WO2005009025A1

WO2005009025A1 - Photographic system

Info

Publication number: WO2005009025A1
Application number: PCT/GB2004/003043
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yehuda Hecht
Original assignee: Yehuda Hecht
Priority date: 2003-07-15
Filing date: 2004-07-14
Publication date: 2005-01-27
Also published as: GB0316469D0

Abstract

A system and method for customizing images of a client is described. The system may include: a personal details database containing a plurality of records of personal details of a plurality of clients; an input means for accepting a plurality of images of the plurality of clients; a photo image database containing the plurality of images of the plurality of clients; an image processing means for customizing the plurality of images; a photographers database containing details of a plurality of photographers; a merchants database containing details of a plurality of merchants; an output means for sending the plurality of images; and an authorization means for authorizing access to the system.

Description

PHOTOGRAPHIC SYSTEM

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to photographic system and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for customizing photographs for a customer.

[0002] Photographs of the face of an individual are widely used for identification purposes in connection with various documents such as a passport or a transportation pass. Such documents need to be carried around when they are to be used to verify the identity of the bearer. At present most photographs are adhesively attached or laminated to the document.

[0003] In general, such photographs are required to meet certain dimensional standards to ensure that the photographs fit the standard space provided on the document and to ensure that the image of the face is sufficiently large within that space.

[0004] Photographic booths are provided in public places to enable people to be photographed, but the results are often unsatisfactory for various reasons, often only one or two photographs out of a series of about six are sufficiently good representations to be usable.

[0005] Therefore, a need has arisen for a photographic identification system that has the ability to store a high quality image of a person's face and which permits copies of the image in a predetermined format to be supplied to an authorized customer to be incorporated into the body of a document.

[0006] There is also a need for other types of photographs to be customized for a customer for various other reasons.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present disclosure describes a system and method that provides customized photographs for a customer for a variety of purposes.

[0008] Therefore, in accordance with the previous summary, objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to one skilled in the art from the subsequent description and the appended claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an image storage facility;

[0011] Figure 2 is a flow diagram of one aspect of the invention;

[0012] Figure 3 is a flow chart of an authorization protocol;

[0013] Figure 4 is several images according to one aspect of the invention;

[0014] Figure 5 is an envelope according to one aspect of the invention;

[0009] Figure 6 is a collage of images according to one aspect of the invention; and

[00010] Figure 7 is a flow diagram of a mobile phone with a camera using the system of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] The present disclosure can be described by the embodiments given below. It is understood, however, that the embodiments below are not necessarily limitations to the present disclosure, but are used to describe typical implementations of the invention.

[0011] The term "subject" will he used herein where convenient to denote the person whose face has been photographed. In addition, the terms "client" and "subject" will both be used for the user of the system that is ordinarily also the subject. Furthermore, the term "photographer" is generally denoted to mean a professional photographer.

[0012] Now referring to figure 1, a block diagram is shown illustrating an image storage facility 100 and how different entities interact with that facility 100. The facility 100 includes a personal details database 102; image database 104 that contains images of subjects 120; image processing means 108 that can reformat images into the pre-determined format; a photographers database 110 that contain photographer 122 information; a merchants database 114 that contains merchant 124 information; image output means 116; image input authorization means 112 for inputting a formatted image into the image database 104, along with a subject identification code, into the corresponding image identification location; and image input means 106 for receiving a new facial image from a network connection (or from a local scanner).

[0013] The personal details database 102 contains the personal details of subjects 120 who have registered, either directly or through an agent. The personal details may include post addresses, e-mail addresses, subscription account details, and other types of personal details.

[0014] The image database 104 includes a plurality of image data store locations storing a plurality of digital facial images, each image usually in a given format (e.g. passport photograph format which specifies the aspect ratio of the frame and a specified size of the head). Each image location has a corresponding subject identification location that serves as an index to the stored images.

[0015] The image database 104 may also include digital signature storage locations for storing digital signatures verifying the authenticity of the respective stored facial images. The digital signatures can be those of a third person, such as a medical doctor, or authority that has attested to the identity of the image subject, and can be sent to an authorized person along with the facial image as evidence of the authenticity of the facial image.

[0016] The image input unit 106 is capable of accepting a new facial image and submitting the image, if required, to an image processing unit 108 which manipulates the image to fit the required format, prior to loading the formatted image into the image database 104.

[0017] The image storage facility 100 includes a photographers database 110 with photographer storage locations that store the identities of authorized professional photographers who have been granted the right to supply photographs to the image storage facility 100 for inclusion in the image database 104. The photographers database is arranged such that when an authorized photographer supplies his/her identity to the image storage facility 100, the photographer is permitted to initiate an image input procedure for loading a new image into the image data store to be associated with an image identification code, which may be supplied by the photographer, or which may be issued by the facility 100 to the customer and/or to the photographer for communication to the customer. When the photographer 122 is requested by the facility 100 to present identification, the authorization unit 112 compares the offered identification against the database 110.

[0018] The photographers database 110 may also require that the subject 120 register first before the photographer 122 is allowed to input the subject's image into the image database 104. However, the photographer 122 may also be licensed to input the subject's image and not require the subject 120 to be registered.

[0019] The merchants database 114 contains the identities of merchants 124 that have been licensed to access images from the image database 104 of the facility upon submission of a valid identification code which is tested by authorization unit 112 against stored identification codes in database 108.

[0020] The image processing means 108 preferably includes a device that examines the inputted image and measures the height and/or width of the subject's head in the image. The device can then adjust and crop the image to meet the specified format.

[0021] The image output means 116 is controlled by an output authorization means 112 for outputting a copy of a stored image from the image database 104 when the authorization means 112 has received a valid authorization signal. The image output means 116 may include a printer for printing one or more formatted facial images, which may then be sent, by a postal service or the like, to the person or organization requiring the photograph, and/or transmission means for communicating the image to a remote location 126 where the image(s) may be viewed and/or printed. Some examples of types of prints created at the remote location are collage prints, postcards, passport pictures and envelopes. The remote location 126 can also be a photo web server or other type of remote system as depicted in figure 2. The system also includes the ability to view the formatted image on-line to assist in verifying the identity of a person.

[0022] Now referring to figure 2, in another embodiment of the system, a copy of a formatted image 202 is released to a ticket-issuing assembly in order for the ticket-issuing assembly to include the image 202 in a printed ticket 200. Such a ticket 200 can be issued to the subject 206 so that when that person 206 subsequently presents the ticket 200 at an event, the ticket checker can see that the ticket holder 206 is the person shown on the ticket 200. This aspect of the system could help to avoid the re-sale of tickets 200 at inflated prices by ticket scalpers, and/or the use of stolen tickets. Figure 2 shows the steps involved for a merchant 208 to issue a ticket 200 printed with a photograph 202 of the intended user 206 of the ticket 200, the image 202 having been obtained from the image storage facility 100.

[0023] The system includes a ticket-issuing assembly with means to print the ticket, a customer input 208 for receiving a ticket request from a customer 206 together with authorization data, an image-ordering output 212 for ordering an image from a remote location, and an image-receiving input for receiving the ordered image. The system further includes a remote image storage facility 100 as detailed in figure 1.

[0024] Specifically, an authorized merchant 210 operates a ticket-issuing machine that is arranged to print out a facial image 202 along with the usual ticket information. The ticket- issuing machine has an Internet connection for communication with the photo server 204 which associated with the facility 100.

[0025] In order to issue a ticket 200, the merchant 210 presents the merchants identification code and that of the customer 206 to the facility 100. In this scenario, the customer 206 provided his/her identification code to the merchant earlier. These codes are checked by the facility 100 and, following approval, the customer's image 202 is downloaded to the ticket-issuing machine to enable a ticket 200 bearing the facial image 202 of the customer 206 to be printed.

[0026] Figure 3 shows a chart of the authorization protocol associated with a merchant obtaining an image from the facility 100 of Figure 1. Specifically, this figure shows the procedures involved in an authorized merchant obtaining a copy of an individual's photograph from the facility 100. This procedure involves the individual being contacted to obtain his/her approval of the photograph being supplied to the merchant.

[0027] First, the merchant logs on to the facility as depicted in module 300. The merchant then chooses to "Request Photos" as depicted in module 302. The merchant then indicates the username of the subject of the photo as depicted in module 304. The request is then sent to the facility as depicted in module 306. The facility then notifies the subject that the merchant has requested the subject's photo as depicted in module 308. In this embodiment, the subject can respond directly to the facility through email, or login to the facility to respond to the request as depicted in module 310. The facility then receives a response from the subject indicating that the subject, authorizes, or rejects, the request as depicted in module 312. The merchant then is, or is not, allowed to download and/or view the subject's photo as depicted in 314 depending on whether the subject authorized, or rejected, the request.

[0028] An alternative procedure to that of Figure 3 is for the individual to supply the merchant with the individual's ID which is then submitted by the merchant to the facility 100 along with the merchant's ID.

[0029] The image storage facility 100 also includes a merchants' database 114 with merchant storage locations that store the identities of merchants who have been granted the right to download images from the image database 104; the authorization means 112 for outputting an image from the image database 104 being arranged to supply to an authorized merchant the requested image following receipt of a valid merchant identity.

[0030] Preferably the authorization means 112 also requires receipt from the merchant of a valid subject identity.

[0031] Alternatively the image storage facility 100 may be arranged to notify a customer of the merchant's request, for example by e-mail, SMS and/or MMS, and the authorization means 112 includes means monitoring receipt of an approval from the customer.

[0032] Preferably the image storage facility 100 includes a subject database 102 with subject detail storage locations for storing the personal details of subjects such as postal address, e-mail address, subscription account details etc.

[0033] Figure 4 shows a printed sheet 400 of a composite image comprising six juxtaposed facial images 402 to 414 and an address panel 414 produced by the facility 100. The external dimensions of the sheet 400 and the size and position of the address panel 414 arc chosen to correspond with the dimensions of a standard window envelop such that the sheet 400 can be placed unfolded into the envelope, the address panel 414 being substantially in register with the envelope window. [0034] The address to be inserted in the address panel may be supplied on demand to the image storage facility 100 by the customer who has requested the photos, or may be obtained from the personal details database 102.

[0035] In addition, the sheet 400 can be printed at as a Value Added Tax (VAT) receipt 416, 418.

[0036] Figure 5 shows an envelope 500 printed by the facility 100 with a simulated stamp 502 and sender's address 504. An envelope 500 is shown as printed by the facility 100 with a sender's address 504 and with a simulated stamp image 502. The stamp image 502 is produced by reducing a stored facial image 502 from image database 104 and adding a stored image of a simulated stamp border 506, the composite simulated stamp image being printed on the envelope 500 in a position adjacent to the position 508 for receiving a conventional postage stamp.

[0037] In use, the sender applies an address 504 to the envelope 500, and a postage stamp 508 alongside the simulated stamp 502. This can give an interesting result in that the letter 500 appears to carry two stamps, one 502 bearing the head of the sender alongside another 508 bearing, for example, the head of the monarch.

[0038] Accordingly, the system includes the ability to copy a stored facial image and then reduce the image to about the size of a postage stamp. The system also includes the ability to combine the reduced image with a simulated postage stamp border, and the ability to print the combined image 502 onto an envelope 500 in a position adjacent to the normal stamp position 508. Moreover, the system includes the ability to print the facial image 502 on a perforated sheet as stickers which simulate perforated stamps.

[0039] Advantageously, the facility 100 permits the individual to upload more than one photograph, and the individual has the ability to specify the photograph he or she wishes to use as the ID photograph. However, in case no photograph was specified in this embodiment, the facility is configured such that the latest uploaded photograph will act as the ID photograph.

[0040] According to yet another aspect of the invention, another form of printout includes a "Collage" of images including the photo of a customer and a chosen image from the database. The chosen image can be one or more of many "background" images from the database. The "Collage" would then be printed with a sender's address. Figure 6 shows a simulated Collage of images incorporating a client's image and an address printed by the facility of Figure 1. A few examples of a collage print include a postcard, a greeting card and sports memorabilia.

[0041] Now referring to figure 7, the client 700 takes a photo using a camera 702 incorporated in a mobile phone 704. In this embodiment, the client 700 accesses the facility 100 using the mobile phone 704. The client 700 first takes a photograph of a subject 706 using the mobile phone camera 702. The client 700 then sends the photo 708 by Multi-media Service (MMS) photo-message, or by an email with photo attachment, to the facility 100 using the mobile phone 704. The MMS photo-message 708 or email 708 is sent to an address of the facility 100. The address of the facility 100 is a phone number or an email address in this embodiment.

[0042] Once the MMS photo-message or email is received by the facility 100, the message is automatically entered into the database 712 (database in this example indicates either the image database, the photographer's database and/or the personal details database in figure 1). An Universal Resource Link (URL) address, a phone number and/or a WAP link is then sent back to the client's mobile phone 704 as a text message or embedded in an email. The client 700 then uses the URL address/phone number to access the appropriate menu from the system. The menu automatically references the client's previously sent photo 708.

[0043] The interactive menu then asks the client 700 to enter the name and address of the client 700 and personal details to be entered into the database 712 using the mobile phone. One option of this embodiment includes the ability to enter only a portion of the address accompanied by the postal code. For example, in the United States, a client only needs to enter the street address and the postal code and the system would automatically reference the appropriate city and state. In the United Kingdom, a client only has to enter the house number and postal code, and the system then references the street name and city. In addition, the system also allows the client to enter a personal message such as "wish you were here".

[0044] Another option included in this embodiment is the ability to bill the client's phone or credit card automatically by reverse billing SMS. [0045] Yet another option included in this embodiment is the ability to confirm payment to the system using a voucher. The voucher may represent a confirmation of payment similar to that of a receipt. In addition, a voucher could present just a confirmation and/or a validation number indicating a reference number that the system would recognize. A few examples of vouchers are: a voucher for a single use; a voucher for unlimited uses until a certain date; a voucher for multiple uses; and combinations of the above.

[0046] This embodiment also includes the ability to interact with a financial system that confirms the completion of the financial transaction used to purchase of vouchers.

[0047] In addition, the database 712 in this embodiment includes the ability to store the client's personal details indexed by the mobile phone number for subsequent use. In this example, the system automatically associates the client's personal details by default each time the mobile phone accesses the database. However, the client also has the ability to change the personal details if needed.

[0048] Moreover, this embodiment includes the ability to distinguish which mobile phone service provider the client is using by referencing another database indexed by the mobile phone number or subscriber identity module (SIM) number. Furthermore, some service providers also have the type of mobile phone and/or camera associated with the mobile phone/SLM number. The service provider information could also allow the system to use a preferred language in the menu and messages by indicating either the home country of the user or the user's preferred language.

[0049] In addition, this embodiment includes the ability to add a virtual card (vcard) that includes all the personal details of the person when the person registers with the system.

[0050] It is understood that several modifications, changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosure and in some instances some features of the invention will be employed without a corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A system for customizing images of a client, the system comprising: a personal details datahase containing a plurality of records of personal details of a plurality of clients; an input means for accepting a plurality of images of the plurality of clients; a photo image database containing the plurality of images of the plurality of clients; an image processing means for customizing the plurality of images; a photographers database containing details of a plurality of photographers; a merchants database containing details of a plurality of merchants; an output means for sending the plurality of images; and an authorization means for authorizing access to the system.

2. The system of claim 1 further including: a composing means for copying an image from the image database and arranging a plurality of the formatted images in an image composition; addressing means for receiving an address of the image subject from the personal details database and inserting the address in an address panel of the image composition; and a second output means for printing the image composition and address panel.

3. The system of claim 1 further including a remote viewing location.

4. The system of claim 1 further including a photo web server, wherein a first client accesses the system and the photo web server to produce a client ticket with a first image from the image database that is printed on the client ticket.

5. The system of claim 1 further including a means to request permission from a first client whether a first merchant can access the first client's image from the image database and a means to allow the first merchant to access the first client's image if the first client agrees to allow the first merchant to access the first client's image.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein the input means allows a first client to send a photo from a mobile phone of the first client to the system.

7. The system of claim 6 further including a means to send the first client an address of an interactive menu customized to the first client's photo.

8. The system of claim 7 wherein the interactive menu allows the first client to enter personal details of the first client.

9. The system of claim 7 wherein the interactive menu accesses a set of personal details from the first client by identifying the mobile phone of the first client.

10. The system of claim 7 further including means to confirm payment of services chosen by the first client.

11. The system of claim 7 further including means to issue vouchers for services chosen by the first client.

12. The system of claim 7 further including means to receive a virtual card from a person at the mobile phone of the client, wherein the means also records the virtual card from the person in the mobile phone of the client.

13. A method of issuing memorabilia for a client, wherein the method comprises: taking a photograph from a mobile phone of a subject; sending the photograph to an address from the mobile phone; receiving the photograph at a system at the address; sending back a customized interactive menu to the mobile phone; entering information regarding the photograph via the interactive menu; combining the photograph with customized text and graphics; and sending the combined photograph to a destination.

14. A system for customizing images of a client, the system comprising: an interactive menu for a plurality of clients to access the system, and enter information into the system, wherein the interactive menu also controls access to the system for a plurality of photographers and a plurality of merchants; a personal details database containing a plurality of records of personal details of the plurality of clients; an input means for accepting a plurality of images of the plurality of clients; a photo image database containing the plurality of images of the plurality of clients; an image processing means for customizing the plurality of images, wherein the image processing means includes the ability to resize and crop the plurality of images to fit a predetermined format; a photographers database containing details of the plurality of photographers including authorization codes for the plurality of photographers; a merchants database containing details of a plurality of merchants including authorization codes for the plurality of photographers; an output means for sending the plurality of images; and an authorization means for authorizing access to the system, wherein the authorization means restricts and allows photographers, clients and merchants access to the system.

15. The system of claim 14 further including: addressing means for receiving an address of the image subject from the personal details database and inserting the address in an address panel of the image composition; and a second output means for printing the image composition and address panel.

16. The system of claim 14 further including a remote viewing location.

17. The system of claim 14 further including a photo web server, wherein a first client accesses the system and the photo web server to produce a client ticket with a first image from the image database that is printed on the client ticket.

18. The system of claim 14 further including a means to request permission from a first client whether a first merchant can access the first client's image from the image database and a means to allow the first merchant to access the first client's image if the first client agrees to allow the first merchant to access the first client's image.

19. The system of claim 14 wherein the input means allows a first client to send a photo from a mobile phone of the first client to the system.

20. The system of claim 19 further including a means to send the first client an address of the interactive menu customized to the first client's photo.

21. The system of claim 20 wherein the interactive menu accesses a set of personal details from the first client by identifying the mobile phone of the first client.

22. The system of claim 20 further including means to confirm payment of services chosen by the first client.

23. The system of claim 20 further including means to issue vouchers for services chosen by the first client.

24. The system of claim 20 further including means to receive a virtual card from a person at the mobile phone of the client, wherein the means also records the virtual card from the person in the mobile phone of the client.