GB2412521A

GB2412521A - Photo booth transmitting images to remote image processing device

Info

Publication number: GB2412521A
Application number: GB0406576A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jonathan Robert Portus
Original assignee: Integrex Ltd
Current assignee: Integrex Ltd
Priority date: 2004-03-24
Filing date: 2004-03-24
Publication date: 2005-09-28
Also published as: GB0406576D0

Abstract

A photo booth comprises a camera 4 and a transmitter (16, Figure 1) for sending images to a remote image processing device (20, Figure 1), including a receiver, printer and image memory (22, 24, 26, Figure 1); transmission may be wireless or via cable. The photo kiosk or booth also includes a user interface keyboard 30, card payment panel 32 and flash illumination lighting 6. The receiving image processing device may also have a central server. The camera, transmitter and user interface device may have respective processors. The camera may be height adjustable. Plural photo booths may transmit images to a single remote image processing and printing device, removing the need for replenishing print supplies at the individual photo booth terminals, and allowing smaller photo booths, without on site printers, to be used.

Description

1 2412521 Photo Booth Arrangement The present invention relates to photo

booth arrangements. More particularly, but not exclusively, photo booth arrangements suitable for producing ID photographs.

Current photo booth arrangements often incorporate a printer which can develop and print photographs inside the photo booth. The printing and developing process may take several minutes and the user must wait by the photo booth until the photographs are ready focollection. The printers often require a great deal of maintenance and servicing which can be expensive. Also the printers' supply of paper and ink needs to be restocked regularly. The printers are generally bulky and increase the size of the photo booth arrangement.

Current photo booth arrangements also generally incorporate a payment panel for receiving coins. This payment panel needs to be kept stocked with change and emptied regularly. Such payments panels often require regular maintenance which can be expensive.

Also typical photo booth arrangements are not suitable for use for wheelchair users. There is not usually room for a wheelchair inside the booth. In the cases where a wheelchair can fit inside the booth the camera is often too high for a wheelchair user to produce a photograph suitable for use as an ID photograph.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a photo booth arrangement comprising a camera and a transmitter for transmitting images to an image processing device at a remote location.

The photo booth arrangement may comprise a user interface device, which may be for inputting details by the user.

The photo booth arrangement may comprise illumination means. The illumination means may be for improving the quality of the image in poor lighting conditions. The illumination means may be an attachment to the camera that produces a flash of light.

The image processing device is preferably a computerized receiving device which may comprise a central server. The image processing device may include a printer for printing the images so that they can be delivered to an address specified by the user. The image processing device may comprise storage means for storing the images so that they can be used at a later date.

The transmitter for transmitting the images may be connected to the image processing device via a communication link. The communication link may be a cable, for example, a telephone land line. Alternatively the communication link may be wireless for example a radio communication link.

Preferably the photo booth arrangement comprises processing means which may be associated with the camera and/or the transmitter and/or the user interface. The user interface device may be arranged to enter details of the user to the processing means.

In one embodiment the processing means may comprise a main processor. In another embodiment, the processing means may comprise a plurality of processors. A processor may be associated with one or more of the camera, the transmitter and the user interface device. Preferably each one of the camera, the transmitter and the user interface device is associated with at least one processor.

The user interface device may comprise a keyboard. The keyboard may have keys which can be used by the user to input information into the processor.

The information which the user enters into the processor could be, for instance, the address to which the images are to be delivered, the user's choice of language or product or the user's selection of image.

The photo booth arrangement may comprise visual display means which may be a visual display unit. The processing means may be associated with the visual display means. The visual display means may comprise a screen which allows the user to view the information entered into the user interface device.

The visual display means may also allow the user to view images before making a selection of their preferred image. The visual display means may comprise a touch sensitive surface which may be part of the user input device. The user may be able to select options and enter information using the touch sensitive screen. In one embodiment the main processor may be associated with the visual display means. In an alternative embodiment the visual display means may be associated with a separate processor.

The photo booth arrangement may also comprise payment receiving means which may be associated with the processing means. The payment receiving means may comprise a payment panel for receiving payment, for example, a token, a ticket or a coin. In another embodiment the payment receiving means may comprise means for receiving a credit or debit card and reading information from it. The payment receiving means may also incorporate an identification input means. The identification input means may have keys for entering a pin number or password to authorise payment from the credit or debit card. The keys of the identification input means may also be used to enter information which could authorise some other method of payment, for instance, cellular reverse billing.

In a further embodiment the photo booth arrangement may comprise height adjustment means for adjusting the height of the camera. The height adjustment means may be a slide mechanism. In one embodiment the height adjustment means may also comprise control members to allow the user to adjust the height of the camera themselves. In one embodiment the control members may be handles. In another embodiment the height adjustment means may comprise control means to be electronically controlled by, for example, the user interface device and the processing means.

The photo booth arrangement may also comprise background providing means for providing a suitable background for the image. The background providing means may be a physical background, for instance a screen or a curtain, which can be pulled around the user. Alternatively the background providing means may comprise a background processing device which can digitally provide the aforesaid background. The processing device may form part of the processing means. Alternatively the background processing device may form part of the image processing device at a remote location.

The photo booth arrangement may also comprise apparatus for focussing the image. The image may be out of focus if, for instance, the user is too close to the camera. The focussing apparatus may comprise a lens of the camera which can be moved. The focussing apparatus may also comprise a digital analysing means which may analyse the image and from that analysis determines the position of the camera lens which gives the best focused image. In an alternative embodiment the focusing apparatus may comprise an optical device for determining the optimum position of the camera lens. The optical device may comprise an infra red beam and sensor. The sensor may be able to detect the reflection of the infra red beam to give an indication of the position of the user relative to the camera. The optical device may then make the camera lens move into the optimal position.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a system for producing photographs comprising a photo booth arrangement as described above, a receiver for receiving the images situated at a remote location, and a device for processing the images also situated at a remote location.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which; Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a photo booth arrangement according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a specific embodiment of the invention; Fig. 3 is a flow chart for an example of how to use the specific embodiment; Fig. 4 shows a camera unit of a second embodiment of the invention; Fig. 5 shows the second embodiment of the invention in use; Fig. 6 shows the second embodiment of the invention in use by a wheelchair user.

Referring to Fig. 1 there is shown a schematic diagram of a photo booth arrangement 2 comprising a camera 4, illumination means 6, payment receiving means 8, a visual display means 10, a user interface device 12, a central processor 14 and a transmitter 16, which is connected via a communication link 18 to a remote image processing device 20.

The processor means 14 receives information entered using the user interface device 12, and also from the payment receiving means 8. Once payment has taken place the processing means 14 activates the camera 4 and illumination means 6 and a photograph is taken. The image produced by the camera 4 is sent to the processing means 14 where it is processed into a form suitable for transmission by the transmitter 16. The visual display means 10 can display information from the processing means 14. The transmitter 16 transmits the image to the remote image processing device 20 via the communication link 18.

In this embodiment the remote image processing device 20 comprises a receiver 22, a memory 24 and a printer 26. Once the receiver 22 receives the image it can either be stored in the memory 24 for use at a later date or printed out using the printer 26.

In Fig. 2 there is shown a specific embodiment of the photo booth arrangement 2 shown schematically in figure 1. In this particular embodiment the processing means 14, the transmitter 16 and the communication link 18 are housed inside the booth 28 and are not visible when the photo booth arrangement is in use. In this embodiment the user interface device is a keyboard 30 and the payment receiving means is a payment panel 32 positioned next to the keyboard 30. The visual display means comprises a screen 34 which is used to display instructions and information from the processing means 14 to the user. In particular embodiment the camera 4 is positioned above the screen 34. The illumination means 6 are positioned inside the booth 28 so as to illuminate the user when the camera 4 is taking a photograph.

In Fig. 3 there is shown a flow chart which gives an example of how a user might operate the specific embodiment shown in Fig. 2.

The user would begin at step 36 by using the keyboard to select a language. The processing means 14 would process the language selection so that all remaining instructions appear on the screen 34 in the selected language.

The user would then, at step 38, use the keyboard 30 to select a product from a range of products 39 offered. The range of products 39 may include, for instance, a choice of colour or black and white images or different sized images.

The screen 34 would show the selection made.

At step 40 the user would be required to make a payment. The payment would be made via the payment panel 32. In this embodiment the payment receiving means does not involve cash. Such a payment receiving means reduces the need for emptying the cash from the machine and supplying it with change. This also means that the user is not required to have the right coins or notes. The user might pay by inserting a card, for instance a credit or debit card into an aperture in the payment panel 32. The payment panel 32 would then read information from the card. To authorise payment from the card the user might be required to enter a password or pin number using the keyboard 30.

In another embodiment the user could make a payment by using only the keyboard 30. The user may key in information which the processing means 14 can use to authorise a payment. For instance the user might enter their credit or debit card details or the user could enter information to enable, for example, cellular reverse billing.

Alternatively the user might pay by feeding cash, tickets or tokens into the payment panel 32. The tickets or tokens could be purchased beforehand. The tickets or tokens may be purchased from the shop in which the photo booth arrangement 2 is situated. The photo booth arrangement 2 would have a limited storage capacity for any cash, tickets or tokens so would require maintenance to remove the cash, tickets or tokens. The cash may be stored in a container which may be sealed. The container may be replaceable by a further container which is preferably empty.

The photo booth arrangement 2 may have more than one type of payment receiving means. There may be more than one method of making a payment available to the user.

Once payment has been authorised the processor moves onto step 42 and the camera 4 takes a photograph. The illumination means 6 is used to illuminate the user to improve the quality of the image. Once a photograph has been taken the image is displayed to the user on the screen 34. At step 44 the user determines whether or not they are satisfied with the photograph. If the user is not satisfied with the image then step 42 can be repeated and another photograph is taken. The processor may allow the user a limited of number of times that step 42 can be repeated, for example five to ten times. Once the maximum number of photographs has been taken the images may be displayed on the screen 34 and the user may be given an opportunity to select their preferred image from all of the photographs which have been taken.

Once an image has been selected the user is required, at step 46, to use the keyboard 30 to enter a delivery address into the processing means 14. In this specific embodiment the address is a postal address, for instance, the user's home address or the address of the shop where the photo booth is situated.

At step 48 the user is asked whether or not they would like an additional service. This service may be storing the image for use at a later date or for application forms to be delivered to the user with the photographs. These application forms may be, for example, for passports or driving licences.

At step 50 the user confirms that they have finished. The image and the information regarding the delivery address and the additional services required are processed by the processing means 14 into a form suitable for transmission.

The user can now leave the photo booth 28 as the remaining steps which happen do not require any more user input. At step 52 the image and information is transmitted from the photo booth arrangement 2 to a remote image processing device 20.

In this embodiment the transmitter 16 transmits the images through a communication link 18. The communication link 18 is not visible when the photo booth arrangement 2 is in use. The communication link 18 may be a physical link for instance a telephone landline or DSL. Alternatively the communication link 18 may be a radio link, for instance, GSM or GPRS.

At step 54 the images are processed and delivered as the user requested.

Step 54 occurs at the remote image processing device 20. At the remote image processing device 20 the receiver 22 receives the image and other information.

Depending on the choices made by the user the printer 26 may print out the image immediately so that the photographs can be posted to the address specified by the user. Alternatively the image and information may be stored in the memory 24 and used at a later date.

There may be a plurality of photo booth arrangements 2 which can transmit images to a single remote image processing device 20. Thus a single printer 26 at a central location can replace a plurality of printers in photo booth arrangements 2 which could be located anywhere. This removes the need for replenishing the supplies of the printers at the actual photo booth arrangements 2 and could significantly reduce the maintenance costs of the printers. As the photo booth arrangements 2 no longer need to house a printer they are smaller and take up less floor space. This may be particularly advantageous in places where there is not much floor space, for instance, a shop.

Figs. 4, 5 and 6 show a second embodiment of the photo booth arrangement 2 where the height of the camera 4 can be adjusted. Fig. 4 shows a camera unit 55 comprising a camera 4, illumination means 6, a screen 34, a keyboard 30, a payment panel 32 and handles 60. The handles 60 can be used by the user to move the camera unit 55 to the height which they require. The camera 4, illumination means 6, screen 34, keyboard 30 and payment panel 32 all operate, as in the previous embodiment. The processing means 14 and the transmitter 16 are not shown. The processing means 14 and the transmitter 16 may be housed within the moveable camera unit 55 or they may be housed in a separate housing which is connected to the camera unit 55 but cannot be moved by the user.

Figs 5 and 6 show this embodiment of a photo booth arrangement 2 in use. The height adjustment means 58 allow the camera unit 55 to be moved so that users of any height can have their photographs taken. Fig 5 shows a user 62 standing up to use the photo booth arrangement 2. Fig 6 shows a user 64 in a wheel chair 66 using the photo booth arrangement 2 where the camera unit 55 has been moved to a suitable height for the user 64 in the wheelchair 66.

In this embodiment the booth comprises a curtain 56, attached to a curtain rail 57, which can be pulled around the user. As the curtain 56 can be pulled back this embodiment of a photo booth arrangement would take up much less space in a shop than a typical photo booth.

Figs 5 and 6 also show the height adjustment means 58 which allow the height of the camera unit 55 to be adjusted.

Various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, the address to which the photographs are delivered may be an email address instead of a postal address.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

1. A photo booth arrangement according to photo booth arrangement comprising a camera and a transmitter for transmitting images to an image processing device at a remote location.

2. A photo booth arrangement according to Claim 1 wherein the photo booth arrangement comprises a user interface device, which may be for inputting details by the user.

3. A photo booth arrangement according to Claim 1 or 2 wherein the photo booth arrangement comprises illumination means for improving the quality of the image in poor lighting conditions.

4. A photo booth arrangement according to Claim 3 wherein the illumination means comprises an attachment to the camera, whereby said illumination means can produce a flash of light.

5. A photo booth arrangement according to any preceding claim wherein the image processing device comprises a computerized receiving device having a central server, a printer for printing the images so that they can be delivered to an address specified by the user, and storage means for storing the images so that they can be used at a later date.

6. A photo booth arrangement according to any preceding claim wherein the transmitter for transmitting the images is connected to the image processing device via a communication link.

7. A photo booth arrangement according to Claim 6 wherein the communication link comprises a cable, or is wireless.

8. A photo booth arrangement according to any preceding claims wherein the photo booth arrangement comprises processing means associated with the camera and/or the transmitter.

9. A photo booth arrangement according to Claim 8 when dependent or ultimately dependent on Claim 2 wherein the processing means is associated with the user interface whereby the user interface device is arranged to enter details of the user to the processing means.

10. A photo booth arrangement according to Claim 8 or 9 wherein the processing means comprises a main processor, or a plurality of processors.

1 1. A photo booth arrangement according to Claim 10 wherein each one of the camera, the transmitter and the user interface device is associated with at least one respective processor.

12. A photo booth arrangement according to Claim 2 or any of Claims 3 to 11 when dependent or ultimately dependent on Claim 2 wherein the user interface device comprises a keyboard, the keyboard having keys which can be used by the user to input information into the processor.

13. A photo booth arrangement according to any of Claims 8 to 12 when dependent or ultimately dependent on Claim 8 wherein the photo booth arrangement comprises visual display means and the processing means is associated with the visual display means.

14. A photo booth arrangement according to any of Claims 8 to 13 when dependent or ultimately dependent on Claim 8 wherein the photo booth arrangement comprises payment receving means associated with the processing means.

15. A photo booth arrangement according to any preceding claim comprising height adjustment means for adjusting the height of the camera.

16. A photo booth arrangement according to any preceding claim comprising background providing means for providing a suitable background for the image.

17. A system for producing photographs comprising a photo booth arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, a receiver for receiving the images situated at a remote location, and a device for processing the images also situated at a remote location.

18. A photo booth arrangement substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

19. A system for producing photographs, said system being substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

20. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed herein, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.