.
[0041] After the celebrity has completed personalizing the digital
memorabilia, the digital memorabilia may be automatically sent 235
to the owner from the email of the celebrity (e.g., celebrity
@egraphs.com).
[0042] In one embodiment, the digital memorabilia may be comprised
of four parts or layers: (1) a digital photo layer, (2) a digital
signature and message capture layer, (3) a unique voiceprint, and
(4) a certificate of authenticity. Each layer may be separately
stored to allow for adjustments in recreating the digital
memorabilia. The digital memorabilia may be stored in a server and
accessible through a URL.
[0043] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary method 300 for enrolling
signors or celebrities in a system for digital memorabilia. The
celebrity may submit their username or identification to the
digital memorabilia system in step 305. The username or
identification may be associated with a signor's mobile or
electronic device. In an optional step 310 the celebrity may
receive at a verified email address an email link to download a
mobile device application. Alternatively, the celebrity may obtain
the mobile device application through an online application store
(e.g., Apple's App Store, Google Play, Amazon App Store, etc.).
Once the application is received, the celebrity may create an
account through the mobile device application at step 315. In step
320, the celebrity provides the necessary legal identification
(e.g., Social Security number) to confirm their identity or ensure
the signor may be legally paid. In optional step 325, the celebrity
may provide their banking information to support direct deposit of
earnings. Such earnings are associated with the signor generating
digital memorabilia. The celebrity may then initiate the biometric
verification process at step 330, as described in detail below. In
optional step 335, a camera on the mobile device may be activated
by the application to provide live video feed to a server, allowing
the celebrity's identity to be visually verified and monitored
during the remaining enrollment process at optional step 340.
Optionally, the signor's identity may be verified through an
in-person meeting.
[0044] In step 345, the celebrity records the necessary amount of
voice samples to enroll in a voice authentication system. The voice
samples may be captured by the mobile device's onboard microphone.
The necessary amount of voice samples may be at least one voice
sample to any number required to serve as a sufficient baseline of
biometric data for authenticating the celebrity or signor's voice.
For example, 5 to 10 voice samples may be recorded. The voice
authentication system may use standard voiceprint analysis to
identify the speaker. Such a system may take the full fidelity
audio file recorded and break down the recording to analyze
amplitude and frequency of certain vocal characteristics. The
analysis allows for statistical comparison between the previously
accepted samples, or baseline and new samples recorded by the
celebrity. Optionally, newly accepted samples may also be analyzed
to add to the accuracy of future voice recordings. The voice
authentication or verification system may be run by third parties
or performed by the digital memorabilia system.
[0045] In step 350, the celebrity provides the necessary amount of
handwriting samples to enroll in a handwriting authentication or
verification system. The necessary amount of handwriting samples
may include at least one sample to any number required by the
handwriting authentication system to serve as a sufficient baseline
of biometric data for authenticating the celebrity or signor's
handwriting or signature. For example, 10 to 15 signatures may be
recorded. The handwriting samples may be recorded using a stylus on
the mobile device, allowing the mobile device to capture stylus
touch events at a defined frequency. Such touch events may include
recording input positions in X, Y, coordinates and the timestamp of
each event. The input may be stored as an array of X, Y, time
coordinates and sent from the device to a server. A statistical
comparison of the velocity between points, relative position of
points, and proprietary writing indicators, such as the width of
certain loops, may be used to assess the authenticity of the
signature. Verified signatures may be used to add to the accuracy
of future signatures. The handwriting authentication or
verification system may be run by third parties or performed by the
digital memorabilia system. Once the method ends, the celebrity or
signor is authenticated for remote digital memorabilia signing and
additional video verification is optional.
[0046] In the above method, the handwriting authentication may
reach a confidence level of 90%. Similarly, the voice
authentication may also reach a confidence level of 90%. The
combination of the confidence levels may reach a confidence level
of 99% that the signor is the celebrity.
[0047] While the above embodiment may utilize two non-invasive
forms of verification to authenticate the identification of the
celebrity or signor, other forms of biometric authentication may be
used. Such biometric authentication may comprise facial recognition
(e.g., through camera or video), fingerprint recognition, handprint
recognition, iris recognition, retina recognition, or other similar
forms of non-invasive identification. Similar methods of gathering
the baseline data for each form of identification may be used as
described above.
[0048] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary method 400 for purchasing
digital memorabilia. A customer may visit a website offering
digital memorabilia in step 405. At step 410, the customer may
browse selection of celebrity or athlete listings. The customer may
select a given celebrity to view further information of available
digital items (e.g., professional digital photographs of the
celebrity, images, etc.) or be allowed to upload a digital item of
the customer's choice at step 415. Once the customer selects or
uploads a digital item, the customer may proceed to step 420 to
select the area where they would like the photo to be signed by the
celebrity. Optionally at step 430, the customer may add a
personalized message for the celebrity to include on the digital
memorabilia. Optionally, the customer may add a personalized
message for the celebrity to include in a voice recording in step
435. The customer may optionally include a note to the celebrity at
step 440. The optional note will not be written on the digital
memorabilia or stored in a voice recording. The customer confirms
the purchase and begins the checkout process in step 445. At step
450, the customer enters the name and email address of the intended
owner or receiver of the digital memorabilia. The customer enters
their payment information at step 455. In step 460, the customer
submits order and receives a confirmation screen. At step 465, the
customer receives an email receipt of the order.
[0049] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of another embodiment illustrating a
method 600 of purchasing of digital memorabilia. A server 105 hosts
a website accessible by the public offering digital memorabilia in
step 505. In step 510, the website may provide a selection of
celebrity and athlete listings. At step 515, the website may
display additional information about a given celebrity at the
request of a customer or user (e.g. available digital items such as
professional photographs, images, etc.,) or receive an uploaded
digital item from the customer. In step 520, the website receives a
customer's chosen selection or upload. At step 525, the website may
receive a customer's requested signature location on the digital
memorabilia. At optional step 530, the website may receive a
customer's request for a personalized message for the celebrity to
include on the digital memorabilia. In optional step 535, the
website may receive a customer's request for a personalized message
for the celebrity to record. At optional step 540, the website may
receive a customer's note to be provided to the celebrity. In step
545, the customer confirmation of the purchase is received and the
checkout process begins. At step 550, the name and email of the
intended receiver of the digital memorabilia is received from the
customer. In step 555, the customer's payment information is
received (e.g., credit card, gift card, debit card, etc.). At step
560, the customer's submission of the completed order is received
and a confirmation screen is provided. An email receipt of the
digital memorabilia order is provided to the customer in step
565.
[0050] In one embodiment of the present invention, the interaction
between celebrities and fans or customers may be monitored, herein
"monitored interaction." Such monitoring may serve to protect the
celebrities, the fans, or both from harm, damage to reputation,
etc. The monitoring may include screening the content of submitted
digital memorabilia orders. The screening may identify unapproved
content, such as profanity, racism, verbal abuse, unauthorized
images, etc. Optionally a tiered screening method or system may be
used. One tier may identify content that will be strictly
prohibited and rejected (e.g., verbal abuse, racism, bigotry, etc.)
Another tier may allow the celebrity or signor to personalize
settings for their preference to allow certain interaction (e.g.,
profanity, offensive language or images, etc.). In another
embodiment, pattern recognition or data mining may be used to adapt
or modify the monitored interaction to the celebrity's preference.
Such pattern recognition or data mining may include information
received from celebrity's rejection of digital memorabilia order as
described below. The monitored interaction may optionally be
applied to screen the finished digital memorabilia from the
celebrity. The monitored interaction may be automated or partially
automated (e.g., a monitoring program running on a server).
Optionally, the monitored interaction may flag content for further
review by a human (e.g., content that may be considered borderline
offensive).
[0051] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 600
for the signor to produce digital memorabilia. At step 605, the
signor receives a notification that they have pending digital
memorabilia to sign. Such a notification may be performed via
email, through the mobile device application, text messaging, or
other similar methods. In step 610, the signor opens the mobile
device application and is taken to a home screen. At step 615, the
signor may access the first digital memorabilia for signing from
the home screen. An exemplary embodiment of a graphical user
interface (GUI) 700 displaying the first digital memorabilia is
shown in FIG. 7. The signor may view orders for digital memorabilia
in queue by signatures 705. The signor may choose to reject 710 or
sign 715 the digital memorabilia.
[0052] Step 620 takes the signor to a signature screen where they
are presented with an optional note from the customer and a
personalized message for the signor to include with the autograph.
An exemplary embodiment of a GUI 800 displaying the digital
memorabilia 805 and personalized message 810 is shown in FIG. 8.
The GUI 800 may also display a note 815 to the signor. Optionally,
the signature screen may include a personalized message for the
signor to verbally record (not shown). Alternatively, the
personalized message for verbal recording may appear on a separate
screen.
[0053] The signor then writes the personalized message and signs
the screen at step 625. FIG. 9 shows an exemplary embodiment of a
GUI 900 for the signor to input the message and autograph. In step
630, the signor submits the message or signature and may preview
the digital memorabilia or perform voice authentication. The signor
authenticates his voice by recording a voice sample at step 635.
The voice sample may be a prompt (e.g., a string of numbers,
phrase, etc.) or the signor's choice of words. Optionally, if a
personalized verbal message is requested, the verbal message may be
used to perform voice authentication. FIG. 10 shows an exemplary
embodiment of a voiceprint authentication GUI 1000. The signor may
initiate the recording by using the record button 1005 and recite
the prompt 1010. After providing the voice sample the signor may be
redirected, at step 640, to the next pending signature or the home
screen. The mobile device application sends the stored signature
data and voice sample over the network 110 to the server 115 in
step 645.
[0054] In one embodiment, if a signature or voice authentication
check does not pass the verification system, a failed authorization
may be displayed to the signor, as illustrated in the exemplary GUI
in FIG. 11. The handwriting or voice authentication or verification
may be performed in real time. Optionally, the authentication may
be performed after the stored signature data and voice sample are
sent to the server.
[0055] FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of a server 115 comprising
modules for carrying out an embodiment of the present invention. As
used herein, the term "module" may also refer to any of an
application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic
circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes
one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic
circuit, and/or other suitable components that provide the
described functionalities. The server 115 may comprise a content
module 1205, an embedding module 1210, a storage module 1215, and a
delivery module 1220. The server 115 may also include an optional
monitoring agent 1225. Additional physical components comprising a
server are described in greater detail below in FIG. 16. The
modules comprise instructions and may be stored in memory or on a
mass storage device and executable by a processor.
[0056] The content module 1205 may provide a digital memorabilia
signor (e.g., celebrity or athlete) with a digital item (e.g., a
digital photograph). The content module 1205 may provide the
digital item through a signor's mobile device application. The
content module 1205 may also receive at least one electronic
signature or an electronic written message from the digital
memorabilia signor. The electronic signature or electronic written
message may be associated with the sent digital photograph.
Optionally, the content module 1205 may receive a voice message
from the signor associated with the digital photograph. Optionally,
the content module 1205 may send the electronic signature or
electronic written message to a verification service. The
verification service may generate a scoring number (e.g., a
percentage) associated with a signor's identification verification.
The scoring number may indicate the likelihood that the electronic
signature or electronic written message is authentically produced
by the signor. Alternatively, the content module, or another module
on the server may perform the verification and generate the scoring
number. The content module 1205 may also generate a certificate of
authenticity for the digital photograph with the voice message,
electronic signature, or electronic written message. The
certificate of authenticity may include information as described
above in FIG. 2.
[0057] The embedding module 1210 may embed an electronic signature
or electronic written message from the signor into the digital
photograph. Optionally, the embedding module 1210 may appropriately
scale or render the electronic signature or electronic written
message. Such scaling may be performed according to the vector
scaling described above or by other similar methods.
[0058] The storage module 1215 may store the digital photograph
with the voice message and the embedded electronic signature,
electronic written message, or both.
[0059] The delivery module 1220 may deliver the digital photograph
with the voice message and embedded electronic signature,
electronic written message, or both to a digital memorabilia
receiver (e.g., customer or owner). Optionally the delivery module
1220 may be configured to deliver digital memorabilia based in part
on the scoring number. For example, if the scoring number indicates
a low likelihood the electronic signature, electronic written
message, or voice message is authentic, the delivery module 1220
may not deliver the digital memorabilia to the receiver. Scoring
numbers that are above a threshold (e.g. 90%) indicating
authenticity may allow the digital memorabilia to be delivered. The
delivery module 1220 may also deliver the digital memorabilia
comprising the digital photograph with the voice message and
embedded electronic signature, electronic written message, or both
depending on the approval of a monitoring agent. For example, if
the electronic written message or voice message comprises
prohibited content, the delivery module 1220 may prevent delivery
of the digital memorabilia.
[0060] The optional monitoring agent 1225 may perform the
monitoring interaction functions between signors (e.g.,
celebrities) and receivers (e.g., customers, fans, owners, etc.) as
described above. The monitoring agent 1225 may also utilize pattern
recognition or data mining to adapt or modify the monitored
interaction to the signor's preference.
[0061] FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary method 1300 of generating
digital memorabilia. At step 1305, a server 105 may provide the
digital item (e.g., a digital photo) to the signor. The digital
item may be distributed through the content module 1205 as
described in FIG. 12.
[0062] In step 1310, the server 105 may receive data for an
electronic signature, a written message, or a voice message from
the signor. At step 1315, the server 105 may verify the voice data
against previously stored voice samples for the signor. The
verification may return a scoring number that indicates the
likelihood that the new voice sample is from the same person as the
stored samples. As indicated above, the scoring number may be a
percentage. Optionally, other similar scales may be used. The
verification may optionally be performed by sending the voice data
to a verification service.
[0063] In step 1320, the server 105 may verify the electronic
signature or electronic written message against previously stored
handwriting samples for the signor. Similar to the voice
verification, a scoring number may be returned that indicates the
likelihood that the new handwriting sample is from the same person
as the stored samples.
[0064] At step 1325, the server 105 may determine whether to accept
or reject the submission based on the combination of the scoring
numbers from the voice and handwriting verification. If the scoring
number combination is high enough to indicate the likelihood the
signor personally generated the digital memorabilia, the submission
is accepted as a valid or authentic digital memorabilia and the
process proceeds to step 1330. If the scoring number combination
indicates a low likelihood the signor personally generated the
digital memorabilia, the submission is not accepted and may be
returned to the signor to be re-performed, as shown in returning to
step 1305.
[0065] In step 1330, the server 105 may render or embed the
electronic signature or electronic written message from the signor
into the digital photograph and generate a certificate of
authenticity. The embedding may be performed by the embedding
module 1210 and the certificate generation may be performed by the
content module 1205 as described above in FIG. 12.
[0066] At step 1335, the server 105 may display the certificate of
authenticity on a webpage as described above in FIG. 2, along with
the rendered photograph (e.g., the digital photograph and embedded
signature or message). In step 1340, the server 105 may email the
customer with a link to both the rendered photograph and
certificate of authenticity.
[0067] Once the customer is provided the verified digital
memorabilia, they may take various actions through the website
hosting the digital memorabilia. The customer may download multiple
sizes of the digital memorabilia. Each size of the digital
memorabilia may be re-rendered by the server to optimize the scale
of the signature on the photograph as described above in FIG. 2.
The customer may also view the certificate of authenticity, play
the voice sample, or play back an animation of the signature
redrawing. The customer may also create a shortcode URL as
described in FIG. 2, to facilitate distribution and owner
verification for friends. The computer may order physical prints of
their digital memorabilia. The customer may one-click post the
digital memorabilia to social networks (e.g., Facebook, Twitter,
etc.)
[0068] FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary GUI 1400 for displaying a
signor's earnings report. The mobile device application may provide
the signor with statistics in the form of an earnings report 1405.
Optionally, the application may display the daily earnings and
number of orders completed by the signor for the current day 1410.
The earnings report 1405 may comprise the signor's total earnings
amount 1415, the total number of orders completed 1420, the average
time per order 1425, an average cost per order 1430, and a signor's
earnings efficiency 1435. Optionally, the application may serve as
a platform to allow the signor to interact with customers or fans
by posting messages 1440.
[0069] FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary GUI 1500 providing a visual
indication 1505 of a signor's earnings (e.g., using a chart, graph,
etc.). The signor's or celebrity's earnings or share of revenue may
be distributed monthly via direct deposit, mailed check, or other
similar form of payment. Revenue distribution may also utilize a
period of times (e.g. bi-monthly, quarterly, etc.) or milestones
(e.g., predetermined revenue amounts, number of orders completed,
etc.). Optionally, the service may employ measures to protect
against fraud and returns. For example, holding accrued earnings
for a period of time (e.g., 30 days).
[0070] FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary computing system 1600 that
may be used to implement, for example, mobile device 105, server
115, or customer device 125. Computing system 1600 of FIG. 16 may
be implemented in the contexts of the likes of computing systems,
networks, servers, or combinations thereof. Computing system 1600
includes one or more processors 1610 and memory 1620. Memory 1620
stores, in part, instructions and data for execution by processor
1610. Memory 1620 may store the executable code when in operation.
Computing system 1600 further includes a mass storage device 1630,
portable storage device(s) 1640, output devices 1650, user input
devices 1660, a graphics display 1670, and peripherals 1680.
[0071] The components shown in FIG. 16 are depicted as being
connected via a single bus 1690. The components may be connected
through one or more data transport means. Processor 1610 and memory
1620 may be connected via a local microprocessor bus, and mass
storage device 1630, peripheral device(s) 1680, portable storage
device 1640, and graphics display 1670 may be connected via one or
more input/output (I/O) buses.
[0072] Mass storage device 1630, which may be implemented with a
magnetic disk drive or an optical disk drive, is a non-volatile
storage device for storing data and instructions for use by
processor 1610. Mass storage device 1630 may store the system
software for implementing embodiments of the present invention for
purposes of loading that software into memory 1620.
[0073] Portable storage device 1640 operates in conjunction with a
portable non-volatile storage medium, such as a floppy disk,
compact disk, digital video disc, USB storage device, and secure
digital (SD) memory card (e.g., SD, miniSD, and microSD), to input
and output data and code to and from the computer system 1600. The
system software for implementing embodiments of the present
invention may be stored on such a portable medium and input to the
computer system 1600 via the portable storage device 1640.
[0074] Input devices 1660 provide a portion of a user interface.
Input devices 1660 may include an alphanumeric keypad, such as a
keyboard, for inputting alpha-numeric and other information, or a
pointing device, such as a mouse, a trackball, stylus, or cursor
direction keys. Input devices 1660 may also include a touchscreen.
Additionally, computing system 1600 includes output devices 1650.
Suitable output devices include speakers, printers, network
interfaces, and monitors.
[0075] Graphics display 1670 may include a (touch) liquid crystal
display (LCD) or other suitable display device. Graphics display
1670 receives textual and graphical information, and processes the
information for output to the display device.
[0076] Peripherals 1680 may include any type of computer support
device to add additional functionality to the computer system.
Peripherals 1680 may include a GPS navigation device, (GSM) modem,
satellite radio, router, and the like.
[0077] The components provided in computer system 1600 are those
typically found in computer systems that may be suitable for use
with embodiments of the present invention and are intended to
represent a broad category of such computer components that are
well known in the art. Thus, computer system 1600 may be a personal
computer, hand-held computing system, phablet, tablet, telephone,
smartphone, mobile computing system, workstation, server,
minicomputer, mainframe computer, or any other computing system.
The computer may also include different bus configurations,
networked platforms, multi-processor platforms, etc. Various
operating systems may be used including Unix, Linux, Windows, Mac
OS, Palm OS, Android, iOS (known as iPhone OS before June 2010),
QNX, and other suitable operating systems.
[0078] It is noteworthy that any hardware platform suitable for
performing the processing described herein is suitable for use with
the embodiments provided herein. Computer-readable storage media
refer to any medium or media that participate in providing
instructions to a central processing unit (CPU), a processor, a
microcontroller, or the like. Such media may take forms including,
but not limited to, non-volatile and volatile media such as optical
or magnetic disks and dynamic memory, respectively. Common forms of
computer-readable storage media include a floppy disk, a flexible
disk, a hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic storage
medium, a CD-ROM disk, digital video disk (DVD), Blu-ray Disc (BD),
any other optical storage medium, RAM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, FLASH
memory, and/or any other memory chip, module, or cartridge.
[0079] While various embodiments have been described above, it
should be understood that they have been presented by way of
example only, and not limitation. The descriptions are not intended
to limit the scope of the technology to the particular forms set
forth herein. Thus, the breadth and scope of a preferred embodiment
should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary
embodiments. It should be understood that the above description is
illustrative and not restrictive. It will be recognized that the
terms "comprising," "including," and "having," as used herein, are
specifically intended to be read as open-ended terms of art. To the
contrary, the present descriptions are intended to cover such
alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included
within the spirit and scope of the technology as defined by the
appended claims and otherwise appreciated by one of ordinary skill
in the art. The scope of the technology should, therefore, be
determined not with reference to the above description, but instead
should be determined with reference to the appended claims along
with their full scope of equivalents.
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