KR20010052071A - Image identification and delivery system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention comprises the steps of transmitting 34 an invitation associated with the electronic record 25 of the participant 10 to an intended participant 10, generating a photo of the participant identified as the electronic record 20, And a method of pre- and post-event communication with a meeting participant, including providing the photo to the participant (28, 30) using the electronic record.

Description

Image Identification and Delivery System {IMAGE IDENTIFICATION AND DELIVERY SYSTEM}

Participants who attend a gathering, such as a wedding, and want to order the photographs they take, typically look at the photographs of the gathering and order a particular photograph. This method is not automatic and there is a problem that a participant has to see more photos than he or she appears in many cases.

The disclosures of the publications referred to herein and of all publications mentioned in the specification are incorporated herein by reference and form part of the invention.

The present invention relates generally to photographic systems, and in particular to image identification and delivery systems.

1 is a simplified illustration of an image identification and delivery system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a flow chart briefly describing a preferred mode of operation of the system of FIG.

3 is a simplified illustration of a method of providing an identification mark 16 to a participant 10, operating in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a simplified illustration of another method of providing an identification marker 16 to a participant 10, operating in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

5 and 6 are simplified illustrations of a gift execution system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

7 is a flow chart briefly illustrating a preferred mode of operation of the system of FIGS. 5 and 6 operating in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

8 is a simplified illustration of another system used to identify the participant 10 of FIG. 1 constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

9 is a simplified illustration of an image identification and delivery system constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

10 is a simplified illustration of an image identification and delivery system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

11 is a flow chart briefly describing a preferred mode of operation of the system of FIG.

12 is a flow chart briefly illustrating a preferred method for detecting and decoding identification marks in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

13 is a flow chart briefly describing a portion of the method of FIG. 12.

14 is a flow chart briefly illustrating another portion of the method of FIG.

Figure 15 is a simplified illustration of an image identification and delivery system constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

16 is a flow chart briefly describing a preferred mode of operation of the system of FIG.

17A and 17B are simplified illustrations of an instant personal identification system constructed and operative in accordance with two preferred embodiments of the present invention.

18 is a simplified illustration of an image identification and delivery system constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

19 is a diagram illustrating a conventional identification mark.

20 is a typical color table for the conventional identification mark of FIG.

The present invention provides a new system for automatically providing a picture to a participant appearing in the picture.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a method of pre- and post-event communication with a meeting participant, which sends an invitation relating to the electronic record of the participant to an intended participant. And generating a picture of the participant identified by the electronic record, and providing the picture to the participant using the electronic record.

In addition, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a method of communicating with a meeting participant before and after an event, the method comprising the step of transmitting an invitation relating to the electronic record of the meeting with the scheduled participant, the electronic record being sent to the scheduled participant. Accessing the gift wish list through the present invention, selling the gift to the intended participant using the electronic record, updating the gift wish list based on past purchases using the electronic record, and purchasing associated with the electronic record. Generating a thank-you letter using the record.

The invention also includes generating a photo of the participant identified by the electronic record in accordance with a preferred embodiment, and providing the photo to the participant using the electronic record.

In addition, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the photograph is provided to the participant along with the thank you letter.

In addition, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention at least some communication with the participant is electronic.

Also provided is a method of distributing pictures to a meeting participant in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method comprising: generating a picture of the participant identified by the electronic record and providing the participant with the picture using the electronic record It includes.

In addition, the step of generating a participant's picture according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes associating the participant with an individualized computer readable identifier, wherein the step of providing a picture comprises the identifier. Associating the participant and the electronic record with the photo.

Further, the step of generating a photo according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes removing the identifier from the photo.

Further, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the step of providing a picture includes posting a picture on the Internet.

Further, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of providing a photo of an event participant to these participants, the method comprising the steps of providing an identification tag to each participant, Taking a picture, detecting and decoding the identification mark, associating an image comprising the mark with at least one alphanumeric code corresponding to the identification mark worn by the participant, and providing the alphanumeric code Ordering the image by the participant.

Further, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the identification mark is a color code identification mark.

Preferably the step of ordering an image comprises communicating the alphanumeric code via a computer network.

Further, ordering according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes communicating image data via a computer network.

Further, according to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of providing a photo of an event participant to the participant, the method comprising: taking a picture of the participant, the image including at least one participant's face and the participant's face Associating related information and ordering an image by a participant at least providing characteristics of the participant face.

In addition, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a method for providing recognition information to a user meeting a person to be recognized (person to be recognized), the method comprising the steps of providing to the person to recognize the identification mark, Using a camera to view the person to be recognized wearing the identification mark, detecting and decoding the identification mark, associating the identification data with the identification mark for a known person using a database, and Providing identification data to the user.

Preferably the identification label is a color coded identifier tag.

Further, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the step of providing the identification data includes providing a voice input to the user.

In addition, the step of providing identification data in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes providing the user with visually perceivable input.

In addition, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a method for providing recognition information to a user meeting a person to be recognized, this method using a camera, viewing the person to be recognized, using a database Thereby associating identification data for a known person with an image provided by the camera and providing the identification data to a user.

In addition, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the step of providing the identification data includes providing a voice input to a user.

Or alternatively, providing the identification data includes providing the user with visually perceivable input.

In addition, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a system for providing pre- and post-communication communication with a meeting participant, the system comprising an invitation transmitter associated with the electronic record of the participant to a scheduled participant, a participant identified by the electronic record. A photo generator for generating a photo, and a photo distributor for providing a photo to a participant using an electronic record.

Further, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a system for providing pre- and post-communication communication with a meeting participant, the system comprising: an invitation transmitter for transmitting an invitation related to the electronic record of the meeting to the scheduled participant, the scheduled participant Gift database provides access to gift wish lists through electronic records, transaction software for selling gifts to prospective participants using electronic records, and data entry to update gift wish lists based on past purchases using electronic records And an acknowledgment system that generates an audit letter using the device and electronic records and purchase records associated with the electronic records.

Further, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system also includes a photo generator for generating a picture of the participant identified by the electronic record and a photo distributor that provides the participant with the picture.

In addition, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the photograph is provided to the participant along with the thank you letter.

Preferably at least some of the communication is electronic.

In addition, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a system for distributing pictures to meeting participants, the system comprising a photo generator for generating a picture of the participant identified by the electronic record and a photo using the electronic record to the participant. Includes photo distributor.

Preferably the photo generator comprises an associator that associates a participant with an identifier readable by a personal computer, wherein the photo distributor uses an identifier to associate the photo with the participant and the electronic record. .

Further, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the photo generator serves to remove the identifier from the photo.

In addition, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the photo splitter serves to post pictures on the Internet.

Further, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system for providing an event participant wearing an identification mark and taking a picture of the participant, the system comprising a detector and decoder, a participant that detects and decodes the identification mark. And at least one alphanumeric code corresponding to the identification mark worn by the user, a database associated with the image including the cover, and an image distributor that provides the image in response to receiving the alphanumeric code.

Preferably the identification label is a color coded identification label.

Further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the image distributor uses the alphanumeric code communication via a computer network.

In addition, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the image distributor uses image data communication via a computer network.

In addition, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a system for providing an event participant with a picture of the participant, wherein the system correlates information including information about the face of the participant with an image comprising at least one participant's face. And an image distributor that receives the base and at least the features of the participant's face in response to providing the participant's image.

In addition, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a system for providing recognition information to a user meeting a person to be recognized (person to be recognized), the system is an identification mark worn by the person to be recognized, Providing the user with a camera that views the person to be recognized wearing the identification mark, a detector and decoder that detects and decodes the identification mark, a database that associates the identification mark with identification data about a known person, and identification data. An identification data user interface.

Preferably the identification label is a color code identification label.

In addition, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the identification data user interface serves to provide voice input to the user.

Also optionally, the identification data user interface serves to provide the user with visually perceivable input.

In addition, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a system for providing recognition information to a user meeting a person to be recognized (person to be recognized), the system is a camera for viewing the person to be recognized, this camera And an identification data user interface that provides the user with identification data and a database that associates the image provided by the identification data for a known person.

Advantageously, said identification data user interface provides a voice input to said user.

In addition, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the identification data user interface provides the user with a visually detectable input.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the following scenario may occur:

a. Someone takes a picture and sends it to develop. The picture is scanned and stored in an information storage location displaying the film number without identifying the person in the picture.

b. If one of the participants in the picture wants to receive the picture, the person calls the identified phone number and enters the code of the film.

c. The identity of the caller can be determined automatically, for example by the conventional " identified caller " function.

d. The picture may be sent to, for example, a street address associated with the phone used to order the picture.

e. The caller's telephone bill may be charged for the figure, or other suitable billing method may be used.

FIG. 1 is a simplified illustration of an image identification and delivery system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a preferred mode of operation of the system of FIG. In the system of FIG. 1, participant 10 is photographing by photographer 12 holding camera 14 at an event such as a wedding. Camera 14 may be any known conventional camera or digital camera capable of taking pictures. Participant 10 preferably wears an identification tag 16 with an identifiable pattern. Alternatively, the identification mark 16 may be of a design printed or combined with the coat 18 of the participant 10.

The photographic image 22 is preferably scanned and provided electronically to the identification device 20 or, in the case of a digital camera, to the identification device 20 electronically by the camera 14. The identification device 20 preferably finds the identification mark 16 in the photographic image 22 using techniques well known in the art to which the present invention pertains, so that the event / participant database 24 and the identification mark 16 ) To identify the desired participant in a photographic image 22 such as participant 10. Database 24 is typically an image of identification mark 16, or any known identification mark that may be used in identification mark 16 of image 22 using methods known in the art. At least one programmed record 25 comprising an indication of 16). The record 25 also preferably contains address information about the desired participant, ie the participant in the image where the identification mark 16 is located. The address information may include e-mail addresses, postal addresses and other well known address information. Record 25 may also include a participant who wishes to identify as a participant of one or more events.

In addition, the pattern of the identification mark 16 may include address information and / or identity of the participant 10 using coding techniques known in the art to which the present invention pertains, such as bar codes. Since the identification device 20 can decode the information using decoding techniques known in the art, the information need not be stored in the database 24.

In addition, the image delivery device 26 preferably delivers the photographic image 22 from the address, i.e., the address indicated in the database 24, from the identification mark 16. The delivery method may include a postal system as shown at 30, electronic mail via a network 34 such as the Internet as shown at 32, and other known delivery means. One of the identification device 20 and the image delivery device 26 should preferably be able to remove the identification mark 16 from the photographic image 22 using known image editing techniques. In the figure, the identification mark 16 is removed from the photo 28 received by the participant 10.

3 is a diagram briefly illustrating a method of providing an identification marker 16 to a participant 10 operating in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The server 36 is provided with a database 24. In an embodiment the server 36 may be a software or other file format, i.e., printable identification, capable of printing the identification mark 16 on the initial dress 42 and the usual adhesive paper that may be worn by the printer 40. The image of the cover page 16 is electronically transmitted to the computer terminal 38 of the participant 10 via the network 34. In another embodiment, server 36 outputs identification mark 16 at printer 44. Alternatively, the identification mark 16 is otherwise produced on a wearable adhesive paper. The printed invitation 46 is then sent along with the identification mark 16 to the participant 10 via normal mail as shown at 48. In another embodiment, the participant 10 may be able to access identity and / or address information in a form such as HTML on a world wide web site accessible by the participant 10 and maintained by the server 36. To 36). The identification mark 16 is then selected and sent to the participant 10. And the information received from the charm can be stored in the database 24 with the associated identification marker information or encoded into the identification marker 16 as described above, or the two storage and encoding can be combined together.

4 is a simplified illustration of another method of providing an identification marker 16 to a participant 10 operating in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Computer terminal 50 is typically provided with a database 24 at the banquet hall entrance. When the participant 10 enters his or her address information, this address information is accompanied by information about the sign, such as an identification sign 16, selected from an unused tag pool or uniquely generated for the participant and the event. It is stored in the database 24. The terminal 50 then prints the identification mark 16 on adhesive paper that can be worn in the printer 52.

5 and 6 are simplified illustrations of a gift execution system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 7 is a flow chart briefly illustrating a preferred mode of operation of the system of FIGS. 5 and 6 operating in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As in FIG. 3, server 36 is provided with a database 24 and additionally a gift database 54. Gift database 54 typically includes one or more preconfigured gift lists, such as wedding gift lists for groom and bride. The server 36 typically sends the gift list 56 electronically to the computer terminal 38 of the participant 10 via the network 34. Gift list 56 preferably presents gifts that have not yet been selected and can be sent in HTML form or some other known format. Preferably an invitation letter 46 is sent to the participant 10 providing both user identity and event classification. Participant 10 selects one or more gifts and sends a gift purchase request to server 36, which preferably includes appropriate user identity and event identification and payment or bill information. The gift database 54 is updated to reflect the gift purchase request.

6 shows a server 36 based on a gift purchase recorded in a gift database 54 and providing a thank-you letter to the participant 10 using address information from the database 24. In an embodiment, server 36 sends an audit message 60 electronically to computer terminal 38 of participant 10 via network 34. In another embodiment, server 36 prints at printer 44 a thank-you letter 62, which may be sent to participant 10 via regular mail as shown at 64.

FIG. 8 identifies the participant 10 of FIG. 1 operating in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention and used instead of or in addition to using the identification mark 16 described above with reference to FIGS. This is a simple illustration that explains how. The computer terminal 50 is usually provided with a database 24 at the entrance of the banquet hall. The face of the participant 10 is scanned and encoded in the scanner 66 using any known scanning and encoding system. In addition, when the participant 10 inputs his address information, the address information is stored in the database 24 along with his encoded face information. Except for the exception in which participant 10 is identified using encoded face information stored in database 24, identification of participant 10 may be performed as described above in FIGS.

9 is a simplified illustration of an image identification and delivery system constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. In the system of FIG. 9, the camera 68 is typically provided at a fixed location, such as around a boardwalk of an amusement park. Person 70 coming to the amusement park is preferably provided with a smart card 72 containing information such as its address. The smart card 72 may be a cover page that can be sent or any known smart card. The smart card 72 may additionally receive a transmission. In addition, a communication unit 74 is also provided for communication with the smart card 72 and the control camera 68. Computer 76 is also provided for communication with unit 74.

The normal operation of the system of FIG. 9 will be described. In an embodiment, the smart card 72 periodically transmits a signal received by the unit 74 when the person 70 at the amusement park enters a predetermined range from the camera 68, and then the unit 74 operates the camera 68 to take a picture of the person 70 coming out of the amusement park. The signal may include information identifying a person 70 appearing at an amusement park, or when unit 74 receives a signal from smart card 72, transmits a signal requesting identity information and sends smart card 72. May transmit to unit 74. In another embodiment, camera 68 is set to take pictures periodically. When the camera 68 takes a picture, the unit 74 transmits a signal requesting identification information from any smart card within range of the camera, and the smart card 72 within this range is sent to the person who is at the amusement park ( Reply by sending the identity information of (70).

Computer 76 preferably stores a picture taken by camera 68 with identity information received from smart card 72 and stores the information in database 78. The photos may be delivered automatically to the person 70 at the amusement park, such as the method described above with respect to FIGS. 1-2, or may be delivered after being selected and paid at an electronic kiosk 80 designed for photographing and delivery purposes. have.

It will be appreciated that the steps described with respect to FIGS. 2-7 do not necessarily have to be performed in sequence unless otherwise indicated, and that similar implementations will result in overall if the steps are implemented differently.

FIG. 10 is a simplified illustration of an image identification and delivery system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a preferred mode of operation of the system of FIG.

In the system of FIG. 10, it is seen that one or more participants 110 are photographing at an event venue, such as a reception, from photographer 112 holding camera 114. Camera 114 may be any known film or electronic camera capable of taking only pictures or pictures such as video pictures.

Each participant 110 preferably wears an identification mark 116. The identification mark 116 may be in a suitable form such as a badge, pin, sticker or necklace, or may optionally be associated with the garment.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the identification mark 116 preferably comprises a mark with a color and pattern coded mark having at least two-dimensional codes such as color and position. Alternatively, the identification mark 116 can be coded in more dimensions or in smaller dimensions using only color. However, it is important that the identification mark 116 is such that it can be directly decoded by the automatic scanning device, and that the change in camera angle or illumination must be easily detectable so as not to affect the successful detection as a whole.

The preferred form of identification marker 116 is a circular marker as a whole. As can be seen in the picture. This circular mark has a circular portion 118 at its center and various colored collar segments 120 surrounding it, the coding of which is easy to identify the wearer, preferably printed on the identification mark 116. It corresponds to an alphanumeric identification code 122.

The identification code 122 may be printed on the back side of the identification mark 116 or, optionally, at any suitable location on the front of the mark, such as the central portion 118 or one or more color segments 120. . It will be appreciated that the color coded identification marker described above and shown in FIG. 10 can be detected and decoded more easily than conventional barcode identification labels of the same size.

The photographic image 123 of the participant 110 taken by the camera 114 is provided to the identification device 124 in electronic form directly from a digital camera or through a scanner (not shown) if a film camera is used. do.

The identification device 124 preferably uses a technique well known in the art to locate the identification mark 116 in the photographic image 123, which identifies the identification mark 116 and Combining each photo image 123 with an alphanumeric identification code 122 corresponding to each person appearing in the photo image. The identification device 124 preferably downloads both the image and the alphanumeric identification code, ie, the code associated with each image, to the database 125.

Database 125 typically includes a record of each pre-programmed randomly accessible image, keyed with an alphanumeric identification code associated with an identification marker worn by each person appearing in each image.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, after the event, the identification device 124 downloads the data corresponding to the image and the alphanumeric identification code, i.e. the code associated with each image to the database 125, to the database 125. For example, a participant who wants to see or obtain a picture of himself or herself can access and print it electronically.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method described above uses a computer network 134, such as a computer 130, a printer 122, and an internet that can enter a website that can access the database 125. Can be executed by the participant. Alternatively, the participant can send an e-mail message to a server that allows access to the database 125.

If the participant wishes to receive the image electronically, he or she may enter or send his / her alphanumeric code 122 and his email address with a request for any image associated with his identification beacon alphanumeric identification code 122. . If a participant wishes to receive a hard copy, it may communicate with the image delivery device 136 in a suitable manner to provide an e-mail address requesting delivery of the hard copy 128 of one or more images 123.

If desired, it will be appreciated that conventional transaction software may be combined with database 125 and / or image delivery device 136 to enable payment for virtual images or hard copy images.

12 is a flow chart that briefly describes a preferred method of detecting and decoding identifier tag 116 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 12, an identification device, typically implemented in a computer, such as a conventional PC, detects the presence and location of the identification mark 116 in the image 123. The identification mark 116 and the image 123 preferably have a color.

Then, the image of the identification mark 116 is obtained from the rest of the image 123, and the identification mark 116 is decoded.

Figure 13 illustrates a preferred method of detecting an identification mark in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The method of FIG. 13 is the first using two independent detection techniques in parallel.

One such detection technique is a pattern recognition technique that converts color image 123 (FIG. 10) to gray scale and performs edge detection thereon. After this edge detection, the detected edges are correlated with a predetermined shape, which is typically circular in shape corresponding to the overall configuration of the identification mark 116.

Another one of these detection techniques converts color image 123 (FIG. 10) from RGB to another color base, such as HSV, and performs image segmentation according to color and intensity thresholds. Color detection technology. After the division, a search step is performed to find the known color of one or more portions of the identification mark 116. Known colors may be white or any other suitable color.

The results of the two detection techniques described above are ANDed to provide a relatively certain indication of the presence and location of one or more of the suspected identification marks 116 in the image 123. . For each identification mark 116 to find, the spatial coordinates of the center of the identification mark are determined. One or more identification label parameters are then identified. One such parameter may be that the central portion 118 of the identification mark is not only the outer diameter but also the relative circumference of the outer diameter of the identification mark 116 to be found. Another such parameter may be the confirmation that all the colors appearing in segment 120 are within a predetermined color set.

14 illustrates a preferred technique for decoding identification mark 116. The method of FIG. 14 preferably comprises the steps of RGB color-enhancing the image obtained for the identification mark 116, and then converting it from RGB to another color base, such as HSV, and converting the obtained image into color and luminance. Dividing according to a threshold and searching for a known color of all segments 120.

If each segment is associated with a known color, the order of the colors is detected along the circumference of the identification mark 116, preferably at multiple radii. Once the color order is determined with sufficient certainty, it is applied to a look up table that provides an alphanumeric code 122 (FIG. 10).

FIG. 15 is a simplified illustration of an image identification and delivery system constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 16 is a flow chart briefly illustrating a preferred mode of operation of the system of FIG.

In the system of FIG. 15, one or more participants 210 are shown taking pictures at an event, such as a reception, from photographer 212 holding camera 214. Camera 214 may be an electronic camera or other known film that may simply take a picture or a picture such as a video picture. In contrast to the embodiment of FIG. 10, each participant 210 does not need to wear an identification mark. In accordance with the present invention, each participant is recognized using known conventional facial recognition techniques. Such known techniques are described in the following U.S. Patent Documents, which are incorporated herein by reference and form part of the present invention: U.S. Patents 4,975,969, 5,012,522, 5,164,992 5,410,609, 5,430,809 5,432,864 5,524,065 5,642,431 5,644,765 5,715,325 5,729,619 5,787,186 5,801,763 5,802,208 5,805,720 5,835,616 5,850,470 5,852,669.

The photographic image 223 of the participant 210 taken by the camera 214 is provided to the identification device 224 directly from a digital camera or through a scanner (not shown) if a film camera is used.

The identification device 224 preferably identifies the faces in the photographic image 223, and inputs a predetermined characteristic of this face into the database 225 along with the photographic image 223 in which these faces appear, in the present invention. It uses techniques well known in the art, and uses the systems disclosed in the aforementioned US patents. The identification device 224 preferably downloads the image and the predetermined characteristics of the face appearing in each image to the database 225.

The database 225 typically includes a record of each pre-programmed, randomly accessible image that is keyed to the predetermined characteristics of the face appearing in each image.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, after the event, the identification device 224 downloads the image and the data corresponding to the predetermined characteristic of the person's face shown in the image, the person who wants to see or have a picture of himself / herself. Is electronically accessible.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method described above uses a computer network 234, such as a computer 230, a printer 232, and an internet that can enter a website that can access the database 225. Can be executed by the participant. Alternatively, the participant can send an email message to a server that allows access to the database 225.

If the participant wishes to receive the image electronically, he or she can enter an image of his face or send an e-mail with a request for all the images he appears and his e-mail address. If the participant wishes to receive a hard copy, he or she may communicate with the image delivery device 236 in an appropriate manner to provide a mail address requesting delivery of the hard copy 238 of the image 223. The participant's face image may be input through a scanner (not shown), and optionally, using a digital camera 240 associated with the computer 230 showing the participant's face.

In the embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 15, the identification device 224 is preferably associated with various predetermined characteristics of the face image input by the participant via the computer 230 and the face image stored in the database 225. It will be appreciated that the face image of the participant requesting the image 223 will match the face image of one of the face images appearing in the image 223.

In addition, the pre-processing of facial image data or the feature extraction and interrelation functions of the identification device 224 using the computer 230 may be divided into two or more computers. It will be appreciated that various alternative data flows may be used, such as.

If desired, it will be understood that conventional transaction software may be associated with the database 225 and / or the image delivery device 236 in order to be able to pay for either or both of the virtual image or the hard copy image. will be.

17A and 17B are simplified illustrations of an instant personal identification system constructed and operative in accordance with two preferred embodiments of the present invention. In the embodiment of FIG. 17A, a user at reference numeral 300 preferably carries an instant personal identifier assembly that includes a camera 302 that provides input to identification subsystem 304. Camera 302 is preferably separated so as to be invisible in normal conditions.

An identification subsystem 304 that can operate in a manner similar to the identification device 124 of the embodiment of FIG. 10 is a " heading direction indicator " associated with a voice indicator 306 such as an earphone and the user's glasses 312. provide an identification output to one or both of the visual indicators 308, such as " head-up display " The identification output may provide the name of the person identified, as well as the person's other related features.

In a preferred embodiment, the “identified” person is wearing an identifier mark 316 similar to the identifier mark 116 in all relevant respects. Information about the identifier mark 116 is used by the identification subsystem 304 to identify the person wearing the mark shown by the camera 302. For this purpose, identification subsystem 304 preferably uses database 325, which may be similar in all respects to database 125 in the embodiment of FIG.

Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 17B, an instant personal identification system is shown that does not require the use of the identification mark 116. The system operates on the basis of face recognition as described in any of the aforementioned US patents.

In an embodiment, the user 400 is carrying an instant personal identification assembly that includes a camera 402 that provides input to the identification subsystem 404. The camera 402 is preferably separated so that it is not visible in normal conditions.

An identification subsystem 404 that can operate in a manner similar to the identification device 224 of the embodiment of FIG. 15 includes a voice indicator 406, such as an earphone, and the " heading direction indicator " associated with the user's glasses 412. provide an identification output to one or both of the visual indicators 408, such as " head-up display " The identification output may provide the name of the identified (identified) person, as well as the person's other related features.

In the described embodiment, the "identified" person does not have to wear an identification mark, and the face of that person is stored in a similar database 425 in all respects to the database 225 of the embodiment of FIG. 15. It is recognized by its characteristics.

18 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention.

18 shows one or more participants 110 taking pictures at an event, such as a reception, from photographer 112 holding camera 114. Camera 114 may be any known film or electronic camera capable of taking only pictures or pictures such as video pictures.

Each participant 110 preferably wears an identification mark 116. The identification mark 116 may be in a suitable form such as a badge, pin, sticker or necklace, or may optionally be associated with the garment.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the identification mark 116 preferably comprises a mark with a color and pattern coded mark having at least two-dimensional codes such as color and position. Alternatively, the identification mark 116 can be coded in more dimensions or in smaller dimensions using only color. However, it is important that the identification mark 116 is such that it can be directly decoded by the automatic scanning device, and that the change in camera angle or illumination must be easily detectable so as not to affect the successful detection as a whole.

The preferred form of identification marker 116 is a circular marker as a whole. As can be seen in the picture. This circular mark has a circular portion 118 at its center and various colored collar segments 120 surrounding it, the coding of which is easy to identify the wearer, preferably printed on the identification mark 116. Corresponds to the numeric identification code 122.

The identification code 122 may be printed on the back side of the identification mark 116 or, optionally, at any suitable location on the front of the mark, such as the central portion 118 or one or more color segments 120. . It will be appreciated that the color coded identification marker described above and shown in FIG. 1 can be detected and decoded more easily than conventional barcode identification labels of the same size.

The photographic image 123 of the participant 110 taken by the camera 114 is provided to the identification device 124 either directly from the digital camera or electronically through a scanner (not shown) when a film camera is used.

The identification device 124 preferably uses a technique well known in the art to locate the identification mark 116 in the photographic image 123, which identifies the identification mark 116 and Combining the numerical identification code 122 and each photographic image 123 corresponding to each person appearing in the photographic image. The identification device 124 preferably downloads both the image and the alphanumeric identification code, ie, the code associated with each image, to the database 125.

Database 125 typically includes a record of each pre-programmed randomly accessible image, keyed with an alphanumeric identification code associated with an identification marker worn by each person appearing in each image.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, after the event, the identification device 124 downloads the data corresponding to the image and the alphanumeric identification code, i.e. the code associated with each image to the database 125, to the database 125. For example, a participant who wants to get a picture of himself / herself can dial a specific phone number and enter their code using the telephone keypad.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method described above may be implemented by a participant dialing a specific telephone number and entering an access code into the database 125 using the telephone 130 and the electronic communication network 134. have.

The image delivery device 136 may detect the telephone number of the caller and use the telephone directory database 137 to determine the address of the caller. If desired, it will be appreciated that conventional transaction software may be combined with database 125 and / or image delivery device 136 to enable payment for virtual images or hard copy images.

The payment method may be used by the caller's phone bill or other appropriate method.

An example of a tag will be described.

Preferred badge definition

An example of a suitable badge is shown in FIG. 19. This millet usually contains two parts. The first part corresponds to the "text area" in which document information can appear. The second part corresponds to the "Color-coded identifier" area. This part may contain a "flower" and additionally an "inclination segment" in the center. “Flower” may include six color segments numbered # 1 to # 6 in FIG. 19. The "inclusion segment" is number # 7.

Desirable "Colored-coded identifier" property

"Color code identification" has the following characteristics in the described embodiment.

The badge can be printed on a matte white paper.

The inner circle of the "flower" is white and may be surrounded by a black line 1 mm wide.

The diameter of the inner circle of the "flower" may be 10 mm.

The diameter of the outer circle of the "flower" is usually 30 mm.

The outer circumferential color of the "flower" may be a black line 1 mm wide.

The badge can be printed on a white sheet with an outer margin of 7 mm from the perimeter of the "flower".

The segment color may be one of the example valid colors described in the table of FIG. 20.

Two consecutive segments usually do not have the same color.

The "inclusion segment" is generally in contact with segment # 5 shown in FIG.

In the described embodiment, the diameter of segment # 7 is 10 mm.

Segment # 7 is also surrounded by a black line 1 mm wide.

The collar of segment # 7 can be one of the valid collars and must be different from the collar of segment # 5.

Typical camera shapes and settings may be as follows:

Camera type: Nikon coolpix 900 digital camera

Image quality: high

Appropriate photography conditions are as follows:

Field of view: 70 cm to 150 cm

Photos are usually taken with flash,

The distance to the object is usually about 2 meters.

The authorized code is 9 digits. The first three digits are constant digits (eg, 898). The next six digits are the code numbers corresponding to the numbered segments (# 1 to # 6) shown in FIG.

In addition, it will be understood that various features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may be provided in combination in one embodiment. On the contrary, it will be understood that various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in one embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination form.

The above-described components of the present invention can be implemented through hardware, software or any suitable combination of these hardware or software using conventional techniques.

If desired, the software components of the present invention may be implemented in the form of a ROM (Read Only Memory). Software components can generally be implemented in hardware using conventional techniques, if desired.

It will be appreciated that various features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in one embodiment. On the contrary, it will be understood that various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in one embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination form.

Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is not limited to only those described above and specifically shown in the drawings. Rather, in view of the above, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention pertains, in addition to modifications and additions to the various features not shown in the prior art, combinations and sub-combinations of the various features described above. All combinations are also included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims (42)

In the way of pre- and post-event communication with meeting participants, a) sending an invitation relating to the electronic record of the participant to the intended participant, b) generating a picture of the participant identified by the electronic record; c) providing the photo to the participant using the electronic record How to communicate before and after the event with the meeting participants, including. In how to communicate with meeting participants before and after the event, a) sending to the prospective participant an invitation relating to the electronic record of the participant and the meeting, b) allowing the scheduled participant to access a wish list through the electronic record; c) selling a gift to the intended participant using the electronic record; d) updating the gift wish list based on past purchases using the electronic record; and e) generating a thank-you letter using the electronic record and its associated purchase record How to communicate before and after the event with the meeting participants, including. The method of claim 2, Generating a picture of the participant identified by the electronic record; Providing the photo to the participant using the electronic record Method of communication before and after the event with the meeting participants further comprising. The method of claim 3, The photograph is a communication method before and after an event with a meeting participant provided to the participant with the thank you letter. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, At least some communication with the participants is electronic; In terms of distributing photos to meeting participants, a) generating a picture of the participant identified by the electronic record; and b) providing the photo to the participant using the electronic record Photo distribution method comprising a. 7. The method of any one of claims 1, 3 and 6, wherein generating the picture of the participant involves associating the participant with an individualized computer readable identifier. And providing a photo includes associating the photo with the participant and the electronic record using the identifier. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein generating the photo comprises removing the identifier from the photo. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the step of providing a photo includes posting the photo on the Internet. In a way to provide photos of event participants to these participants, a) providing each participant with an identifier tag, b) taking a picture of the participant wearing the identification mark; c) detecting and decoding the identification mark; d) associating at least one alphanumeric code corresponding to the identification mark worn by the participant with an image comprising the mark; and e) ordering an image by a participant providing the alphanumeric code. Event participant picture providing method comprising a. The method of claim 10, wherein the identification mark is a color code identification mark. 12. The method of claim 10 or 11, wherein ordering an image comprises communicating the alphanumeric code via a computer network. 13. The method of any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein ordering an image comprises communicating image data via a computer network. In a way to provide photos of event participants to these participants, a) taking a picture of the participant; b) associating an image comprising at least one participant's face with information related to the participant's face, and c) ordering an image by a participant at least providing characteristics of the participant face Event participant picture providing method comprising a. In a method for providing recognition information to a user meeting a person to be recognized, a) providing an identification mark to the person to be recognized, b) using a camera to view the person to be recognized wearing the identification mark, c) detecting and decoding the identification mark; d) associating identification data for known persons with the identification marker using a database; and e) providing the identification data to the user Person recognition information providing method comprising a. The method of claim 15, wherein the identification mark is a color coded identifier tag. 17. The method of claim 15 or 16, wherein providing the identification data comprises providing a voice input to the user. 17. The method of claim 15 or 16, wherein providing the identification data includes providing the user with visually perceivable input. In a method for providing recognition information to a user meeting a person to be recognized, a) using a camera to view the person to be recognized, b) using a database to associate identification data about a known person with an image provided by the camera, and c) providing the identification data to the user Person recognition information providing method comprising a. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein providing the identification data comprises providing a voice input to the user. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein providing the identification data comprises providing the user with visually perceivable input. In a system for providing pre- and post-communication communication with meeting participants, a) an invitation transmitter for transmitting an invitation relating to the electronic record of the participant to a scheduled participant; b) a photo generator for generating a photo of the participant identified by the electronic record; c) a photo distributor which provides the photo to the participant using the electronic record; Communication system with the meeting participants, including. In a system for providing pre- and post-communication communication with meeting participants, a) an invitation transmitter for transmitting an invitation to an intended participant relating to the electronic record of the participant and the meeting; b) a gift database providing access to the gift wish list through the electronic record to the scheduled participant; c) transaction software for using the electronic record to sell a gift to the intended participant; d) a data input device for updating the gift wish list based on past purchases using the electronic record; e) an acknowledgment system that generates an audit letter using the electronic record and the purchase record associated with the electronic record. Communication system with the meeting participants, including. The method of claim 23, wherein A photo generator for generating a photo of the participant identified by the electronic record; A photo distributor which provides the photo to the participant using the electronic record Communication system with the meeting participants further comprising. 25. The system of claim 24, wherein the photo is provided to the participant with the thank you letter. 25. The system of any one of claims 22-24, wherein at least some of the communication is electronic. In a system for distributing photos to meeting participants, a photo generator for generating a photo of the participant identified by the electronic record; b) a photo distributor that provides the photo to the participant using the electronic record; Photo distribution system that includes The method according to any one of claims 22, 24 and 27, The picture generator includes an associator that associates the participant with an identifier that can be read by a personal computer, and the picture distributor uses the identifier to associate the picture with the participant and the electronic record. Relating system. 29. The system of claim 28, wherein the photo generator is operative to remove the identifier from the photo. 28. The system of claim 27 wherein the photo distributor is responsible for posting the photo on the Internet. A system for providing a photo of an event participant wearing an identification mark and photographing the participant, a detector and decoder for detecting and decoding identification marks; b) a database relating at least one alphanumeric code corresponding to the identification mark worn by the participant, and an image comprising the mark; c) an image distributor that provides the image in response to receiving the alphanumeric code. Participant picture providing system comprising a. 32. The system of claim 31, wherein the identification mark is a color coded identification mark. 33. The system of claim 31 or 32, wherein the image distributor uses the alphanumeric code communication via a computer network. 34. The system of any of claims 31 to 33, wherein the image distributor uses image data communication via a computer network. In a system that provides a photo of this participant to the event participants a) a database that associates an image containing the face of at least one participant with information about the face of the participant, and b) an image distributor that provides an image of the participant in response to receiving at least the features of the participant's face; Participant photo providing system comprising a In a system for providing recognition information to a user meeting a person to be recognized, a) identification marks worn by the person to be recognized, b) a camera for viewing the person to be recognized wearing the identification mark; c) a detector and decoder operative to detect and decode the identification mark; d) a database associating said identification mark with identification data for a known person; e) identification data user interface for providing said identification data to said user; Recognition information providing system comprising a. The system of claim 36, wherein the identification mark is a color code identification mark. 38. A system as claimed in claim 36 or 37 wherein the identification data user interface acts to provide voice input to the user. 38. The system of claim 36 or 37, wherein the identification data user interface acts to provide the user with visually perceivable input. In a system for providing recognition information to a user meeting a person to be recognized, a) a camera for viewing the person to be recognized, b) a database associating identification data for known persons with images provided by the camera; c) identification data user interface for providing the identification data to the user Recognition information providing system comprising a. 41. The system of claim 40 wherein the identification data user interface provides a voice input to the user. 41. The system of claim 40 wherein the identification data user interface provides the user with visually perceivable input.