AU2014101256A4 - A Computerised System for Ordering Image Capture of a Feature of Geographic Region - Google Patents

Abstract

A Computerised System and Method for Ordering an Image Capture of a Feature of Interest in a Geographic Region A computerised system for ordering an image capture of a feature of interest in a geographic region. The system includes an electronic display for displaying a map representing the geographic region, a means of drawing a representation of the feature of interest relative to the map displayed on the electronic display, and, a processor unit communicably connected to the electronic display. The information processor unit is configured for calculating geographic information by reference to the drawing such that a cost for performing the image capture is able to be determined by reference to the geographic information and an order is able to be selectively requested for performing the image capture in response to the determined cost. It --------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- - ------------------------------------- ------- --------------------------- --------------------- ---------------- --------- -------------- -------------- --------------- --------------- -------------------- ---------------- --------------- ------------------------------------- ------------------------- -------------------------------------- Fig. 1

Description

A Computerised System and Method for Ordering an Image Capture of a Feature of Interest in a Geographic Region Technical Field [0001] The present invention relates to geographic information systems and in particular, systems and methods for updating and otherwise ordering images for use with such systems. Background of the Invention [0002] Geographic information systems (GIS) such as Google Maps and the like provide geographic mapping data which is publicly available to users via the Internet. Users can conveniently access and display any number of different maps and associated information concerning such maps on their home computer by browsing through the GIS interface. [0003] From time to time, maps that are accessible via a GIS may become outdated, or, may not provide the requisite detail or type of geographical information that a user requires. Outdated or unsuitable mapping data can be particularly problematic for users such as architects, surveyors or town planners, who require relatively specific and detailed mapping data for commercial planning purposes. Accordingly, in such cases, it may be necessary for such users to manually submit an order with an image capture supplier (such as an aerial photographer) to perform a suitable image capture of the feature of interest within any given geographic region. The specific user-requirements of the requested image capture may also be provided to the image capture supplier by the user to ensure that the image that is captured meets the user's specific commercial needs. [0004] One problem associated with current approaches to ordering image captures is that users are traditionally required to define the geographic boundary of the feature of interest in the geographic region in terms of a set of geographic coordinates, or, in terms of names of streets or other geographical structures which generally form a boundary around the feature of interest. [0005] Unfortunately, the use of geographic coordinates may not be readily available to the user who may lack the knowledge or sophistication to know what the specific geographic coordinates are. Furthermore, the use of street names as a means of defining the boundary of the feature of interest may also be inaccurate in certain cases due to inconsistencies/variations in the naming convention and syntax structure used to describe street names. Also, typographical errors will often arise when a user manually defines the feature of interest in terms of geographic coordinates or street names thus resulting in an incorrect geographic region being photographed. A further problem which may typically occur is that the party requesting the image capture and the image capture supplier may utilise different GIS mapping platforms, and the communication of geographic coordinates, street names and other information to define the boundary of the feature to be imaged captured may require conversion and other interfacing between the different GIS mapping platforms and this introduces additional complexities, inefficiencies, and additional opportunities for errors to arise during conversion of the data between platforms. Summary of the Invention [0006] The present invention seeks to alleviate at least one of the above-described problems. [0007] The present invention may involve several broad forms. Embodiments of the present invention may include one or any combination of the different broad forms herein described. [0008] In one broad form, the present invention provides a method of ordering an image capture of a feature of interest in a geographic region, the method being operable using a computerised system having an electronic display communicably connected to a processor unit, the method including the steps of: (i) displaying a map representing the geographic region on the electronic display; (ii) drawing a representation of the feature of interest relative to the displayed map; and (iii) the information processor unit calculating geographic information by reference to the drawing; wherein a cost for performing the image capture is able to be determined by reference to the geographic information and an order is able to be selectively requested for performing the image capture in response to the determined cost.

[0009] Preferably, the image capture may include an aerial image capture of the feature of interest in the geographic region. [0010] Typically, the map may be generated from mapping data of a geographic information system. [0011] Preferably, the electronic display may include a graphic user interface display. [0012] Typically, the electronic display may include an electronic display of a user terminal communicably connected to the information processor unit via the Internet. [0013] Preferably, the step of drawing the representation of the feature of interest relative to the displayed map may include drawing the representation of the feature of interest over the map displayed on the electronic display. [0014] Typically, the drawing may include a polygon representing a boundary of the feature of interest. [0015] Typically, the geographic information may include at least one of a set of geographic coordinates representing a location of the feature of interest, a size of an area of the feature of interest, and a distance between a location of an image capture supplier and the feature of interest. [0016] Preferably, the present invention may include a step of defining at least one of an altitude, a direction and a field of view of the image capture. [0017] Preferably a plurality of costs for performing the image capture by a plurality of different image capture suppliers may be determined. [0018] Preferably, the order may be requested of one of the plurality of image capture suppliers determined to provide a lowest cost for performing the image capture.

[0019] Preferably, after the image capture of the feature of interest has been performed by the image capture supplier, the computerised system may be configured for displaying the image capture of the feature of interest over the map on the electronic display. [0020] Preferably, the computerised system may include an electronic messaging system configured for at least one of communicating an order for request of an image capture to be performed by an image capture supplier, and, for communicating availability of the image capture after the image capture has been performed. [0021] In a further broad form, the present invention provides a method of ordering an image capture of a feature of interest in a geographic region, the method being operable using a computerised system having an electronic display communicably connected to a processor unit, the method including the steps of: (i) displaying a map representing the geographic region on the electronic display; (ii) drawing a representation of at least one camera position relative to the displayed map from which the feature of interest is to be image captured; and (iii) the information processor unit calculating geographic information by reference to the drawing; wherein a cost for performing the image capture is able to be determined by reference to the geographic information and an order is able to be selectively requested for performing the image capture in response to the determined cost. [0022] Preferably, the present invention may include a step of drawing a representation of the feature of interest to be image captured relative to the displayed map. [0023] Preferably, the image capture may include an aerial image capture of the feature of interest in the geographic region. [0024] Preferably, the map may be generated from mapping data of a geographic information system. [0025] Preferably, the electronic display may include a graphic user interface display.

[0026] Typically, the electronic display may include an electronic display of a user terminal communicably connected to the information processor unit via the Internet. [0027] Preferably, the representation of the at least one camera position and/or the feature of interest may be drawn over the map displayed on the electronic display. [0028] Preferably, the geographic information may include at least one of a set of geographic coordinates representing a location of the at least one camera position of the feature of interest, a number of camera positions drawn on the displayed map, a distance between a location of an image capture supplier and the at least one camera positions, and a number of image captures to be performed. [0029] Preferably, the present invention may include a step of defining at least one of an altitude, a direction and a field of view of the image capture. [0030] Preferably, a plurality of costs for performing the image capture by a plurality of different image capture suppliers may be determined. [0031] Preferably, the order may be requested of one of the plurality of image capture suppliers determined to provide a lowest cost for performing the image capture. [0032] Preferably, after the image capture of the feature of interest has been performed by the image capture supplier, the computerised system may be configured for displaying the image capture of the feature of interest over the map on the electronic display. [0033] Preferably, the computerised system may include an electronic messaging system configured for at least one of communicating an order for request of an image capture to be performed by an image capture supplier, and, for communicating availability of the image capture after the image capture has been performed.

[0034] In a further broad form, the present invention provides a computerised system for ordering an image capture of a feature of interest in a geographic region, the system including: an electronic display for displaying a map representing the geographic region; a means of drawing a representation of the feature of interest relative to the map displayed on the electronic display; a processor unit communicably connected to the electronic display, the information processor unit being configured for calculating geographic information by reference to the drawing; wherein a cost for performing the image capture is able to be determined by reference to the geographic information and an order is able to be selectively requested for performing the image capture in response to the determined cost. [0035] Preferably, the image capture may include an aerial image capture of the feature of interest in the geographic region. [0036] Preferably, the map may be generated from mapping data of a geographic information system. [0037] Preferably, the electronic display may include a graphic user interface display. [0038] Preferably, the electronic display may include an electronic display of a user terminal communicably connected to the information processor unit via the Internet. [0039] Preferably, the representation of the feature of interest may be drawn over the map displayed on the electronic display. [0040] Typically, the drawing may include a polygon representing a boundary of the feature of interest.

[0041] Preferably, the geographic information may include at least one of a set of geographic coordinates representing a location of the feature of interest, a size of an area of the feature of interest, and a distance between a location of the image capture supplier and the feature of interest. [0042] Preferably, the present invention may include a means of defining at least one of an altitude, a direction and a field of view of the image capture. [0043] Preferably, the information processor unit may be configured for determining a plurality of costs for performing the image capture by a plurality of different image capture suppliers. [0044] Preferably, the system may be configured for requesting an order of one of the plurality of image capture suppliers determined to provide a lowest cost for performing the image capture. [0045] Preferably, the system may be configured for displaying the image capture of the feature of interest over the map on the electronic display after the image capture has been performed. [0046] Preferably, the system may include an electronic messaging system configured for at least one of communicating an order for request of an image capture to be performed by an image capture supplier, and, for communicating availability of the image capture after the image capture has been performed. [0047] In a further broad form, the present invention provides a computerised system for ordering an image capture of a feature of interest in a geographic region, the system including: an electronic display for displaying a map representing the geographic region; a means of drawing a representation of at least one camera position relative to the map displayed on the electronic display from which the feature of interest is to be image captured; a processor unit communicably connected to the electronic display, the information processor unit being configured for calculating geographic information by reference to the drawing; wherein a cost for performing the image capture is able to be determined by reference to the geographic information and an order is able to be selectively requested for performing the image capture in response to the determined cost. [0048] Preferably, the present invention may include a means of drawing a representation of the feature of interest to be image captured relative to the displayed map. [0049] Preferably, the image capture may include an aerial image capture of the feature of interest in the geographic region. [0050] Preferably, the map may be generated from mapping data of a geographic information system. [0051] Preferably, the electronic display may include a graphic user interface display. [0052] Typically, the electronic display may include an electronic display of a user terminal communicably connected to the information processor unit via the Internet. [0053] Preferably, the representation of the at least one camera position and/or the feature of interest may be drawn over the map displayed on the electronic display. [0054] Preferably, the geographic information may include at least one of a set of geographic coordinates representing a location of the at least one camera position of the feature of interest, a number of camera positions drawn on the displayed map, a distance between a location of an image capture supplier and the at least one camera positions, and a number of image captures to be performed.

[0055] Preferably, the present invention may include a means of defining at least one of an altitude, a direction and a field of view of the image capture. [0056] Preferably, the information processor unit may be configured for determining a plurality of costs for performing the image capture by a plurality of different image capture suppliers. [0057] Preferably, the system may be configured for requesting an order of one of the plurality of image capture suppliers determined to provide a lowest cost for performing the image capture. [0058] Preferably, the system may be configured for displaying the image capture of the feature of interest over the map on the electronic display after the image capture of the feature of interest has been performed. [0059] Preferably, the system may include an electronic messaging system configured for at least one of communicating an order for request of an image capture to be performed by an image capture supplier, and, for communicating availability of the image capture after the image capture has been performed. [0060] In a further broad form, the present invention provides a processor unit communicably connected to an electronic display and an input means: the electronic display being configured for displaying a map representing a geographic region; the input means being configured for drawing a representation of the feature of interest relative to the map displayed on the electronic display; and the information processor unit being configured for calculating geographic information by reference to the drawing; wherein a cost for performing an image capture of the feature of interest is able to be determined by reference to the geographic information and an order is able to be selectively requested for performing the image capture in response to the determined cost.

[0061] In a further broad form, the present invention provides an electronic display communicably connected to an input means and a processor unit: the electronic display being configured for displaying a map representing a geographic region; the input means being configured for drawing a representation of a feature of interest relative to the map displayed on the electronic display; and the information processor unit being configured for calculating geographic information by reference to the drawing; wherein a cost for performing an image capture of the feature of interest is able to be determined by reference to the geographic information and an order is able to be selectively requested for performing the image capture in response to the determined cost. [0062] Advantageously, the present invention may assist in providing a more efficient and user-friendly system and method for communicating the boundary of a feature of interest in the geographic region to be image captured which may alleviate the inconvenience, inefficiency and relative inaccuracies associated with manually defining the feature of interest in terms of geographic coordinates, street names and other geographic information. [0063] Also advantageously, the present invention may provide a single interface via which an order request for an image capture of a feature of interest may be automatically implemented. That is, a user may conveniently graphically select the feature of interest using a single graphical user-interface whereby the subsequent steps involved in determining the real-world parameters of the feature of interest and calculation of a cost for performing the image capture are able to be automatically implemented, communicated, and confirmed for order by a user, as required. Brief Description of the Drawings [0064] The present invention will become more fully understood from the following detailed description of a preferred but non-limiting embodiment thereof, described in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein: [0065] Figure 1 shows a computerised system in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. [0066] Figure 2 shows a flowchart of method steps in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. [0067] Figure 3 shows a web browser interface displaying a GIS mapping data representing a geographic region in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention. [0068] Figure 4 shows the web browser interface in which a mouse pointer is positioned around the feature of interest within the geographic region that the user wishes to image capture, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention. [0069] Figure 5 shows the web browser interface in which the user has used the mouse pointer to draw a polygon defining a boundary of the feature of interest to be image captured, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention. [0070] Figure 6 shows the web browser interface in which the user has selectably overlayed the captured image data over the GIS mapping data, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention. [0071] Figure 7 shows the web browser interface in which the captured image data is zoomed in, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention. [0072] Figure 8 shows the mouse pointer positioned over the toolbar to activate a control button which places the web browser interface in a mode to select the feature of interest to be image captured, in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention. [0073] Figure 9 shows the feature of interest after a selection has been made which is represented by a circular-shaped icon on the GIS mapping data, in accordance with the further embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] Figure 10 shows the mouse pointer positioned over the toolbar to activate a control button which places the web browser interface in a mode to select the camera locations from which the feature of interest is to be image captured, in accordance with the further embodiment of the present invention. [0075] Figurel1 shows a first camera location after a selection has been made which is represented by a flag icon on the GIS mapping data, in accordance with the further embodiment of the present invention. [0076] Figure12 shows three separate camera locations after all camera selections have been made which are represented by three separate flag icons on the GIS mapping data, in accordance with the further embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments [0077] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described herein with reference to Figs. 1 to 12. The preferred embodiment includes a computerised system (1) for use in ordering an image capture (e.g. aerial photographic images) of a particular feature of interest within a geographic region. By way of example, the geographic region could include a city and the feature of interest could include a university campus covering several blocks of the cityscape. Alternatively, the geographic region could include a rural region and the feature of interest could include parcel of land within the rural region. The capture of such images may be commonly required for a various commercial reasons including by surveyors and town planners to provide updated mapping data of roads, building and other structures, or, to provide aerial information for mineral exploration and mining. In this presently described embodiment, image captures consist of aerial photographs, however it would be appreciated that in alternative embodiments any other type of image capture may be ordered including land-based photographs. Moreover, the image captures may be captured by either stationery image capture devices or mobile image capture devices. Also, whilst in this embodiment, image captures are described in terms of photographic images, in alternative embodiments, image captures may include the capture images representing other aspects including weather/climate-related information (e.g. barometric pressure, temperature, humidity, wind speed etc), altitude, gradient, and so on.

[0078] Referring to Fig. 1, the computerised system (1) includes an electronic display (2a) of an end-user terminal (2) operated by potential customers requiring image captures, an information processor unit (3) which for instance could be any suitably configured off-the shelf type computer server, a graphical information system (GIS) server (4) containing publicly accessible GIS mapping information representing various real-world geographic images and associated information, and communication interfaces of various image capture suppliers (5) (e.g. aerial photography service providers) which are all communicably connected via the Internet (6) or any other fixed or mobile communication network. Whilst the functional operation of the computerised system will be described herein with reference to the information processor unit (3), end-user terminal and various other servers, it should be appreciated that functional operations described herein may be implemented in any number of varying configurations such as via a centralised server configuration, or, via a clustered server configuration for performing the functionality of this embodiment. [0079] The preferred embodiment described hereafter will generally refer to only a single electronic display (2a) of a single end-user terminal (2) for ease of illustration of operation of the preferred embodiment only. However, it is envisaged that multiple users spread geographically over a large area will be communicably connected to other elements of the computerised system (1) in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention. [0080] The electronic display (2a) is a graphical user interface of an end-user terminal (2). In operation, the electronic display (2a) enables a user to select and view GIS mapping data representing different geographic regions thereon as provided by the GIS system. An example of a suitable GIS mapping system which may be used includes Google Maps. The mapping data from Google Maps is accessed via the Internet from the GIS server and is displayed via a web browser interface (7) running on the end-user electronic display (2a). An example of the web browser interface (7) which is implemented in accordance with preferred embodiments is shown in Figs. 3 to 12 and will be referred to in greater detail further below. [0081] The preferred embodiment computerised system (1) works integrally with the GIS mapping system such that it is configured to import GIS mapping data from the GIS server into the web browser interface (7) via the Internet, and, various image captures performed as a result of ordering through the computerised system (1) can also be selectably accessed and overlayed over the GIS mapping data displayed on the end user terminal (2) electronic display (2a), as required. The computerised system (1) may be also configured to access and collate together other types of mapping data from multiple sources for viewing on the web-browser interface (7) of the end user terminal (2) apart from GIS mapping data from Google maps. Such other types of mapping data may include weather/climate mapping data from a meteorological server, geological mapping data from a mining research company server, real estate information from a proprietary real estate server, population density mapping data from a government research server, all of which may also be imported from other servers and collated for display on the web browser interface (7) in combination with the mapping data of a GIS system such as Google Maps. The web browser interface (7) may typically be configured to provide a toolbar (7a) including navigation controls to scroll horizontally and vertically through different GIS mapping pages, zooming in and out of different GIS mapping pages, as well as toggling through different layers of GIS mapping information which may represent various types of information concerning a given GIS map such as satellite view, traffic view, elevation, population density and so on. [0082] When a user requires an image capture of a particular feature of interest within a geographic region, the relevant mapping data of the geographic region is first accessed and displayed by the user via the web browser interface (7). Figure 3 shows an example map represented by GIS mapping data of Google Maps and the step of displaying the geographic region on the user's electronic display (2a) is represented by block 10 in Fig. 2. Thereafter, the user is able to graphically select the specific feature of interest within the geographic region represented by the mapping data by using a mouse to draw, trace, mark or otherwise define the feature of interest within the geographic region represented by the mapping data on the electronic display (2a). The step of defining the feature of interest is represented by block 20 in Fig. 2. In certain embodiments, the electronic display (2a) could be a touchscreen display which enables a user to interact directly with the mapping data displayed thereon by graphically drawing the feature of interest without use of a mouse or other external input device. This may be particularly useful should the computerised system (1) be accessed via a touchscreen display of a smartphone and the like. [0083] Referring to Fig. 4, the user will first position the mouse pointer (9) over the GIS mapping data displayed on the electronic display (2a) around the area where the feature of interest will be defined. The mouse pointer (9) is then controlled by the user to draw a polygon (8) over the mapping data displayed on the electronic display (2a), whereby the polygon (8) defines a boundary of the feature of interest to be image captured. In this example, the feature of interest comprises a sub-region of the GIS mapping data representing a university campus in a cityscape. This graphical selection of the feature of interest conveniently obviates the need for the user to tediously define the feature of interest by inputting specific and detailed sets of geographic coordinates which may be not readily known or accessible by the user, inputting street names which may also not be readily known or otherwise may be subject to inconsistency/variation in naming syntax, as well susceptibility to typographical errors during inputting of such descriptive details by a user. [0084] When the user is satisfied that the polygon (8) drawn on the map suitably defines the feature of interest - the user may confirm this selection by actuating a "confirm" control button disposed on the web browser interface (7). In these preferred embodiments, the web browser interface (7) is configured such that when the user double-clicks on any part of the area within the graphically selected polygon, confirmation is provided and data representing the user-defined polygon (8) drawing and the GIS mapping data representing the geographic region, is communicated to the information processor unit (3) via the Internet. [0085] The information processor unit (3) may readily determine real-world geographic information based on the shape, dimensions and other defining characteristics of the user defined drawing, the spatial relationship between the user-defined drawing and the GIS mapping data, as well as pre-stored reference information which may serve as a reference point in extracting/extrapolating real-world geographic information. The pre-stored reference information could for instance include information relating as to how real-world geographic coordinates, information relating to the scaling factor of GIS mapping data, and other real world geographic information that is encoded in the particular GIS system being used. Such geographic information can then be used to calculate the costs that would be charged by each of the various image capture suppliers (5) to perform the image capture of the feature of interest. [0086] The geographic information determined by the information processor unit (3) includes real-world geographic coordinates representing the feature of interest, the magnitude of the area covered by the feature of interest, as well as distance(s) between the feature of interest and each of the various image capture suppliers (5) which may be selectively requested to perform the image capture based on the calculated costing(s). The distance between the feature of interest and each of the various image capture suppliers (5) would of course require pre-stored information regarding the location of each of the image capture suppliers (5). The step of determining the geographic information based on the user-defined drawing is represented by block 30 in Fig. 2. [0087] Once the geographic information is determined, the information processor unit (3) then calculates the costs that each of the various image capture suppliers (5) will charge for performing the image capture by reference to the geographic information. These calculated costs are based upon predetermined costing algorithms in respect of each of the various image capture suppliers (5) that are also pre-stored by the information processor unit (3) and which each of the image capture suppliers (5) may periodically update. Costing algorithms may vary amongst the various image capture suppliers (5) depending on many commercial factors including the resources required to perform the image capture, the quality of image capture services provided, aircraft running costs based on the time and flight distance for performing the aerial photography, taxes, peak-hour and off-peak rates depending upon flight times of the aircraft and so on. The step of calculating the costs for each of the image capture suppliers (5) performing the image capture based on the determined geographic information is represented by block 40 in Fig. 2. [0088] The computerised system (1) also includes an electronic messaging system (not shown) which is configured to automatically communicate a notification from the information processor unit (3) to the user as to the lowest calculated cost for performing the image capture. The notification could be presented to the user via the web browser interface (7) running on the end-user terminal (2), or alternatively, could be communicated via an email, SMS (Short Message Service) or any other suitable electronic messaging platform. The user is able to selectably confirm acceptance of image capture having the lowest calculated cost by pressing a "confirm" button disposed on the web browser interface (7) whereby an acceptance signal is sent back to the information processor unit (3) via the electronic messaging system. The step of the information processor unit (3) automatically communicating the lowest calculated cost for performing the image capture to the user, and, the confirmation provided by the user, is represented by block 50 in Fig. 2. [0089] Upon receiving the acceptance signal from the user, the information processor unit (3) is configured to automatically communicate an order request to the relevant image capture supplier via the electronic messaging system. The order request could include confirmatory details of the geographic coordinates of the feature of interest to be image captured, requested delivery time for the image capture and so on. The step of the information processor unit (3) automatically communicating the order request to the selected image capture supplier is represented by block 60 in Fig. 2. [0090] The information processor unit (3) is also configured to serve as a purchase transaction server such that in certain embodiments, the user may be prompted to effect payment of the costs before the order request is sent. The information processor unit (3) could be suitably configured to run any number of off-the-shelf type online purchase transaction systems as an integrated module of the computerised system (1) such that the user can effect payment for the cost of performing the image capture via the web browser interface (7). [0091] Once the image capture supplier has performed the requested image capture, it uploads the image capture data to the information processor unit (3) via the electronic messaging system. Upon uploading of the image capture data to the information processor unit (3), the information processor unit (3) is configured to automatically communicate a notification to the user via the electronic messaging system that the image capture has been completed and is now available for viewing via the web browser interface (7). The notification could include an icon or a thumbnail displayed over the GIS mapping data indicating that the requested image capture has been completed. The icon or thumbnail can be configured as an active element such that clicking on the icon or thumbnail results in retrieval of the image capture data from the information processor unit (3) and properly sized and positioned display of the captured image over the relevant GIS mapping data. Again, the notification of completion and availability of the requested image capture could alternatively be communicated to the user via other means such as email, SMS or other suitably configured communications protocols and platforms. When the user next utilises the GIS mapping data on its web browser, the web browser allows selectable overlaying of the image captured data over the GIS mapping data to display the newly captured image. The step of the image capture supplier uploading the captured image data to the information processor unit (3) and the information processor unit (3) automatically communicating a notification to the relevant user that the image capture is now available for viewing via the user's web browser interface (7) is represented by block 70 in Fig. 2. Referring to Fig. 6, when the user clicks on the icon indicating that the image capture has been completed and is now available, the image capture data is loaded by the web browser interface (7) and overlayed over the GIS mapping data in the appropriate size and position on the map. Figure 7 shows the image capture in zoomed in mode. [0092] The information processor unit (3) also stores all image captures into a central database. All users may access image captures stored in the database, even image captures which have been requested by other users. [0093] In alternative embodiments of the present invention a user need not necessarily be presented with only the lowest calculated cost for performing the image capture. The user may be presented with more expansive information in the form of a table comparing all calculated costs of the various image capture suppliers (5) together with other information for instance, the estimated time for completion of the image capture, the quality of resolution of images to be captured, and other services or attributes of the images that will be captured. Accordingly, the lowest cost need not necessarily be the determining factor for the user in deciding upon which image capture supplier to utilise in performing the image capture. The computerised system (1) is therefore able to be configured to allow the user to select from any one of the image capture suppliers (5) so that an appropriate order request can be sent to the desired image capture supplier. [0094] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the computerised system (1) is configured to allow a user to view GIS mapping data representing a geographic region on a web browser interface (7) running on the electronic display (2a) of the end-user terminal (2). Referring to Figs. 8 to 12, both a feature of interest to be image captured, and, one or more camera locations from which the user wishes to capture images of the feature of interest, can be graphically selected on the GIS mapping data using the web browser interface control toolbar (7a) and mouse pointer (9). The control toolbar (7a) provides a control button (7b) to toggle the web browser interface (7) into a first selection mode whereby the feature of interest is to be defined on the GIS mapping data, and, another control button (7c) which toggles the web browser interface (7) into a second selection mode whereby different camera locations from which the feature of interest are to be captured can be selected. [0095] Referring to Fig. 8, the first mode is toggled on when the user clicks on the feature of interest selection mode control button (7b). Thereafter, the mouse pointer (9) can be positioned over the GIS mapping data and used to graphically select the feature of interest which is marked by a circular-shaped symbol (10) representing the feature of interest as shown in Fig. 9. Referring to Fig. 10, the second mode is subsequently toggled on when the user clicks on the camera location(s) selection mode control button (7c). Thereafter, the user maneuvers the mouse pointer (9) over the GIS mapping data to graphically select different camera locations from which the feature of interest is required to be image captured. When the camera location(s) are graphically selected on the GIS mapping data, each of the selected camera locations are marked by flags (11) as shown in Figs. 11 and 12. [0096] For each camera location that is graphically selected, other requested attributes and characteristics of the image capture to be taken from each selected camera location can be specified by the user inputting such attributes via the web browser interface (7). Such attributes may include an altitude, a direction, a field of view, and a type of image capture to be taken from each selected camera location. By way of example, the type of image capture could include choice of black and white or colour photographs, infra-red photographs, and so on. The specific attributes or characteristics of the image capture to be taken from each camera location can be inputted by clicking on the relevant flag symbols (11) marked on the GIS mapping data whereby the flags (11) are active elements on the web page interface which when clicked allow entry of such additional requested attributes and characteristics. [0097] Data representing the selected feature of interest, the selected camera location(s), the requested image capture attributes for each camera location(s), as well as the GIS mapping data are communicated to the information processor unit (3) via the Internet so as to determine geographic information required to calculate costs for capturing the requested image(s). The method steps for performing this alternative embodiment may again be broadly represented by the flowchart of Fig. 2 except that block 20 may be taken to represent the selection of the camera location(s) and defining of camera settings, in contrast to the first embodiment. [0098] Selection of an image capture supplier to perform the image capture, as well as communication of the image capture order request, notification of completion of the image capture, as well as purchase transaction functionality may be implemented in similar fashion as described above in respect of other embodiments of the present invention.

[0099] In the preferred embodiments, user data relating to order requests sent to image capture suppliers (5) are able to be saved and retrieved as required by relevant users. Such user data can be stored in a data store of the information processor unit (3) and may be conveniently re-used for subsequent image capture order request in future. [0100] Also, in the preferred embodiments, the computerised system (1) is configured to operate in real-time such that the real-time availability of each image capture supplier is monitored by the information processor unit (3) in real-time and any unavailable image capture suppliers (5) at any given time are disregarded from inclusion in cost calculations presented to the end user. Alternatively, the computerised system (1) could be configured to allow the end user to re-negotiate a different time for effecting/completing a proposed image capture with a currently unavailable image capture suppliers (5). [0101] With increasing accessibility and usage in commercial applications, unmanned remotely-controlled drone type aircraft are becoming more widely used to conduct aerial photography of geographic regions. The computerised system (1) of the preferred embodiments are able to be configured to be interfaced and updated with real-time information of drone activity including current geographic position, flight path, image capture capabilities, remaining flight time resources and so on which can be processed in real-time by the information processor unit (3) in determining availability to carry out a proposed image capture as well as costs for performing the image capture. Such information could be "pushed" to the information processor unit (3) from servers of the image capture suppliers (5) in real-time. For instance, a drone detected to be in action nearest the vicinity of a given geographic region where an image capture of a feature of interest is requested by a user, may, if it has the resources to do so, be remotely instructed to perform the image capture according to the user specifications. Updated statuses of each drone can thereafter be updated into the information processor unit (3) either directly from the drones via a satellite or terrestrial communication network. [0102] Revenue streams may be generated through operation of this embodiment of the present invention in any number of ways including for instance by applying a license fee for accessing and using the computerised system (1) via the web browser interface (7), through charging of advertising fees for advertisements which may be displayed on the web browser interface (7), through commissions charged to image capture suppliers (5) based on their charges for performing image captures and so on.

[0103] The term "feature of interest within the geographic region" and any like terms are taken to include, by way of example, natural or man-made land formations, parcels of land, parks, roads, tourist attractions, buildings, monuments, bridges and other structures. [0104] It will be appreciated from the above description that many of the processes which have previously been performed manually may be performed with a greater degree of automation. In this way, the costs associated with ordering image captures of various geographic features can be greatly reduced. Additionally, the opportunities for error, which are introduced in an overwhelmingly manual system, may be greatly reduced through use of an automated system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0105] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described without departing from the scope of the invention. All such variations and modification which become apparent to persons skilled in the art, should be considered to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as broadly hereinbefore described. It is to be understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications. The invention also includes all of the steps and features, referred or indicated in the specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any two or more of said steps or features. [0106] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

Claims (54)

1. A method of ordering an image capture of a feature of interest in a geographic region, the method being operable using a computerised system having an electronic display communicably connected to a processor unit, the method including the steps of: (i) displaying a map representing the geographic region on the electronic display; (ii) drawing a representation of the feature of interest relative to the displayed map; and (iii) the information processor unit calculating geographic information by reference to the drawing; wherein a cost for performing the image capture is able to be determined by reference to the geographic information and an order is able to be selectively requested for performing the image capture in response to the determined cost.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the image capture includes an aerial image capture of the feature of interest in the geographic region.

3. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the map is generated from mapping data of a geographic information system.

4. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the electronic display includes a graphic user interface display.

5. A method as claimed in claims any one of the preceding claims wherein the electronic display includes an electronic display of a user terminal communicably connected to the information processor unit via the Internet.

6. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the step of drawing the representation of the feature of interest relative to the displayed map includes drawing the representation of the feature of interest over the map displayed on the electronic display.

7. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the drawing includes a polygon representing a boundary of the feature of interest.

8. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the geographic information includes at least one of a set of geographic coordinates representing a location of the feature of interest, a size of an area of the feature of interest, and a distance between a location of the image capture supplier and the feature of interest.

9. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims including a step of defining at least one of an altitude, a direction and a field of view of the image capture.

10. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a plurality of costs for performing the image capture by a plurality of different image capture suppliers are determined.

11. A method as claimed in claim 10 wherein the order is requested of one of the plurality of image capture suppliers determined to provide a lowest cost for performing the image capture.

12. A method as claimed in claim 11 wherein after the image capture of the feature of interest has been performed by the image capture supplier, the computerised system is configured for displaying the image capture of the feature of interest over the map on the electronic display.

13. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the computerised system includes an electronic messaging system configured for at least one of communicating an order for request of an image capture to be performed by an image capture supplier, and, for communicating availability of the image capture after the image capture has been performed.

14. A method of ordering an image capture of a feature of interest in a geographic region, the method being operable using a computerised system having an electronic display communicably connected to a processor unit, the method including the steps of: (i) displaying a map representing the geographic region on the electronic display; (ii) drawing a representation of at least one camera position relative to the displayed map from which the feature of interest is to be image captured; and (iii) the information processor unit calculating geographic information by reference to the drawing; wherein a cost for performing the image capture is able to be determined by reference to the geographic information and an order is able to be selectively requested for performing the image capture in response to the determined cost.

15. A method as claimed in claim 14 including a step of drawing a representation of the feature of interest to be image captured relative to the displayed map.

16. A method as claimed in claims 14 or 15 wherein the image capture includes an aerial image capture of the feature of interest in the geographic region.

17 A method as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 16 wherein the map is generated from mapping data of a geographic information system.

18. A method as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 17 wherein the electronic display includes a graphic user interface display.

19. A method as claimed in claims any one of claims 14 to 18 wherein the electronic display includes an electronic display of a user terminal communicably connected to the information processor unit via the Internet.

20. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the representation of the at least one camera position and/or the feature of interest are drawn over the map displayed on the electronic display.

21. A method as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 20 wherein the geographic information includes at least one of a set of geographic coordinates representing a location of the at least one camera position of the feature of interest, a number of camera positions drawn on the displayed map, a distance between a location of an image capture supplier and the at least one camera positions, and a number of image captures to be performed.

22. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims including a step of defining at least one of an altitude, a direction and a field of view of the image capture.

23. A method as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 22 wherein a plurality of costs for performing the image capture by a plurality of different image capture suppliers are determined.

24. A method as claimed in claim 23 wherein the order is requested of one of the plurality of image capture suppliers determined to provide a lowest cost for performing the image capture.

25. A method as claimed in claim 24 wherein after the image capture of the feature of interest has been performed by the image capture supplier, the computerised system is configured for displaying the image capture of the feature of interest over the map on the electronic display.

26. A method as claimed in any one claims 14 to 25 wherein the computerised system includes an electronic messaging system configured for at least one of communicating an order for request of an image capture to be performed by an image capture supplier, and, for communicating availability of the image capture after the image capture has been performed.

27. A computerised system for ordering an image capture of a feature of interest in a geographic region, the system including: an electronic display for displaying a map representing the geographic region; a means of drawing a representation of the feature of interest relative to the map displayed on the electronic display; a processor unit communicably connected to the electronic display, the information processor unit being configured for calculating geographic information by reference to the drawing; wherein a cost for performing the image capture is able to be determined by reference to the geographic information and an order is able to be selectively requested for performing the image capture in response to the determined cost.

28. A system as claimed in claim 27 wherein the image capture includes an aerial image capture of the feature of interest in the geographic region.

29. A system as claimed in any one of claims 27 or 28 wherein the map is generated from mapping data of a geographic information system.

30. A system as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 29 wherein the electronic display includes a graphic user interface display.

31. A system as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 30 wherein the electronic display includes an electronic display of a user terminal communicably connected to the information processor unit via the Internet.

32. A system as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 31 wherein the representation of the feature of interest is drawn over the map displayed on the electronic display.

33. A system as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 32 wherein the drawing includes a polygon representing a boundary of the feature of interest.

34. A system as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 33 wherein the geographic information includes at least one of a set of geographic coordinates representing a location of the feature of interest, a size of an area of the feature of interest, and a distance between a location of the image capture supplier and the feature of interest.

35. A system as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 34 including a means of defining at least one of an altitude, a direction and a field of view of the image capture.

36. A system as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 35 wherein the information processor unit is configured for determining a plurality of costs for performing the image capture by a plurality of different image capture suppliers.

37. A system as claimed in claim 36 wherein the system is configured for requesting an order of one of the plurality of image capture suppliers determined to provide a lowest cost for performing the image capture.

38. A system as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 37 wherein the system is configured for displaying the image capture of the feature of interest over the map on the electronic display after the image capture has been performed.

39. A system as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 38 wherein the system includes an electronic messaging system configured for at least one of communicating an order for request of an image capture to be performed by an image capture supplier, and, for communicating availability of the image capture after the image capture has been performed.

40. A computerised system for ordering an image capture of a feature of interest in a geographic region, the system including: an electronic display for displaying a map representing the geographic region; a means of drawing a representation of at least one camera position relative to the map displayed on the electronic display from which the feature of interest is to be image captured; a processor unit communicably connected to the electronic display, the information processor unit being configured for calculating geographic information by reference to the drawing; wherein a cost for performing the image capture is able to be determined by reference to the geographic information and an order is able to be selectively requested for performing the image capture in response to the determined cost.

41. A system as claimed in claim 40 including a means of drawing a representation of the feature of interest to be image captured relative to the displayed map.

42. A system as claimed in claims 40 or 41 wherein the image capture includes an aerial image capture of the feature of interest in the geographic region.

43 A system as claimed in any one of claims 40 to 42 wherein the map is generated from mapping data of a geographic information system.

44. A system as claimed in any one of claims 40 to 43 wherein the electronic display includes a graphic user interface display.

45. A system as claimed in claims any one of claims 40 to 44 wherein the electronic display includes an electronic display of a user terminal communicably connected to the information processor unit via the Internet.

46. A system as claimed in any one of claims 40 to 45 wherein the representation of the at least one camera position and/or the feature of interest are drawn over the map displayed on the electronic display.

47. A system as claimed in any one of claims 40 to 46 wherein the geographic information includes at least one of a set of geographic coordinates representing a location of the at least one camera position of the feature of interest, a number of camera positions drawn on the displayed map, a distance between a location of an image capture supplier and the at least one camera positions, and a number of image captures to be performed.

48. A system as claimed in any one of claims 40 to 47 including a means of defining at least one of an altitude, a direction and a field of view of the image capture.

49. A system as claimed in any one of claims 40 to 48 wherein the information processor unit is configured for determining a plurality of costs for performing the image capture by a plurality of different image capture suppliers.

50. A system as claimed in claim 49 wherein the system is configured for requesting an order of one of the plurality of image capture suppliers determined to provide a lowest cost for performing the image capture.

51. A system as claimed in claim 50 wherein the system is configured for displaying the image capture of the feature of interest over the map on the electronic display after the image capture of the feature of interest has been performed.

52. A system as claimed in any one claims 40 to 51 wherein the system includes an electronic messaging system configured for at least one of communicating an order for request of an image capture to be performed by an image capture supplier, and, for communicating availability of the image capture after the image capture has been performed.

53. A processor unit communicably connected to an electronic display and an input means: the electronic display being configured for displaying a map representing a geographic region; the input means being configured for drawing a representation of the feature of interest relative to the map displayed on the electronic display; and the information processor unit being configured for calculating geographic information by reference to the drawing; wherein a cost for performing an image capture of the feature of interest is able to be determined by reference to the geographic information and an order is able to be selectively requested for performing the image capture in response to the determined cost.

54. An electronic display communicably connected to an input means and a processor unit: the electronic display being configured for displaying a map representing a geographic region; the input means being configured for drawing a representation of a feature of interest relative to the map displayed on the electronic display; and the information processor unit being configured for calculating geographic information by reference to the drawing; wherein a cost for performing an image capture of the feature of interest is able to be determined by reference to the geographic information and an order is able to be selectively requested for performing the image capture in response to the determined cost.