GB2379350A

GB2379350A - Generation and delivery of personalised image diary product

Info

Publication number: GB2379350A
Application number: GB0121338A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Steven Andrew Battle; Luca Chiarabini; Luis Christophe; Jeremy Carroll
Original assignee: Hewlett Packard Co
Current assignee: HP Inc
Priority date: 2001-09-04
Filing date: 2001-09-04
Publication date: 2003-03-05
Anticipated expiration: 2021-09-04
Also published as: GB2379350B; GB0121338D0

Abstract

There is disclosed a method and apparatus for collection of a series of images at a venue such as a theme park or exploratory, in which images are automatically collected at a series of scenes, showing a visitor in those scenes. The visitor can access a console, at which the set of images are displayed in a sequence following the series of scenes. The visitor can arrange and manipulate the sequence of images, adding text or effects where desired. The sequence of images can be arranged into a plurality of different arrangements and printed out as a poster memento of the visitors visit to the venue.

Description

GENERATION AND DELIVERY OF PERSONALISED IMAGE DIARY PRODUCT Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the field of image collection, and particularly although not exclusively to a system for collection of a series of Images, and arrangement of the collected series of images Background to the Invention It is known to provide photographic images of visitors to venues, which are personalized and made available to the visitors. International patent application WO 98/10358 discloses collection of still or video images of visitors to an entertainment venue, such as a theme park, by an automated camera system, where individual visitors are identified by wireless tags which are worn by the visitors. The tags are read and individual images or video sequences are identified with individual visitors by means of the tags. Electronic images matched to the visitor are collected at a centralized storage device. At a distribution station a visitor can view images or video sequences corresponding to her tag identification, and images may be delivered to the visitor by a variety of electronic methods. The disclosure of WO 98/10358 is concerned mainly with matching an image data to an individual visitor by means of a tag, and addresses the practical issues of image capture, image distribution, and matching of images to an Individual visitor Whilst the prior art disclosure enables visitors to have a selection of a wide range of images, those images are presented to the visitor without any intentional organization of the images to represent a story.

US 5,587, 740 discloses capture of still images at a venue, for example a scenic attraction. The disclosure in US 5,587, 740 centers upon capture of an image and printing of a photograph, at a stationary single location.

Neither of the above prior art disclosures, discloses personalization of images in a linked together sequence, to reflect a sequence of activities carried out by an individual, following a general theme.

Further, in the above prior art disclosures, there is not disclosed manipulation of images concerning an individual or group of individuals by a user, to provide a multi image print product.

Summary of the Invention In one specific implementation according to the present invention there is provided a computer based method of structuring, reviewing and printing data to organize and print photographs or images of a visit to a venue, where the images follow a common theme.

In a further implementation according to the present invention, a collection of photographic images are recorded, and a selection of those images are made.

The selected images are arranged in an arrangement, and can be printed as a memento of the visit in the form of a poster.

In another implementation according to the present invention, a collection of video sequences may be captured at a plurality of different scene locations, wherein the video sequences feature a visitor or visitors, within scenes. The series of scenes may be combined with a set of pre-determined standardized video sequences in order to produce a customized video product, which may be supplied on a recording medium, for example DVD or as a magnetic video tape cassette to a visitor, as a personalized video diary of a visit to a venue.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an image capture installation comprising :

a plurality of camera devices, said plurality of camera devices (106-112) arranged to view a plurality of scene locations (100-105), and capable of capturing a plurality of images (514-519) from said plurality of scene locations ; an image viewer (115,203) arranged to view a plurality of images collected by said plurality of camera devices, said Images representing views of said plurality of scene locations ; and an image arranger (115,203), for arranging said plurality of images into a sequence, wherein said sequence of images follows a sequence of said plurality of scene locations.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of producing a print file suitable for generating a two dimensional printed article, said method comprising the steps of : collecting image data of a plurality of images, said plurality of images captured at a plurality of scenes (100-105); selecting (702) a set of images from said plurality of images ; arranging (703) Individual Images of said set of images in at least one view, wherein said set of images follow a sequence of said plurality of scenes.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of image capture and arrangement comprising: viewing a plurality of scene locations (100-105); capturing a plurality of images (514-519) from said plurality of scene locations;

displaying a plurality of images collected by said plurality of camera devices, said images representing views of said plurality of scene locations ; and arranging said plurality of images into a sequence, wherein said sequence of images follows a sequence of said plurality of scene locations According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided an Image capture installation comprising: a plurality of camera devices (106-112) arranged to view a plurality of scene locations (100-105), said plurality of camera devices capable of capturing a plurality of images from said plurality of scene locations; an image manager computer entity (202,300), said image manager computer entity operable to collect said plurality of images from said plurality of camera devices; an image manipulation computer entity (203,301), said image manipulation computer entity operable to display a plurality of said images, and operable for arrangement of said plurality of images.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of producing a print poster, said print poster comprising a plurality of images of a user, said method comprising the steps: collecting a plurality of images of said user at a plurality of scene locations, automatically arranging said plurality of images in two dimensions to create a two dimensional print image;

printing a poster according to said print image.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided an installation for capture of a plurality of video sequences, said installation comprising : a plurality of camera devices (1204-1206), said plurality of camera devices arranged to view a plurality of scene locations (1200-1202), and capable of capturing a plurality of video sequences (1401,1403, 1405) at said plurality of scene locations ; a video processor (1208) configured for arranging a plurality of said video sequences into a composite video sequence; and a display terminal (1209) arranged to display said plurality of captured video sequences.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of operation of a video sequence capture and display system, said method comprising the process of: capturing a plurality of video sequences at a plurality of scene locations, wherein each said video sequence is captured in response to an activation signal received from a portable transmitter device; assembling said set of video sequences into a composite video sequence, in which said plurality of captured scene video sequences are arranged sequentially wherein a set of said video sequences corresponding to a same said transmitter device are assembled in said composite video sequence; and

displaying said composite video sequence at a display device in response to a signal received from said transmitter device.

Brief Description of the Drawings For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried Into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 illustrates schematically a venue comprising a plurality of scenes, in which a visitor can participate, the venue being equipped with an image capture and display system for capturing images of a visitor at each of the scenes; Fig. 2 iflustrates schematically components of the image capture and display system shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 illustrates schematically components of an image manager computer entity and an image manipulation computer entity comprising the image capture system of Fig 2; Fig. 4 illustrates schematically overall process flow carried out by the image capturing display system of Figs. 1 to 3 herein ; Fig. 5 illustrates schematically processes implemented by the image manipulation computer entity, for display and modification of a plurality of images within an image set; Fig. 6 illustrates schematically a display view generated by an image manipulation computer for display and manipulation of a set of images by a user;

Fig. 7 illustrates schematically operation of an image manager computer and image manipulation console compnsing the system of Figs. 1-3; Fig. 8 illustrates schematically an arrangement of data within a data storage device of an image management computer, Fig. 9 illustrates schematically a display format for a memento poster, output by the system of Figs. 1 to 3; Fig. 10 illustrates schematically a display of an arrangement tool for arrangement of a sequence of images; Fig. 11 illustrates schematically a display of a text editor function comprising the image capture and display system; Fig. 12 illustrates schematically an overall view of an image capture and display system for capturing video sequences of a visitor at a plurality of scenes, according to a second specific implementation of the present invention; Fig. 13 illustrates schematically components of a video processor apparatus comprising the image capture and display system of Fig. 13 ; Fig. 14 illustrates schematically video content of a video diary comprising a plurality of video sequences, captured, assembled and edited by the image capture and display system of Fig. 12; and Fig. 15 illustrates schematically overall processes operated by the video image capture and display system illustrated with reference to Fig. 12 herein.

Detailed Description of the Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention There will now be described by way of example the best mode contemplated by the inventors for carrying out the invention. In the following description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, well known methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

In a first specific implementation according to the present invention a theme diary is created. The theme diary comprises a set of images of a person collected In the course of an activity at a venue, and represents a way for people, especially, but not exclusively children, to organize and print photographs of a visit to a venue, for example a public attraction. The theme diary comprises a computer based method of structuring, reviewing and printing data, to reflect a set of activities carried out by persons at a venue. Typical scenarios in which the theme diary may be used, is in theme parks, for example Disneyland@, zoos, museums, exploratories or the like. In such venues, a range of attractions may be linked to form a story, in which a visitor becomes a protagonist.

At any venue, a range of theme diaries may be available, offering a visitor a wide choice of stories, taking in different selections of activities provided at the venue. A theme diary may also provide a number of roles, allowing two or more visitors to participate in a same story, adopting different roles within the story.

The data content of the theme diary relies on an availability of a collection of photographs of one or more visitors participating in themed activities. Examples of themed activities may include a theme park ride, or a visit to a particular themed zone or event. A template may link a number of activities together in the setting of a story. The template may also provide a customizable script which provides accompanying text, which is used to add captions to a sequence of images The

script may have customizable fields, which, for example, allow a visitor's own name to be entered into the script.

The theme diary may be integrated with other educational, entertainment or play activities. Completion of a themed diary may be set up to require the availability of a suitable image from each of a plurality of required themed activities or scenarios. In this way, an incomplete diary may be used as an incentive to visit all the themed activities and scanners. The finished diary may be displayed in a variety of ways, including sequential presentation in a slide show format, or presentation as a printed poster.

The themed diary allows linking of user customizable images with physical activities carried out by a user or persons connected with the user in a set of preprepared scenes, to create a personalized data record of an event.

There will now be described a first specific embodiment of an image capture system, in situ at a venue, in which plurality of scenes are presented to a visitor, along with a method of operation of the first specific embodiment.

Referring to Fig 1 herein, there is illustrated schematically in plan view, a venue, such as a building or open landscape park, having a plurality of scenes 100-105, wherein in each scene there is deployed a leisure attraction, wherein the scenes are arranged along a common theme. The image capture system comprises : a plurality of digital cameras, 106-112, the cameras being deployed within each scene, each camera device having a field of view which encompasses all or part of a corresponding respective said scene, each said camera device having at least one corresponding respective sensor device, arranged to sense the presence of an individual human person (hereinafter referred to as a visitor) when the visitor enters the scene; at least one image manager computer 113, said sensor devices and camera devices communicating with said image manager computer 113 by means of conventional electrical cabling 114, for example coaxial

cable ; and one or more image manipulation computer entities provided as consoles 115 for displaying a set of images, and allowing a visitor to manipulate and arrange those images to provide an image product Suitable digital camera devices are known to those skilled in the art, such as the known range of Hewlett Packard digital cameras for consumer use The camera devices are capable of taking still images. Similarly, sensor devices capable of activating image capture by the camera devices are known in the art.

Each visitor may optionally wear a transponder tag, uniquely identifying the visitor, such that on activation of a camera device to capture an image data, the captured image data is assigned a unique identification code corresponding to the tag of the visitor from which a sensor signal caused activation of image capture, thereby enabling identification of individual image frames with individual visitors.

The plurality of scenes are arranged by an operator of a venue, such that visitors may pass from scene to scene either in a pre-determined sequence, for example moving from one room to another room along an identified path, or in which the individuals may wander at random from scene to scene in any order. The camera devices located in a particular scene, may be each electronically identified, such that images received from that particular camera are identified by the image manager computer as being from a particular scene.

Referring to Fig. 2 herein, there is illustrated schematically components of an image collection system of the scene installation of Fig. 1. The image collection system comprises a plurality of digital camera devices as previously described, one or more image management computers 202; one or more image manipulation consoles 203; the image manipulation console communicating with a print service provider 204 via a communications network 205, for example the internet, or a wide area network; and a packing and delivery facility 206,207 for fulfillment of delivery

of a printed poster product bearing an image generated by image manipulation console 203.

Referring to Fig. 3 herein, there is illustrated schematically components of an image manager computer entity 300, and an Image manipulation console 301. Image manager computer 300 comprises at least one communications port, for communicating with image manipulator console 301; a data processor, for example an Lintel@, or similar processor as is known in the art, volatile memory 304, for example Random Access Memory, as is known in the art; a data storage device 305, for example a known RAID array; a known operating system, for example Windows 20000, Unix@, Linus@ or the like, a user interface 307, comprising a video monitor, keyboard and pointing device such as a mouse or the like as is known in the art, and an image collection and management application 308 for collecting a plurality of images from the camera devices, and storing the images in data storage device 305.

The image manipulation console 301 comprises: a communications port 309, comprising at least one modem, for communicating with the image manager computer 300, and a print service provider; a data processor 310 as is known in the art; a volatile memory device 311, e. g. RAM; at least one data storage device 312, for example a RAID array; a known operating system, for example Windows NT (ID, Windows 20000, Unix@, Linux@ ; a user interface 314, in the best mode comprising a visual display monitor, a pointing device for pointing an icon which appears on the visual display monitor, such as a mouse or track ball device, and a key pad for entry of text data; an on-line commerce application, for communicating with a print service provider 204, the on-line commerce application also optionally providing a data entry interface for entering data describing a visitor or user, including for example name, physical address, credit card number, and incorporating a known"shop"program displaying prices of posters and images which can be purchased by the visitor/user; an image arrangement module 306, which may be implemented as firmware, or as an application programmed in a

known programming language such as C, C++; and an image viewer component 317, capable of displaying a plurality of Images of a visitor and displaying those on the display monitor.

Referring to Fig. 4 herein, there is illustrated schematically an overall process flow carried out by the image capture and display system of Figs. 1 to 3 herein. In process 400, a plurality of images are collected at a plurality of scenes. Images are marked as corresponding to a particular tag which a visitor is wearing, and images from a plurality of different scenes are collected into an image set corresponding to that particular tag. In process 401, images are selected, either automatically and/or with a visitor's input, at image manipulation console 203. In process 402, images are arranged into a two dimensional view, either automatically, and/or with manual intervention at image manipulation console 203.

In process 403, a set of images are purchased by a visitor at image manipulation console 203,301, following a menu display in which name, address, credit card number and delivery address details are entered by the visitor. In process 404, images are sent via a communications network to a print service provider, which then fulfills an order by printing a poster, creating a CD ROM or delivering images electronically to the visitor's email address, according to the visitor's delivery preference entered at the image manipulation console.

Production of an image data product, for example a poster, CD ROM, or emailed image data file proceeds generally as: Step 1 : Image collection . A collection of images is made. In a venue such as an amusement park or similar venue, a plurality of digital cameras may be connected. A person visiting the venue, or a plurality of persons may be given one or more identification tags When the person has finished on an activity, the persons may identify images of themselves taken captured whilst they

were performing the activity and associate the images with a tag number. The images may be taken automatically in the case of a wireless enabled tag.

Step 2. Image selection Best images may be selected by: The persons themselves, subject of the images, using an on-line facility such as a web browser to select images served by an image manager computer; Automatic selection by an automatic image selection software; . Manual selection of images by a human person, at the image manipulation console.

Step 3 : Image arrangement . Typically, one of the images is selected as a center piece in order to produce a collage. Selection of the center piece photo may be manual, or automatic.

'Other images within a set may be arranged around the center piece Image according to pre-determined aesthetic rules contained In a template data.

Step 4: Sale

A preview of the image product may be shown to a potential purchaser via an on-line facility, such as a web browser The image product may be stored in electronic format and displayed electronically.

Step 5: Fulfillment The image product, for example in the form of a digital poster data may be sent to a remote print service provider, and printed for example on a large format printer device. The completed poster may be packaged in a tube and sent via surface mail to a purchaser.

Referring to Fig. 5 herein, there is illustrated schematically a logical view of processes and resources implemented by the image capture system of Figs. 1-3 herein. Each logical process is implemented as a hardware, firmware or software component capable of carrying out the process. In case of a computer program implementation, processes may be carried out as program steps implemented in a known programming language such as C, C++ or the like, and operating on the Image manipulation console 301 and/or image management computer 300. A plurality of images collected from the scenes, and identified as belonging to a particular visitor, as identified by a tag which the visitor wears, are received at the Image manipulation console, and a visitor can apply various processes to the image set, in order to modify the image set and customize the image set according to the visitor's own preference.

Image set 400 is received by image manipulation console 203 from image manager computer 300, automatically. Each image collected is given a unique identification, and is identified as belonging to a particular tag of a visitor, and being given a sequence number within the image set corresponding to that tag.

The processes and resources include :

an auto arrangement process 501 for automatically arranging a plurality of images of a visitor taken at a plurality of scenes, into a sequential presentation to be displayed upon a monitor of the image arrangement console, a two dimensional visual effect process 502, wherein one or more images may be processed by a known two dimensional effect, for example applying a granulation to an image, applying an"ageing"to an image, for example converting color tones into sepia tints, in order to give an aged appearance to an image ; addition of a rain effect, a sunshine effect, coloration, image reversal, morphing, warping and other known effects; an image library 503, comprising a plurality of pre-stored images, which may be added into an image set of a visitor; a sequence library processor 504, the sequence library processor comprising a plurality of pre-set scene sequences, wherein images taken from particular identified scenes, are arranged into a plurality of pre-set arrangements, which can be recalled by a visitor as a default condition; an auto sizer process 505, for automatically sizing individual images within the image set; and a text editor processor 506, for inputting, modifying and arranging text to overlay the image set 500.

Referring to Fig. 6 herein, there is illustrated schematically a view of a monitor screen display presented at image manipulation console 203. The screen display 600 comprises an arrangemenrt window area 601 in which a plurality of images captured at each of the scene locations visited by the visitor can be displayed, and a tool bar region 602 comprising a plurality of icons 603-613 used

to access processes and resources as described in Fig. 5 and apply those processes and resources to selected images within the arrangement window Within arrangement window 601, a plurality of images 614-622 are displayed.

The images correspond to images of the individual scenes, captured at the time the visitor visited those scenes, where a camera device captured an image of the visitor within the scene. Images of the image set, for example first to sixth images 614-619 correspond to individual captured images at first to sixth scenes 100-105.

Additionally, some default or automatically generated images 620-622 may be presented in the image display window 601 to supplement the images of the image set captured for a particular visitor.

Selection of images to be displayed in the display view may be made initially, by an automatic process, of selecting a first sequence numbered image for each scene, where more than one image is taken at a particular scene for a particular visitor, and corresponding to that visitors wireless tag.

In the example of Fig. 6, a linear arrangement of images is presented In the arrangement window 601. That is, the first to sixth scenes are displayed in rows in the order In which they were visited. In the example shown, an operator of the venue has constructed individual scenes to follow an evolutionary path of life, to tell a story of evolution, where a visitor visiting each scene, sequentially follows a story of a path of evolution from sea creatures to land based creatures, represented as first to sixth images 614-619 of the visitors image set. The display shown in Fig. 5, corresponds to a linear sequence of scenes, and may be presented upon activation of a linear sequence icon.

The tool bar comprises icons for accessing tools as follows : a sizing tool 603, accessible by a user of the console, to shrink, or expand the size of an image within the image window 601;

a color tool 604 capable of shading an image in a plurality of different tones; a text tool 605, capable of adding visitor defined text adjacent to a particular one or a plurality of selected images; an effect tool 606, in this case giving a"rain"effect, which overlays an image representing rain on a selected displayed image, an ordering tool 607 for re-ordering an order in which images appear in sequence ; an add tool 608 for adding an image from an image set or from a pre-stored library of images to the displayed images in the arrangement window 601 ; a delete tool 609, for deleting an image from the displayed images in the arrangement window; a select icon 610, allowing a user to select one of a plurality of images within the image set for display within the arrangement window 601; a user arrange tool 611, enabling the user to drag and drop images, swapping the order of images within the arrangement window; a linear sequence tool 612, activation of which automatically arranges the images in a linear sequence corresponding to a sequence of scenes visited by the user, or according to any other pre-stored linear sequence from a library of prestored sequences;

a circular loop tool 613, for organizing the images into a circular template arrangement, having a pre-selected scene image type displayed centrally therein, and an auto arrangement tool 614, for automatically arranging a plurality of images into a pre-determined template pattern arrangement within arrangement window 601.

The tool bar also comprises a submit icon 615, for submitting a final displayed arrangement of images, as a visitor's chosen image diary of their visit to the venue.

Referring to Fig. 7 herein, there is illustrated schematically operation of image manager computer 202,300 and image manipulation console 203,301.

In process 700 individual images collected at each scene are stored in a data storage device of the image manager computer. A plurality of images are collected, as and when the images are captured by the digital cameras. At the digital cameras, a captured image data is sent to the image manager computer, together with a code identifying the tag, which triggered capture of the image.

Therefore, each image data arriving at the image manager computer has a unique identification comprising a data describing the individual camera, and a data describing an Individual tag of a user.

Within the image manager computer images are stored in process 702 in image sets, where a separate image set is stored for each individual tag. Within each image set, images are arranged in order of camera identification, and image number taken from that camera.

Referring to Fig 8 herein, there is illustrated schematically an arrangement of image data within the data storage device of image management computer 203.

Images corresponding to a first tag are stored in a first set of data locations 800 Within those data locations images are arranged according to the scene at which the images were taken Since each scene may have more than one camera, there are listed for each scene a plurality of cameras. Since each camera may capture more than one image per tag in a particular scene, the images are listed sequentially in time order of taking for that particular tag.

Similarly, for a second tag, individual image data are listed according to the scene in which they were taken, the camera which captured that image, and the time at which the Image data was taken. In this way, each image captured can be uniquely identified and tied to a particular camera, scene and individual visitor.

In process 702, images are selected for display. The image manipulation console 203 views images served by the image management computer 202 The selected images for display may be set according to one or more default templates.

The default template may be set to select, for each scene, the first image taken from each camera within that scene for example. Therefore, in the example of data 800 corresponding to a first tag, the images selected for display according to first template may be scene 1 camera 1 image 1, scene 1 camera 2 image 1, scene 2 camera 3 image 1... scene N, camera K, image 1. The precise set up of each template may be modified by an administrator of the image manipulation console 203. Each template, as well as automatically selecting pre-determined images, may also present a pre-determined display format, for example a linear arrangement of images in rows and columns as shown in Fig. 6 herein, or alternatively, a looped arrangement of images as shown schematically in Fig 9 herein. The linear sequence may be selected by a visitor on the display 600 by activation of linear sequence icon 612. Similarly, a looped display as shown in Fig. 9, may be selected by a visitor by activation of circular loop icon 613 on the display 600.

Referring to Fig. 9 herein, there is illustrated schematically a second display format according to a specific implementation of the present invention, in which a selection of a plurality of images selected from an image set are displayed on a visual display monitor. The display may be converted into a two dimensional printed format, for example a printed poster, via a pnnt service provider. The image format comprises a central image 901, around which are arranged substantially radially, a plurality of smaller images 902-908. The radially arranged images 902-908 may be arranged in a sequence, so as to plot a progress of a visitor through a plurality of pre-set scenes, in such a way as to tell a story, following the progress of a visitor through a set of scenes at a venue. The ordering of the images may be taken according to a pre-determined data template, which selects a plurality of scenes in a pre-determined order, and for each scene, selects a pre-determined camera view and image for that camera view, and deploys each selected image in a corresponding relevant area within the image format 900 as shown.

In process 703, images arranged within a display view may be automatically generated according to one of the pre-determined templates, and thereafter may be modified according to a visitor's preference. For example using add tool 608, may cause generation of a set of thumbnail images, being smaller images as shown in Fig 10 herein. By clicking on a displayed thumbnail image, and applying a known drag/drop technique, a selected thumbnail image may replace a previously displayed image within the pre-determined format. This applies to the linear format as shown in Fig. 6, and to the loop format as shown in Fig. 9 Further, in arrangement process 703, other tools may be used, for example a re-ordering tool activated through re-order icon 607. Activating re-order icon 607 by clicking a pointer icon over the re-order icon may cause re-arrangement of the ordering of the displayed images. The ordering may be random, or pre-set ordering may be applied, for example reverse order. By dragging and dropping

individual images, a user may modify the order in which the images appear on the display screen.

In process 704, optionally, a user may apply effects to one or more individual images. A user may click on a particular image, for example image 619, and then click on an effect Icon, for example rain effect icon 606 This may have the effect of applying a rain image overlay onto the image 619, giving the effect that the image was taken under rain conditions. A variety of different effects may be applied, including variation of color, by a color icon 604 It will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that many prior art effects are known in the field of digital image signal processing, in the film and two dimensional digital image processing arts. In the present Implementation, for simplicity and ease of use by a visitor, each effect may be accessed via a corresponding respective icon in the tool bar 602 Since the theme park deals with a wide variety of visitors of various levels of computer awareness, the general presentation of the display interface 600 should be simple and easy to use. Therefore, complex menus having nested drop down menus, are generally avoided, and a simple tool bar listing a simple set of tools as shown in Fig. 6 is preferred. The general layout of the display interface is designed to be intuitive to a user, and help menus are preferably avoided.

In process 700, text may be added to a display format as follows.

Referring to Fig. 11 herein, the visitor first clicks upon an image, and then clicks upon text icon 605. This causes the selected text to be highlighted, and a flashing "Icon" to appear, at which point the user can modify the pre-determined text. In the example shown in Fig. 11, modified text is shown in fourth and fifth images 1100,1101.

In an implementation according to the present invention, a plurality of related images may be co-ordinated and identified, aesthetically arranged in a two dimensional format, and printed to produce a memento of an activity. The

memento comprises more than one image, and in a best mode may be presented in a large poster format.

More than one image may be used in a single poster memento may be produced, comprising a collage of a plurality of different images, reflecting a visitor's experience at a venue.

There will now be described a second specific implementation according to the present invention, in which a set of video sequences are collected at a plurality of different scenes at a venue, for example a theme park or exploratory as described herein before, and from the plurality of video sequences is created a video memento diary product, In the form of a film or video diary, recording a visitor's experience at the venue.

Referring to Fig. 12 herein, a plurality of scenes 1200-1202 are provided at a venue as herein before described with reference to the first specific implementation. A plurality of video cameras 1204-1206 are installed at positions at each scene, wherein each video camera has a view of the scene arranged such that when a visitor enters the scene, the video camera can record a video sequence of the visitor in situ at the scene. The video cameras are connected by a video cable 1207, for example one or more coaxial cables, and feed into a video processor apparatus 1208. The video processor apparatus 1208 serves video sequences to a point of sale terminal 1209, which comprises a television screen (or liquid crystal display screen) capable of displaying moving images of video sequences served by the video processor 1208. The video processor 1208 may also communicate via a permanent dedicated private network, or by any known communications network technology capable of handling video with a video fulfillment service 1210. The video fulfillment service 1210 receives video sequences from the video processor 1208 over the communications network, for example in the known MPEG format, and from that, can produce physical video cassette products containing the video sequence, or can produce video sequences

on other physical carriers such as DVD disks. Products are shipped by shipping service 1213 in known manner to the end user.

Technology for video recording and storage, and for transmission of video frames over cable based or internet based communications networks are well known in the art Referring to Fig. 13 herein, there is illustrated schematically main components of a video processor apparatus. The video processor apparatus 1300 comprises a video controller 1301 operating to receive a plurality of video sequences from a plurality of video cameras installed at the venue; a very large RAID array 1302, as is known in the art for storing video data, for example such an array may comprise a plurality of rotating hard disk drives installed in racks or shelves in an air conditioned cooled room in banks, giving many GigaHertz or TeraHertz of data storage as are known in the art of video editing suites; a RAID controller 1303 for controlling access and storage into the RAID array 1302, and allocating video sequences to memory locations within the RAID array; a look up data table 1304 for storing a list of locations of video sequences corresponding to a plurality of cameras and electronic tags, enabling any particular video sequence to be identified by camera number and wireless tag identifier; a video editor apparatus 1305, which may be automated, or may be manually operated; and a video server component 1306 for serving video to a communications network, and to point of sale terminal 1209.

RAID technology for the RAID array and RAID controller 1302,1303 are well known in the art. Similarly, video editor 1305 may comprise a known video editing desk, such as available from Discreet Logic (a Canadian corporation). Video server apparatus 1306 is known in the field of cable television.

Overall operation of the video installation as described with reference to Figs.

12 and 13 will now be described.

A visitor enters a series of scenes 1200-1202 and engages in activities within those scenes, and within the fields of view of each of the video cameras 1204- 1206. Each visitor wears a wireless tag, which activates, for each scene, a sensor on or near one of the video camera (s) in the scene. Activation of the camera may be automatic, where the wireless tag automatically transmits to the camera (s) or alternatively responds to transmissions from the camera (s), or may be user activated to send a signal to the camera, at the request of the user. For example, a user may activate a button on the wireless tag which activates a signal from the wireless tag to the video camera (s) activating that camera, when the visitor wishes a video sequence to be captured. Within each scene, there may be placed markings on floors or walls, or on any constructions within the scene, positioned at places within the field of view of one or more camera (s), such that when a visitor stands near those markings, the visitor will be within the field of view of one or more camera (s). The visitor may stand on or near a marking, and activate their tag in order for a video sequence to be captured by a camera. The wireless tag transmits to a camera, a unique identifier code identifying that tag.

For each video sequence recorded, video data is sent to the video processor 1208. Video processor 1208 may receive a plurality of video sequences from different cameras at the same time, either in parallel or multiplexed sequentially along a same transmission cable 1207. Each video sequence is identified by a header data, sent by a corresponding video camera, where the header identifies a unique data identifying the camera, and a unique data identifying a wireless tag which activated the camera to produce the particular video sequence. Therefore, the video processor has enough information received from the video cameras to identify video sequences with tags and video sequences with individual scenes. Video sequences are stored in RAID array 1302, under control of RAID controller 1303 when received by video controller 1301. Information describing memory locations of video sequences is kept in an electronic look up table 1304.

A visitor, on leaving the series of scenes, operates the point of sale terminal 1209. The point of sale terminal has a video display, and user Interface including for example a keyboard and pointing device, for example a trackball device. The point of sale terminal is arranged to prominently display and make known, that video sequences can be viewed and ordered at the point of sale terminal.

The point of sale terminal may comprise a tag reader, comprising a receiver which receives a unique transmitted code from each wireless tag, in order to enable identification of that tag, and therefore a corresponding visitor Upon presentation of the wireless tag to the point of sale terminal, the point of sale terminal may display a video sequence relating to that tag. The video sequence may be edited either manually, or automatically as follows Referring to Fig. 14 herein, there is illustrated schematically a senes of video sequences presented at point of sale terminal 1209, corresponding to a video diary of a visitor's experience within the plurality of scenes. The video diary comprises a plurality of video sequences, some of which are pre-stored, and some of which are specific video sequences captured in response to wireless tag signals, whilst the visitor was within the plurality of scenes. For example a first library sequence 1400 may comprise a sequence of pre-formatted video introducing the subject and giving information, typically in a form similar to an introduction to a movie, or documentary. It will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that many different artistic formats for content of the pre-determined library video sequences are possible. However, in this example, a first video sequence may comprise a screen introduction containing a text information of the form, for example'These scenes were shot on location at The Lost World. No dinosaurs were mjured in the making of this film. All persons appearing in this film are real and non fictitious. Scenes of flesh eating terror and carnage may have been edited from this film to protect the innocent. Copyright The Lost World 2001"

A next video sequence comprising a video sequence from a first scene 1401 may then follow in the video diary. For example this may comprise a scene where a visitor is in situ in an aquatic scenario, having primitive creatures present, thereby involving a video sequence showing a visitor as subject within the video diary. A next scene 1402 in the video diary may comprise a pre-stored library video sequence, which may introduce a next visitor video sequence 1403, captured at a next scene, for example scene 2 1201. The second library video sequence 1402 may for example comprise a panoramic scan of a prehistoric landscape or an unspoiled rain forest view, having appropriately dramatic sound track, for example a classical piece of music or music specially made for films, and optionally with a pre-recorded audio voice over, introducing the next visitor video sequence 1403 captured in the next scene 1201 An example of a suitable voiceover may be"400 MILLION YEARS AGO LARGE REPTILES CALLED DINOSAURS RULED A CONTINENT, NOW DISAPPEARED CAN PANGEA. THROUGH A WORMHOLE IN TIME, PRIMITIVE HUMANS HAVE BEEN TRANSPORTED BACK TO THIS LOST WORLD AND MUST FIND THEIR WAY BACK TO THE FUTURE. THISIS THE STORY OF THOSE PRIMITIVES. VIEWERS MAY FIND SOME OF THE FOLLOWING SCENES DISTURBING" Subsequent library video sequences 1404,1406, 1408,1410 may be inserted interspaced by captured video sequences showing individual tag wearers in the pre-determined scenes. It will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that many variations of pre-recorded library sequence, pre-recorded voiceover, rerecorded text display are possible, and individual sets of captured video scenes involving tag wearers may be Interspersed with the pre-recorded library video sequences in a variety of different orders and arrangements to suit different scenarios and to tell different stories and follow different themes. In a preferred embodiment, pre-recorded library scenes, including text and voiceover are included in a finalised video product, including series of video sequences involving a tag wearer. However, in other embodiments, pre-recorded library scenes may be omitted, and the video product may comprise a plurality of visitor video scenes

recorded having video images of tag wearers within scene locations, presented sequentially.

Referring to Fig. 15 herein, there is illustrated schematically overall process steps carried out by the video installation as shown with reference to Figs. 12,13. The processes illustrated in Fig. 15 are shown in sequence, however various of these processes may be carried out in parallel for any individual tag wearer, and the order in which the processes are carried out may be varied in various implementations. In process 1500, a wireless tag is assigned to a visitor, Typically, a visitor on arriving at a venue is either issued with a tag, or picks up a tag. In process 1501, as a visitor wanders from scene to scene, video sequence capture is activated by a wireless transmission/reception between the wireless tag and a sensor or transceiver associated with at least one video camera in each scene. Video sequences are collected by the camera in step 1502 and stored by video processor 1208 in process 1504. The processes 1501,1502, 1503 may be performed in any order, and simultaneously where required. In process 1504, optionally a visitor may request creation of a video diary. In alternative embodiments, a video diary may be automatically created by the video processor.

In process 1505, a video diary as described with reference to Fig. 14 for example, is assembled, where the content of the video sequences relating to individual scenes are tag specific, that is to say a plurality of video sequences corresponding to a same tag are assembled within a same composite video diary sequence, so that a story concerning a particular tag wearer may be told as a subject of the video diary. In process 1506, the video diary may be displayed and viewed at the point of sale terminal 1209 in response to Inputs by the tag wearer. In step 1507, a commercial transaction may take place, wherein the point of sale terminal displays details concerning the purchase of a produced video sequence, in a variety of formats, either by electronic delivery in the form of MPEG files to a users home video recorder, by delivery of a DVD disk, or by production of a known magnetic tape video cassette. Transaction may be completed by the visitor entering their name, address, credit card details etc. Alternatively, depending upon the

deployment of the installation, the video diary may be provided within a fixed package price for visiting the venue.

It is not essential that the visitor enters their name, address, contact details and payment account details at the point of sale terminal at the time of production of the video diary, since these details may have been pre-stored, for example on registration with a theme park or venue as part of a package holiday, in which the visitor's details may be collected at a time different from the time of capture and production of the video diary. In this case, acceptance of an order for the diary may simply involve the visitor or tag wearer inputting a preference for delivery format of the video diary, using the user interface provided on the point of sale terminal. In process 1508, video fulfillment service 1210 and shipping facility 1213 provide actual delivery of a video product, where the video product comprises a DVD, magnetic tape video cassette, or electronic delivery of MPEG video over a network to a visitor's home.

Claims

Claims :

1. An image capture installation comprising: a plurality of camera devices, said plurality of camera devices (106-112) arranged to view a plurality of scene locations (100-105), and capable of capturing a plurality of images (514-519) from said plurality of scene locations; an image viewer (115,203) arranged to view a plurality of images collected by said plurality of camera devices, said images representing views of said plurality of scene locations ; and an image arranger (115,203), for arranging said plurality of images into a sequence, wherein said sequence of images follows a sequence of said plurality of scene locations.

2. The image capture installation as claimed in claim 1, wherein said image viewer comprises: a memory device; at least one data storage device; a visual display device; said data storage device containing program instructions for instructing said data processor and memory to operate to display a plurality of images in a predetermined template arrangement on said visual display device.

3. The image capture installation as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said image arranger comprises:

at least one data processor; a memory device ; a data storage device, a visual display device ; said data storage device containing program instructions configured for causing said data processor and memory to operate to automatically arrange a plurality of images on said display device, in an arrangement made according to a pre-determined template arrangement.

4. The image capture installation as claimed in claim 3, further comprising: a re-ordering component, operable to re-order said plurality of images on said display device.

5. The image capture installation as claimed in claim 3, comprising : at least one effect component, for applying an effect to one or more said displayed images.

6. The image capture installation as claimed in claim 5, wherein a said effect component applies an effect selected from the set : a color modification effect; an image mirror reversal effect;

a granularity modification effect; a warping effect, a morphing effect.

7. The image capture installation as claimed in claim 1, comprising : a text editor component, said text editor component operable to provide modification of a displayed text string.

8. The image capture installation as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising: a sizer component, said sizer component operable for increasing or decreasing a dimension of a displayed image.

9. The image capture installation as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said image viewer operates to generate a view displayed on a display device, said view comprising: an image arrangement window, said image arrangement window operable to display a plurality of images; a tool bar, said tool bar comprising a plurality of icons, each said icon operable to activate a corresponding respective tool for applying a modification to said displayed view of images.

10. The image capture installation as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said images are still images.

11. The image capture installation as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said images comprise video sequences.

12 A method of producing a print file suitable for generating a two dimensional printed article, said method comprising the steps of: collecting Image data of a plurality of images, said plurality of Images captured at a plurality of scenes (100-105) ; selecting (702) a set of images from said plurality of images; arranging (703) individual images of said set of images in at least one view, wherein said set of images follow a sequence of said plurality of scenes.

13. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein said step of arranging comprises: arranging (703) said individual images of said set of images according to a pre-stored sequence, which follows a pre-determined ordering of said plurality of scenes

14. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein said step of arranging comprises: arranging said set of images for display in rows and columns, wherein said images follow said sequence of scenes along said rows.

15. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein said step of arranging comprises:

arranging said set of images for display in rows and columns, wherein said images follow said sequence of scenes along said columns.

16. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein said step of arranging comprises: arranging said set of images for display in a loop, wherein said images follow in said sequence of scenes along said loop.

17. The method as claimed in claim 12, further comprising: generating a print file according to said view; and printing a two dimensional print medium, according to said print file.

18. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein said step of selecting a set of images comprises; displaying said plurality of images in at least one screen view; selecting individual ones of said plurality of images displayed on said screen view, to create said set of selected images.

19. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein said step of selection of said images is carried out automatically.

20. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein said step of collecting image data comprises: at each of said plurality of scenes :

capturing an image of a visitor, within said scene, appending an identification data identifying said image with said individual visitor ; and storing (701) image data captured at a plurality of said scene locations, In a centralized data storage device.

21 A method of image capture and arrangement comprising: viewing a plurality of scene locations (100-105) ; capturing a plurality of images (514-519) from said plurality of scene locations; displaying a plurality of images collected by said plurality of camera devices, said images representing views of said plurality of scene locations; and arranging said plurality of images into a sequence, wherein said sequence of images follows a sequence of said plurality of scene locations.

22. The image capture and arrangement method as claimed in claim 21, wherein said step of displaying a plurality of images comprises : displaying a plurality of images in a pre-determined template arrangement on a visual display device.

23. The image capture and arrangement method as claimed in claim 21 or 22, wherein said step of arranging said plurality of images comprises:

automatically arranging a plurality of images for viewing on said display device, wherein said arrangement is made according to a pre-determined software template.

24. The image capture and arrangement method as claimed in claim 21, further comprising: re-ordering said plurality of images.

25. The image capture and arrangement method as claimed in claim 21, comprising: applying an effect to one or more said images.

26. The image capture and arrangement method as claimed in claim 25, wherein a said effect is selected from the set. a color modification effect; an image mirror reversal effect; a granularity modification effect; a warping effect; a morphing effect.

27. The image capture and arrangement method as claimed in claim 21, comprising: editing a text string corresponding to at least one displayed image.

28. The image capture and arrangement method as claimed claim 21, comprising : sizing a said image by increasing or decreasing a dimension of said image.

29. An image capture installation comprising: a plurality of camera devices (106-112) arranged to view a plurality of scene locations (100-105), said plurality of camera devices capable of captunng a plurality of images from said plurality of scene locations ; an Image manager computer entity (202,300), said image manager computer entity operable to collect said plurality of images from said plurality of camera devices; an image manipulation computer entity (203,301), said image manipulation computer entity operable to display a plurality of said images, and operable for arrangement of said plurality of images.

30. The image capture installation as claimed in claim 29, wherein said image manipulation computer entity is operable to arrange said plurality of images according to at least one pre-determined template format.

31. The image capture installation as claimed in claim 29, wherein. said image manipulation computer entity is operable to arrange said plurality of images according to a set of user input instructions

32. A method of producing a print poster, said print poster comprising a plurality of Images of a user, said method comprising the steps : collecting a plurality of images of said user at a plurality of scene locations; automatically arranging said plurality of images in two dimensions to create a two dimensional print image; printing a poster according to said print image.

33. A two dimensional printed poster generated as a result of the method as claimed in claim 32.

34. An installation for capture of a plurality of video sequences, said installation comprising: a plurality of camera devices (1204-1206), said plurality of camera devices arranged to view a plurality of scene locations (1200-1202), and capable of capturing a plurality of video sequences (1401,1403, 1405) at said plurality of scene locations ; a video processor (1208) configured for arranging a plurality of said video sequences into a composite video sequence; and a display terminal (1209) arranged to display said plurality of captured video sequences.

35 The installation as claimed in claim 32, wherein said video processor comprises:

a data storage device capable of storing a plurality of captured video sequences, a video editor component capable of compiling a composite video sequence comprising a plurality of said video sequences.

36 The installation as claimed in claim 32, wherein said display terminal comprises. a user interface capable of displaying said composite video sequence; a data entry means for enabling a user to enter personalized data.

37. A method of operation of a video sequence capture and display system, said method comprising the process of: capturing a plurality of video sequences at a plurality of scene locations, wherein each said video sequence IS captured in response to an activation signal received from a portable transmitter device; assembling said set of video sequences into a composite video sequence, in which said plurality of captured scene video sequences are arranged sequentially wherein a set of said video sequences corresponding to a same said transmitter device are assembled in said composite video sequence; and displaying said composite video sequence at a display device in response to a signal received from said transmitter device.

38. The method as claimed in claim 36, wherein:

said step of assembling said composite video sequence comprises insertion of at least one pre-determined video sequence, wherein said pre-determined video sequence is generated without reference to said transmitter device.

39. A composite video sequence generated as a result of the method as claimed in claim 37 or 38.

Amended claims have been filed as followed Claims :

1. An image capture installation comprising: a plurality of camera devices, said plurality of camera devices arranged to view a plurality of scene locations, and capable of capturing a plurality of images from said plurality of scene locations ; an image viewer arranged to view a plurality of images collected by said plurality of camera devices, said images representing views of said plurality of scene locations, wherein said image viewer is configured to display a plurality of images in a predetermined template arrangement; and an image arranger, for arranging said plurality of images into a sequence, wherein said sequence of images follows a sequence of said plurality of scene locations.

2. The image capture installation as claimed in claim 1, wherein said image viewer comprises : a memory device; at least one data storage device; a visual display device; said data storage device containing program instructions for instructing said data processor and memory to operate to display a plurality of images in a pre-determined template arrangement on said visual display device.

3. The image capture installation as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said image arranger comprises: at least one data processor; P0729. amended. claims 1024

a memory device; a data storage device; a visual display device; said data storage device containing program instructions configured for causing said data processor and memory to operate to automatically arrange a plurality of images on said display device, in an arrangement made according to a pre-determined template arrangement.

4. The image capture installation as claimed in claim 3, further comprising : a re-ordering component, operable to re-order said plurality of images on said display device.

5. The image capture installation as claimed in claim 3, comprising: at least one effect component, for applying an effect to one or more said displayed images.

6. The image capture installation as claimed in claim 5, wherein a said effect component applies an effect selected from the set: a color modification effect; an image mirror reversal effect; a granularity modification effect; a warping effect;

a morphing effect.

7. The image capture installation as claimed in claim 1, comprising: a text editor component, said text editor component operable to provide modification of a displayed text string.

12. A method of producing a print file suitable for generating a two dimensional printed article, said method comprising the steps of:

collecting image data of a plurality of images, said plurality of images captured at a plurality of scenes; selecting a set of images from said plurality of images; arranging said set of images for display in a loop, wherein said images follow in said sequence of scenes along said loop. arranging individual images of said set of images in at least one view, wherein said set of images follow a sequence of said plurality of scenes.

13. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein said step of arranging comprises: arranging said individual images of said set of images according to a pre-stored sequence, which follows a pre-determined ordering of said plurality of scenes.

15. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein said step of arranging comprises: arranging said set of images for display in rows and columns, wherein said images follow said sequence of scenes along said columns.

16. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein said step of arranging comprises:

arranging said set of images for display in a loop, wherein said images follow in said sequence of scenes along said loop.

17. The method as claimed in claim 12, further comprising: --generating a print file according to said view; and printing a two dimensional print medium, according to said print file.

20. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein said step of collecting image data comprises: at each of said plurality of scenes: capturing an image of a visitor, within said scene; appending an identification data identifying said image with said individual visitor; and storing image data captured at a plurality of said scene locations, in a centralized data storage device.

21. A method of image capture and arrangement comprising:

viewing a plurality of scene location-,- capturing a plurality of images from said plurality of scene locations; displaying a plurality of images collected by said plurality of camera devices, said images representing views of said plurality of scene locations; and arranging said plurality of images into a sequence, wherein said sequence of images follows a sequence of said plurality of scene locations.

22. The image capture and arrangement method as claimed in claim 21, wherein said step of displaying a plurality of images comprises: displaying a plurality of images in a pre-determined template arrangement on a visual display device.

23. The image capture and arrangement method as claimed in claim 21 or 22, wherein said step of arranging said plurality of images comprises: automatically arranging a plurality of images for viewing on said display device, wherein said arrangement is made according to a pre-determined software template.

25. The image capture and arrangement method as claimed in claim 21, comprising : applying an effect to one or more said images.

--26. The image capture and arrangement method as claimed in claim 25, wherein a said effect is selected from the set: a color modification effect; an image mirror reversal effect; a granularity modification effect; a warping effect; a morphing effect.

28. The image capture and arrangement method as claimed claim 21, comprising: sizing a said image by increasing or decreasing a dimension of said image.

29. An image capture installation comprising: a plurality of camera devices arranged to view a plurality of scene locations, said plurality of camera devices capable of capturing a plurality of images from said plurality of scene locations; an image manager computer entity, said image manager computer entity operable to collect said plurality of images from said plurality of camera devices;

. an image manipulation computer entity, said image manipulation computer entity operable to display a plurality of said images, and operable for arrangement of said plurality of images.

30. The image capture installation as claimed in claim 29, wherein: said image manipulation computer entity is operable to arrange said plurality of images according to at least one pre-determined template format.

31. The image capture installation as claimed in claim 29, wherein: said image manipulation computer entity is operable to arrange said plurality of images according to a set of user input instructions.

32. A method of producing a print poster, said print poster comprising a plurality of images of a user, said method comprising the steps: collecting a plurality of images of said user at a plurality of scene locations ; automatically arranging said plurality of images in two dimensions to create a two dimensional print image; printing a poster according to said print image.

34. An installation for capture of a plurality of video sequences, said installation comprising:

a plurality of camera devices, said plurality of camera devices arranged to view a plurality of scene'locations, and capable of capturing a plurality of video sequences at said plurality of scene locations; a video processor configured for arranging a plurality of said video sequences into a composite video sequence; and a display terminal arranged to display said plurality of captured video sequences, wherein said display terminal comprises a data entry means for enabling a user to enter personalised data.

35. The installation as claimed in claim 32, wherein said video processor comprises: a data storage device capable of storing a plurality of captured video sequences; a video editor component capable of compiling a composite video sequence comprising a plurality of said video sequences.

36. The installation as claimed in claim 32, wherein said display terminal comprises: a user interface capable of displaying said composite video sequence; a data entry means for enabling a user to enter personalized data.

37. A method of operation of a video sequence capture and display system, said method comprising the process of: capturing a plurality of video sequences at a plurality of scene locations, wherein each said video sequence is captured in response to an activation signal received from a portable transmitter device;

assembling said set of video sequences into a composite video -sequence, in whtch- said plurality-of captured scene video sequences are arranged sequentially wherein a set of said video sequences corresponding to a same said transmitter device are assembled in said composite video sequence; and displaying said composite video sequence at a display device in response to a signal received from said transmitter device.

38. The method as claimed in claim 36, wherein: said step of assembling said composite video sequence comprises insertion of at least one pre-determined video sequence, wherein said pre- determined video sequence is generated without reference to said transmitter device.