WO2008012826A2

WO2008012826A2 - Camera-mirror system for capturing and sending an image to a remote location, and method for revenue generation therefrom

Info

Publication number: WO2008012826A2
Application number: PCT/IL2007/000942
Authority: WO
Inventors: Boaz Cohen-Sipko
Original assignee: Pic-4-Pick Ltd.
Priority date: 2006-07-26
Filing date: 2007-07-26
Publication date: 2008-01-31
Also published as: WO2008012826A3

Abstract

The invention discloses an improved camera-mirror system for capturing the image of a user (601) present in the vicinity of the camera-mirror. The image captured is that reflected in the mirror, and the image has the appearance of a reflection as seen in a typical household mirror The invention is useful, for instance, to help a user decide whether to purchase an item of clothing sold in a shop in which the system is installed The invention includes computer-software specifically designed to incorporate advertisements (603) surrounding or upon the image displayed, to create an 'outputted image' (600) including the captured photograph (601) + advertising graphics (603) This outputted image (600) can be printed, or can be sent via electronic means to a distance location. Inclusion of advertisements allows revenue generation for the shop owner or system manager.

Description

CAMERA-MIRROR SYSTEM FOR CAPTURING AND SENDING AN IMAGE TO A REMOTE LOCATION, AND METHOD FOR REVENUE GENERATION

THEREFROM.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to photography systems and devices which allow a customer to capture his image to aid in the decision-making process of whether to buy a specific product.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are many instances in which a consumer would wish to have his image captured in order to aid his decision whether to purchase a specific product or use a service (the "buying process"). One such scenario is in selection of optical eyeglasses. When a customer wishes to try on a new pair of eye-glass frames, he needs to first remove his own pair, then put on the new pair, and only then pose in front of a mirror to see if the new pair suits him. Since new frames are not equipped with optical lenses, the customer does not see himself properly. Similarly, in selection of, for instance, a new pair of pants, a customer needs to repeatedly take off one pair and put on another, until he reaches a decision. This is a time-consuming, inconvenient process. It would be helpful to allow a consumer to capture his image while wearing an article of clothing or an accessory he is interested in. This would allow him to view himself properly, and preferably compare different products by viewing them in a side-by-side display. Preferably, such a system would allow a consumer to send these images to a family member or friend in a remote location, to receive their advice on whether to purchase the product.

Camera systems have been developed which are in communication with a mirror or a computer display, so that a consumer poses in front of a camera wearing an article of interest, and his image is captured for display. Several drawbacks exist in prior art systems. Since the camera is completely exposed, partially exposed, or located behind a regular semi-transparent mirror, often the consumer can see the camera and becomes self-conscious, which adversely affects the resultant image. The experience does not resemble that of standing in front of a simple mirror. Known systems do not include lighting sources other than a simple flash, so that the consumers can not see themselves properly when looking at the mirror because of lack of light or because of undesired reflections from the mirror of other light sources in the shop. The images captured are thus often of poor quality. Additionally, prior art systems do not indicate the specific instance when the image is being captured, so the consumer is often unprepared, resulting in fuzzy or otherwise non-optimal images.

Prior art systems don't include an in-shop advertising system incorporated into the camera systems, and the owners of such systems can not generate additional income from selling advertising space attached to the systems located in the shops. Therefore, the owners of such prior art camera-systems generate their entire income from one-time sale of the camera-system and service fees only, so they are bound to sell their systems in relatively high price. Also, the shop owners don't benefit from displaying sales promoting advertisements in their shops using the same system, and they can't increase their income from revenue sharing with the owner of the systems, said revenue sharing derived from the income generated to said system owners from selling the advertisement space.

Prior art systems do not contain software developed specifically for this purpose. Instead, if they contain the ability to send images to a distant location, it is through known electronic communication programs, such as are typically used to send images as attachments via email, PDAs and the like. Therefore, the images are sent with no marketing information of the shop they originate from, and with no embedded advertisements, so the system owner has no means of generating revenue from the email messages, and the shop owner has no means of using the picture messages as a marketing device. It would be desirable to have a system which displays and sends marketing information of the shops and advertising material of the system owner alongside the images sent to a remote location. This would provide the shop owner with marketing value, and the system owner with a guaranteed source of income from advertising revenues. The inventor is not aware of any image capturing and display system which is controlled by software having these capabilities. Prior art systems are activated with the assistance of the shop owner, and this limits availability of these systems to consumers when shop owners are busy, and discourages use of prior art systems by consumers who feel uncomfortable having their pictures viewed by others.

The need exists for a photography system allowing the consumer to view his image for aiding in the buying process. The system should provide the user with a viewing experience identical to posing in front of an ordinary mirror, for optimal image capture. The system should have its own lighting source, and should allow revenue generation from advertising. It is the object of the present invention to overcome the drawbacks present in prior art systems. These and other advantages will become apparent from the detailed description that follows.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a photographic system for image capture, comprising: a) a camera-mirror component, comprised of: i. a camera concealed behind a mirror; ii. a switch for activating said camera-mirror component to capture an image of a user present in proximity to said mirror; b) electrical powering means; c) processing means comprising a memory device and a driver; said processing means being in communication with said memory device, with said camera-mirror component, with at least one display means, and with a server operating a software component; said processing means being configured to: i. control appearance of display of images captured by said camera-mirror component; ii. control receipt of advertisements from said server and display said advertisements on said display means; wherein in operation of said system, a user views his reflection in said camera-mirror component, said switch is activated by said user to capture at least one image of said user; said image is displayed upon said display means, said processing means displays advertisements on said display means, and incorporates an advertisement on or around said image to create an outputted image. Optionally, this outputted image can be sent electronically to recipients who are not present in the shop.

The present invention additionally provides a method of doing business comprising: a) providing a system comprising a camera, and display means to shop owners; b) selling advertising display space on said system to advertisers; c) providing a advertisement campaign repository comprising a plurality of advertisements collected from advertisers, wherein said advertisements have been approved for display by said shop owners; d) selecting advertisements for display from said repository, and controlling the location, timing, visual and audio aspects of said advertisements, to form a finalized display of said advertisements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of illustration and example only, wherein:

Fig. 1 illustrates an overview of the central components of the invention.

Fig. 2 illustrates initial activation of the central components of the system.

Fig. 3 details the internal wiring and external connections of two options in which the system's camera can be controlled by a switch. Fig. 4 depicts one embodiment of the mirror of the device. Fig. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the steps taken by a consumer in use of the invention to capture and send an image by electronic mail to a distant location. Fig. 6 illustrates an outputted message of the invention, ready to be sent as an email or

MMS message. Fig. 7 illustrates one embodiment of the Camera-Mirror component of the system, as mounted in three different manners in a shop. FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the Camera-Mirror device. FIG. 9 depicts the Advertisement Management System and defines its four major software sub-systems. Fig. 10 illustrates a block diagram of the incentive program meant to encourage shop owners to buy the system. FIG. 11 depicts the structure of the internal lighting assembly of the camera-mirror device. FIG. 12 shows one embodiment of a control card used in the invention to connect between the activating switch and the computer, and to produce a visual cue for the user. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In general, the present invention comprises a specialized camera-mirror system, in front of which a consumer poses to capture his image, while he is wearing, for instance, an article of clothing he is considering purchasing. After the consumer activates the camera to capture his image, he may view the images as displayed on the screen of a personal computer communicating with the camera- mirror device, and loaded with the software of the invention.

In the present invention, the system is described as including a personal computer. However, one can envision embodiments in which only hardware and software necessary for operation of the system is included, allowing reduction in the cost of manufacture of the system.

The reflection shown in the mirror is identical to that shown in a classical mirror. In contrast, the reflection in prior art camera/mirrors appears fragmented or low-quality since prior art systems either do not include a mirror, or use ordinary reflective mirrors, as opposed to the specially manufactured mirror of the invention (described herein). Prior art mirrors thus appear too dark or the camera is visible behind them, since a portion of the mirror is cut to make place for the camera lens. This results in an unnatural feel and look, and thus, often, an unnatural pose or facial expression. Prior art camera/mirrors require the assistance of the shop owner to operate.

The images captured using the present invention can be viewed on the system's computer monitor, can be printed out, and optionally can be prepared and sent to a distant location in electronic format, via electronic mail, via the cellular network, or via any other communication means.

Additionally, the present invention includes computer-software installed in the shops (hereinafter referred to as the "shop system"), which is specifically designed to automatically collect and display advertisements as part of the system in the shop. The collection and display of advertisements allows revenue generation for the system owner from selling advertising space.

The shop system allows consumers to send captured images to recipients in order to receive advice about the products they are considering purchasing, while the consumers are still in the shop. These picture-messages can be sent in electronic format such as via email messages or via MMS messages in case recipients are unable to receive emails at the time the consumer is testing the products. The shop software incorporates advertisements inside the picture- messages sent from the shop, thus generating additional income to the system- owner from selling this advertising space as well. The shop system can incorporate shop-related marketing materials into the picture-messages sent from the shop, thus allowing the shop to widen its client base and advertise its location, products, periodic sales promotions, etc¹. The shop system lets the shop owner generate and/or incorporate marketing information relevant to the shop inside the advertising mechanism which displays ads in the shop, and also inside the picture- messages sent from the shop. The shop owner can generate said marketing information by adding text to predefined templates, use predefined themes, create and upload his own files, etc¹.

The present invention also describes a general method of doing business, involving selling to shops "shop-systems" for enhancing the buying experience of customers and increasing the chance customers complete the buying process in the shops, by allowing customers to take pictures while in the process of choosing one or more products offered by the shop. Such shop-systems are operated by software running on a computer so that the computer is connected via a network to a centralized software system managing the distribution to the shops, and the display in the shops, of advertisements. The computer installed as part of such systems controls the camera-enabled device, and in the same time displays advertisements on one or more displays connected to the computer. The main idea behind this method is that the seller of such systems is able to charge shop owners for the installation of the shop-systems as means to promote their sales, and to charge either advertisers or shop owners for the service of collecting, distributing, and displaying advertising in their shops, on the display devices connected to the system.

Such systems can further generate values to shop owners and shop-chain owners by allowing customers to send their pictures electronically from the shop system, while in the same time allow the shop or chain owners to embed additional marketing information inside the messages sent by clients. Also, shop owners and shop chains owners will be allowed to publish their own marketing materials on the same advertising platform.

Additionally, the present invention includes additional software systems supporting the creation, distribution, regulation, tracing, and billing of the advertisements displayed in shops or incorporated into the picture-messages sent from the shops (hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Advertisement Management System"). The Advertisement Management System allows shop owners to concentrate on their main line of business, instead of hunting for advertisements to display in their shops as means of sales promotions. The Advertisement Management System is composed of three major software subsystems, each installed in a different location, and operated by a different type of user (these software systems add to the one installed in the shop). The sub-systems are: the Advertiser Software System, the Back-End Software System and Campaign Repository, and the Campaigns Reviewer Software System.

The present invention is referred to for convenience as a "SAPS System" ("self-activated photography system").

Fig. 1 shows an overview of the central components of the invention. The shop system comprises of a Camera-Mirror component 110 in linked communication 121 with a Computer 111 running the Shop-Software 115 of the invention. The Camera-Mirror device appears externally as the mirror 117 which is mounted on its front surface. Camera 115 is concealed inside the device, and can be used to capture an image of a consumer posing in front of the mirror 117. Activating means 116 are disposed in the vicinity of the mirror, allowing the user to cause the camera 115 to snap the picture.

The snapped pictures can be transferred to the computer 111 by the shop software 115 via the link 121 and displayed on the main computer screen 114 from which the camera-mirror device is operated by the user. The computer actuator 113 software and necessary hardware can be used to control the display of the images (i.e. to compare two or more pictures, to enlarge one of the pictures and examine it thoroughly, etc').

The Software 115 may display advertisements on the main screen 114, either while this editing and selection are being performed, or when the software system is not used by clients. Also, a plurality of secondary screens 118 can be used in conjunction with the screen 114, for displaying additional advertisements. These secondary screens may be connected to a second Screen Card 117 installed alongside the primary Screen Card 116 inside the same computer, and use also an RGB/Video signal splitter to drive as many secondary screens as necessary. The display of advertisements on the plurality of secondary screens is different then the display of advertisements on the primary screen in the sense that the primary screen displays ads alongside any other control software forms necessary to operate the device, while the secondary screens display only advertisements.

Once selection of the desired images is performed, the user may prepare them for sending by electronic mail or MMS means, along with associated graphic marketing material of the shop or chain of shops, and along with advertisement elements, as described herein below.

Preferably, the camera 115 is a relatively high-quality digital camera, having still or video capabilities including the functions: connectable to a constant power supply, having a wire or wireless connection to a computer; having Application Programmers Interface (API) for creating custom controlling software; having at least minimal light-compensation abilities for poor lighting. A camera 115 such as Canon model Power-Shot A510 may be used. The camera can be connected to the Computer 111, by different methods such as by a cable, a Fire Wire Apple™ connector or a USB connector, or by wireless communication.

Referring to Fig. 2, initial activation of the central components of the system is shown. Preferably, an electronic switch card 201 is used, integrated into the Camera-Mirror device 200. The card is connected on one side to system's computer 210 via an appropriate port (such as a USB port). Computer 210 runs the Shop Software System. The card 201 connects on the other side to both the activation button 203, and to an internal lighting assembly 202 of the Camera- Mirror device 200. When the user presses the activation button, this card indicates this event to the Shop Software System 211 installed on the Shop computer 210 via a specific software driver 212 designed for the switch card. The Shop Software System 211 then changes the level of the light of the device (from low level to high level or vice versa) by sending an appropriate command through the driver 212 to the card, which in turn controls the level of light of the lighting assembly 202 of the Camera-Mirror device. The minimum and maximum light levels of both the normal state of the device (when no picture is taken), and the active state (when a picture is being taken), are adjustable, either by setting a control component (such as potentiometer) on the card 201, or through initiation commands sent to the card from the Shop Software System upon loading of the software. The Shop Software System 211 commands the camera 204 to take a picture right after changing the light level, and when this picture is ready (the camera indicates success to the Shop Software System), the Shop Software System sends a signal back to the card to change back the level of light to the one which existed prior to the user pressing the activation button. The switch card 201 controls the light level by adjusting the voltage or current supplied to the lighting assembly 202 from a transformer 205 connected to the power socket on one side and to the card on the other side. This control can be achieved by an electronically controlled relay switch or alike. The USB switch card can be controlled by any type of Microcontroller with suitable features, like the PIC18F4550 of the manufacturer "Microchip".

In one embodiment, the switch (activation-unit) is a bio-sensors such as fingerprint operated buttons. In another embodiment, the activation-units are automated readers operated by cards used by the clients.

One point of novelty of the system lies in its ability to provide the user with a visual or audible indication that the camera inside the device is about to snap a picture. This advises the user to remain still as long as necessary for the camera to capture an image. A message or LED may be lit, the lighting may change, or a sound may be heard. In contrast, prior art camera-mirrors do not indicate to the user when the image is being captured, so that often the user will move prematurely and the image will be fuzzy.

Fig. 3 details the internal wiring and external connections of two slightly different options of the shop system. The two options differ in the method in which the Camera 305 is controlled by the Switch 312. In the upper diagram 300 (option 1), the Switch is connected directly to the computer 305 (via the Switch Controller 306), where it is monitored by the Shop-System Software 322. When the switch is pressed by the user, this software identifies the event, and sends a control command to the camera to initiate the action of snapping a new picture. In the lower diagram 330 (option 2) of the system, the Switch is connected via a mechanical or electrical Switch Controller to the Camera. When the switch is pressed by the user, the camera snaps a new picture, and sends it directly to the computer via the Shop-System Software.

Both DC Power Supply 301 and AC Power Supply 302 can be connected to the Camera-Mirror Device 313 to supply the necessary power for any internal units which need this power. The DC Power Supply 301 and AC Power Supply 302 connect between the power source to an external panel of a Power Switch Box 303 by wires 307 and 308. The Power Switch Box 303 directs the power to the internal units.

Lighting assembly 304 is designed to operate at a light spectrum suitable for human-photography. In a preferred embodiment, the Lighting Assembly 304 is comprised of:

1. An array of 10 Watt Halogen light-bulbs (which are more permissive in the sense of heat dispersion and regulations), connected to a metal chassis which acts as a heat-sink.

2. A parabolic reflector disposed behind the light-bulbs as part of the backside of the device.

3. A diffuser placed in front of the array (and behind the mirror), one embodiment of which may be comprised of a bent sheet of white semi- transparent Plexiglas, another embodiment of which may be made from a sand-blasted piece of curved glass.

This novel lighting assembly, along with the specially manufactured mirror (described in figure 4), conceal the camera from the user's view. The reflection seen is thus similar to that of a typical mirror. In contrast, prior art camera- mirrors appear darkened and unnatural, and the camera is usually visible behind or next to the mirror, making the user highly aware that he is being photographed, resulting in unnatural poses and images. In the present invention, the lighting assembly gives optimal lighting for image capture, and additionally makes the camera more difficult to detect behind the mirror.

One embodiment of the activating means of the camera (depicted as a "switch" 312 in the diagram) is a push button, which is typically in an "open" state. One embodiment of the Switch Controller 306 is a USB controller which communicates directly with the computer 320 either via a wire-line or a wireless link 311. Another embodiment of the Switch Controller is a mechanical rod 331 pressing the shoot button of the camera 305. Another embodiment of both the Switch 312 and Switch Controller 306 is a mechanical or electrical Cable Release connected to the camera 305.

One embodiment of the computer actuator 323 is a mouse. Another embodiment of the computer actuator 323 is a touch screen, or other devices capable of activating the software conveniently.

Fig. 4 depicts one embodiment of the mirror of the device. The mirror is made of a reflective glass, having its reflective coating at its front side 402. The back side 403 is coated with an additional layer of reflective material all around the surface, except for a centered circular area 404, which is left uncoated (from its back side). The preferred embodiment of the process of coating the glass with an additional reflective surface is that used commonly in the production of mirrors, and in which two thin metal films, the first of silver and the second of copper, are applied to the back surface of the glass and then covered with a third protective layer. This process is usually composed of (1) Scrubbing the surface of the glass with a slurry of an abrasive to clean the surface; (2) Applying a solution of a soluble compound of tin or palladium to the cleaned surface to sensitize the glass; (3) Contact simultaneously the sensitized surface with a solution of a soluble silver compound and one or more solutions of caustic and reducer which together with the silver solution react to precipitate a layer of silver on the sensitized surface of the glass; (4) Applying a layer of copper over the layer of silver, and a layer of paint over the layer of copper.

. The camera lens will be present behind this uncoated area 404 which is semi- transparent, allowing the camera to capture the image. The mirror conceals behind it a darkened light-sealed chamber, containing the camera (described in relation to Fig. 8). The camera is directed towards the object posing in front of the mirror. The users cannot see the camera when posing in front of the mirror, due to these novel manufacturing processes. Since the camera is indiscernible, the appearance of the mirror resembles closely that of a typical mirror, allowing the user to relax while posing. In contrast, in prior art camera-mirrors the camera is visible, making the user self-conscious, resulting in self-conscious facial expressions in the resultant captured images. Referring now to Fig. 5, a block diagram is shown illustrating the steps taken by a consumer in use of the invention to capture and send an image by electronic mail to a distant location.

The overall process 500 begins when the clients take their own pictures (element 501 of the process) while posing in front of the Camera-Mirror device. The client then requests to utilize the software and associated hardware of the system, to send one or more of their pictures via email 502. In order to proceed, the clients are asked to insert an email address 503. The Shop-System software also logs previously typed email addresses, allowing automatic address- completion. When the client continues, the picture is sent to the Back-End Software System via an internet link, and there it is added into an email message 504 in preparation for sending it to the recipient whose email was supplied. The preferred embodiment of this email message is that of an HTML-type, containing the picture.

Graphical elements representing advertisements, are incorporated 505 into the email message. For instance, the brand name (logo) of the camera which is installed inside the Camera-Mirror device may be emblazoned in a corner of the image, or super-imposed upon it. This is additionally illustrated and described herein below in relation to Figure 6. The advertising value for the camera manufacturer results from thousands of emails sent each month. These recipients receive a logo of the camera brand imprinted on a high-quality picture of a friend.

In another embodiment, advertising graphics 506 are added to the message, advertising a related or unrelated product or service. This advertisement was previously uploaded to the Campaign Repository by an advertiser. The ad can be placed side-by-side with the picture.

In another preferred embodiment, a shop header 507 is added to the email message. The header is supplied by the shop owner upon installation of the SAPS System in the shop. The shop header can be composed of any graphical element corresponding to the shop's branding scheme, the address and phone number of the shop, a link to the shop's web-site etc¹. It can also refer to a chain of shops and their information. Also, the shop header can be changed periodically by the shop or chain owners to display time-based marketing information, such as end-of- season sales.

Having thousands of messages distributed from the shop to recipients in the same local area is of very high value to the shop owner, and this value may contribute to the shop owner's choice of buying the product, and may yield even additional income from selling this service apart from selling the actual Camera- Mirror system.

The email message, adorned with all the above graphical elements is now sent 508 to the recipient. Information collected about the operation (time, place, recipient's email address, etc') is now logged 509 for informational and billing purposes 510.

Referring to Fig. 6, a view of the outputted message 600 of the invention is shown, ready to be sent as an email or MMS message. Various advertising graphics surround the captured image. The image 601 of the consumer which was taken in the shop takes only a part of the overall area of the message. Various graphical elements are added to the message, including a logo and/or symbol 604 of the camera brand used inside the Camera-Mirror device, a shop header 602, and an advertisement 603. Templates may be supplied for different types of messages, to be used by each of the providers of the elements described above, so that they can control the appearance and impact of the element they add to the message. In case the message is an email type message, its structure can be designed using for instance, HTML, thus enabling sophisticated content of each added element (Flash clips, HTML-Links, video content, etc'). Also, the picture-message may be placed on a web server, and only linked from the actual email message sent to the recipient, allowing for even more flexibility in regards to the content and structure of the message, enabling yet richer content types and overall "behavior" of the message.

Since the emails are sent to specific recipients, they are opened with intent, and if the email system of the recipient temporarily hides content like pictures, it is almost certain that the recipient will ask to see the pictures and bypass any such protection.

Each advertiser can control the exact timing of each email advertisement, and the location from which it is sent, allowing for a great control of the impact of the advertisement. The described value influences camera manufacturers to cooperate with the provider of the SAPS System in many ways which increase the SAPS System provider's income, such as paying for each branded email, or subsidizing the price of the cameras which are purchased by the SAPS System provider for installation inside the Camera-Mirror devices.

Preferably, the Camera-Mirror device is small enough to be placed in shops, even the smallest ones, because of its design which allow for hanging the device on the wall. The Camera-Mirror device is also equipped with a lighting assembly, for optimal lighting conditions and optimal image capture.

Use of the system to send images in electronic format, can be paid for by the shop owner, or by the customers via a reverse-billing mechanism for sending picture-messages to cellular phones.

The shop system also performs several image processing procedures on each picture taken of consumers, in order to improve their quality. One such image processing procedure adjusts the picture to compensate for the distortion created by the lens due to short distance of the camera from the consumers who take facial pictures wearing eye-glasses. Another such image processing procedure eliminates reflections from the lens surface in the case of pictures taken of eyeglasses.

The shop system allows setting parameters related to the operation of the camera and to picture above mentioned image processing procedures. These parameters can be set in the shop by technician or shop owners, in a process which allows them to take a picture and see how this picture is changed while these parameters are adjusted.

Fig. 7 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the Camera-Mirror component of the system, as mounted in three different manners in a shop. The Camera- Mirror device can be present as a free-standing device 700 or placed upon a desktop 710. Alternatively, the Camera-Mirror component can be hung on the wall 720. When the camera-mirror stands on a surface, its height can easily be adjusted by selecting one of several slots in which to connect the bridge-handle 705 (present on the upper mirror section) and the leg 706. Leg 706 is connected to a fixed base 707. When hung on the wall, the bridge-handle 705 is connected directly to the wall. A Tilt-hinge 704 allows the user to swing the upper part (the mirror) along a horizontal axis. The Tilt-Handle 704 also holds Switch 708, which is pressed by the user to snap a picture. The Mirror 701 is located above a curved diffuser 702, which diffuses the light emitted from behind it by a lighting assembly (shown in Fig. 4) hidden within the space created by the diffuser and the back 703. The base 707 is heavy and wide enough to support the overall weight of the device, and to resist tipping of the device when the upper part is swung.

Fig. 8 is an exploded view of the Camera-Mirror device. The mirror 801 is glued on a metal flange 802 which is bolted to a dark-chamber sealed metal box 804. This box contains the camera 805 and the control-card, and protrudes from the diffuser surface 803. The diffuser surface 803 can be made from semi- transparent Plexiglas. Behind the dark-chamber and diffuser assembly, is the housing 806 of the device, made from plastic, and connected to the diffuser 803. Tilt Hinge 809 is shown, allowing adjustment of the angle of the camera-mirror. Enclosed in the space created between the diffuser 803 and plastic housing 806 is the lights assembly 807 composed of a chassis and array of light-bulbs 808. The Base 810 is optional - it is present only if the device is configured to stand on a surface.

Fig. 9 depicts the Advertisement Management System 900 and defines its four major software sub-systems, each installed in a different location, and operated by a different type of user. The sub-systems are: the Advertiser Software System 921, the Back-End Software System and Campaign Repository 931, and the Shop Owner Software System 941. Fig. 9 also displays the Shop 950 in which the Shop Software System 951 is installed, together with the Camera-Mirror device. The main task of the Shop Software System 951 is to provide the MMI (Man Machine Interface) of the Camera-Mirror device, which includes displaying the pictures taken by customers in the shop, sorting the pictures, deleting them, etc', and also includes the functions needed for sending the same pictures via email or MMS to friends or relatives of the customers. The Shop Software System also displays advertisements on the screen of the PC computer which is connected to the Camera- Mirror device. These advertisements are distributed to the shop from the Back-End Software System and the Campaign Repository 931. The Shop Software System also logs all information regarding any advertisement that was displayed. The Advertiser Office 920 is the location in which the Advertiser Software System 921 is installed. Advertisers use this system to create campaigns of advertisements for distribution to the shops (displayed by the Shop Software System) and/or for distribution by email and/or MMS messages sent from the shops. The advertisements for display in shops are collected in the Campaign Repository 931 and distributed from there to the shops, only after being approved by a two stage review process. The first stage of approval is performed by a "Campaign Manager" using the Campaign Manager Software System 911. The second stage of approval is performed by either a Shop Owner or if the shops are owned by a chain, by the Shop-chain Owner, using the Shop Owner Software System 941. The advertisers can also view the status of their campaign at any moment from their system.

The Back-Office 930 is where the Back-End Software System and the Campaign Repository 931 are located. These systems receive and store all campaign requests and materials, they distribute approved campaigns to the shops, wrap email and MMS messages with advertising materials and handle the procedure of sending them to recipients, etc¹.

A Campaigns Manager, working in the Campaigns Manager Office 910 is responsible for managing all day to day activities of the entire advertising management system. The Campaigns Manager uses the Campaigns Manager Software System 911 to perform operations like reviewing new campaigns and approving (or disapproving) them for forwarding to Campaign Reviewers for the second stage of approval, running and/or stopping campaigns, billing advertisers, etc¹. The Shop or Chain owner is responsible for the final approval of campaigns for display in the shops. The Shop Owners, or in the case where the shops are part of a chain of shops, the Shops Chain Owners, are the Campaign Reviewers, and they use the Shop Owner Software System 941 to review the campaigns which applied to run in their shops. Campaign Reviewers can approve or disapprove a campaign or a part of a campaign. Shop and chain owners also use the same system to control many aspects related to the way the shop system works in their shops. For instance, they can control what information the Shop-Header embedded in the email messages will contain, where it will link to, etc'. Referring now to Fig. 10, a block diagram is shown illustrating the process of the incentive program meant to encourage shop owners to buy the system. The process of the incentive program 1000 starts when the owners of shops periodically receive a list of campaigns which applied for, display in their shops 1001. The shop owners may display each spot of each campaign in an "emulation mode", similar to the way the spots would be displayed in the Shop-System if and when they approve the campaign. The shop owners are provided with an input method for stating if they approve or disapprove of each campaign and each spot 1002. Each time they elect to approve a specific spot or campaign, they can see the amount of "bonus points" they receive for this approval 1003. As the process proceeds, the total amount of "bonus points" is summarized. The shop owners then can choose to use the accumulated bonus points for one Of two options - either to publish their own advertisements 1004 on the same advertising platform of the shop they own, or they can "cash" some or all of the bonus points for money 1005 if they choose not to use all the allocated advertising time suggested to them in return for the bonus points. In order to advertise their own materials on their own Shop-System, the shop owners are supplied with credentials necessary to access the same Advertiser Software System which is used by the advertisers, with a limit of access to their own shop, or they can use the Shop- Owner system to manage their ads.

The Software 120 also displays the advertisements to the customers, either when they use the software, or when they pass by the screen.

Fig. 11 depicts the structure of the internal lighting assembly of the camera- mirror device. The back panel of the device 1103 is designed to integrate a parabolic surface 1107 covered with white dye, or with a white cover, forming a parabolic light-reflector. Above this reflector rests the lighting assembly 1104, seen here in part by removing a cross-section 1108 of the diffuser 1102. The light from all the light bulbs 1105 assembled on the lighting assembly 1104 is spread evenly on the reflector and diffused by the diffuser 1102, so that when it reaches the face of the person looking at the mirror 1101, it creates a uniform lighting of the face, suitable for photography. Fig.. 12 shows one embodiment of a control card used in the invention to connect between the activation switch (button) 1201 and the computer, and to produce a visual cue for the user, by changing the level of the internal lighting assembly 1205.

The control card comprises a DC power source 1207, Voltage Regulator 1209, an RS- 232 interface chip 1203, a microcontroller 1202, an LED 1208, and a plurality of power transistors 1204. The microcontroller identifies when the button 1201 is pressed, and initiates an appropriate event in a software driver installed on a computer 1206 connected to the control card using an RS-232 cable and the RS-232 interface chip 1203. The same microprocessor also receives a command from the same software driver to change the light level of the internal lighting assembly 1205, and switch on and off the LED 1208.

The Computer & Shop Software communicate via a wired or wireless communication channel to a central Campaigns repository in which campaigns and advertisements are stored. Said communication channel can be, for instance, via the public world-wide-web network or a Point-To-Point communication infrastructure. Said communication channel can also be any other offline means of distributing advertisements and campaigns from said central Campaigns repository to said Computer & Shop Software, like mailed CDs, technician service support etc¹

The central Campaigns repository is designed to act as a central storage and distribution platform for campaigns and advertisements to one or more shops installed with shop systems. The Campaigns repository is controlled by both Advertisers and Shop owners. Advertisers create campaigns and store them and their related advertisements into the Campaigns repository. Shop owners review the campaigns and their related advertisements, so that this content is regulated before being published to the shops.

The present invention may be sold to shop owners, to induce customers to close a sale by using the system of the invention to select a product of interest to purchase. The shop owner receives the following advantageous options when installing the system in his shop: (1) the shop owner may control which advertisements are incorporated into the message, and how they are displayed. He may choose to include his own "shop header", thus advertising his own business, as well as other advertisements, which may be unrelated to the product being sold in his shop.

The advertising commercials may be displayed either on one main display used to operate the device, or on a plurality of secondary displays connected to the same device and not used for operating the device or on both. (2) advertisements may be controlled at a different location, by a campaign manager. (3) the shop owner may receive a share of advertising revenues collected from advertisers, with the owner or the one responsible for operating the commercial location.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of the various features described hereinabove as well as variations and modifications which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the specification and which are not in the prior art.

Claims

1. A photographic system for image capture, comprising: a) a camera-mirror component, comprised of: i. a camera concealed behind a mirror; ii. a switch for activating said camera-mirror component to capture an image of a user present in proximity to said mirror; b) electrical powering means; c) processing means comprising a memory device and a driver; said processing means being in communication with said memory device, with said camera-mirror component, with at least one display means, and with a server operating a software component; said processing means being configured to: i. control appearance of display of images captured by said camera-mirror component; ii. control receipt of advertisements from said server and display said advertisements on said display means; wherein in operation of said system, a user views his reflection in said camera-mirror component, said switch is activated by said user to capture at least one image of said user; said image is displayed upon said display means, said processing means displays an advertisement on said display means (or on the plurality of display means).

2. The photographic system of claim 1, wherein said mirror component is manufactured from glass coated with a reflective coating on its front and rear sides, wherein a semi-transparent portion of said mirror component is formed by the presence of an uncoated portion on the rear side of said mirror, and said rear side is further covered by an additional protective layer of material.

3. The photographic system of claim 1, wherein said camera-mirror component additionally comprises at least one of the following: a) a lighting assembly; b) a tilt-hinge for adjusting the angle of said mirror-camera; c) a base for supporting said camera-mirror; d) a wall mount; e) a diffuser for optimizing the lighting effect; f) a light-impermeable chamber containing said camera within.

4. The photographic system of claim 1, wherein said processing means is additionally configured to incorporate at least one advertisement on or around said captured image to create an outputted image.

5. The photographic system of claim 4, wherein in said an outputted image, said advertisement comprises information related to the location in which said photographic system is operated.

6. The photographic system of claim 4, wherein said processing means is configured to perform at least one of the following: print said outputted image, and send said image to a distant location in electronic format.

7. The photographic system of claim 6, wherein said outputted image is sent to a distant location as an electronic mail message or as a multimedia message service message (MMS).

8. The photographic system of claim 3, wherein said lighting assembly is comprised of: a) an array of light bulbs; b) a parabolic reflector disposed behind said light bulbs; c) a diffuser located in front of the light bulb array.

9. The photographic system of claim 8, wherein said parabolic light-reflector is comprised of a parabolic surface covered with white dye or a white cover present upon the rear housing of said camera-mirror component.

10. The photographic system of claim 8, wherein said diffuser is comprised of a curved sheet of semitransparent Plexiglas.

11. The photographic system of claim 8, wherein said diffuser is comprised of sand-blasted glass, formed in a curved shape.

12. The photographic system of claim 1, further providing a visual or audible indicator, for informing the user when an image is being captured by the camera-mirror, said visual or audible indicator comprising at least one of: a) changing the level of light emitted from said lighting assembly; b) displaying an illuminated textual or graphical message indicating the need to wait; and c) playing a sound; wherein said visual or audible indicator is controlled by said processing means and activated by electronic circuitry, and by a suitable processing driver.

13. The photographic system of claim 1, wherein said advertisements are displayed in at least one of the following manners: a) upon at least a portion of said display means; b) on the entire area of at least one secondary display means connected to a said processing means through additional screen cards.

14. The photographic system of claim 1, wherein said advertisements are displayed when the camera-mirror component of said system is not in use.

15. The photographic system of claim 1, wherein said processing means are additionally configured to receive notification of a request to display an advertising campaign, allow viewing of said campaign, allow a user to approve or reject said campaign, and save approved campaigns in an advertisement repository.

16. The photographic system of claim 1, wherein said advertisements are: a) submitted electronically by advertisers as a request for display on said photographic systems in different locations; b) reviewed by a plurality of people responsible for the systems requested to display the advertisements, and then approved or rejected by these people; c) displayed on the systems of \ those people who have approved the advertisements.

17. The photographic system of claim 1, in which the switch is a push button.

18. The photographic system of claim 1, in which the switch is composed of two activation units, one connected to the camera-mirror component and used to taking pictures, and the other connected to the processing means and used to display the pictures, such structure used to identify the users so that a user can only display his or her own pictures

19. The photographic system of claim 18, in which the activation-units are bio-sensors such as finger-print operated buttons.

20. The photographic system of claim 18, in which the activation-units are automated readers operated by cards used by the clients.

21. A method of doing business comprising: a) providing a system comprising a camera, and display means to shop owners; b) selling advertising display space on said system to advertisers; c) providing a advertisement campaign repository comprising a plurality of advertisements collected from advertisers, wherein said advertisements have been approved for display by said shop owners; d) selecting advertisements for display from said repository, and controlling the location, timing, visual and audio aspects of said advertisements, to form a finalized display of said advertisements.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein in said step (a) shop owners pay for installing the system in their shops.

23. The method according to claim 21, wherein in said step (b) advertisers or shop owners pay for displaying the advertisements.

24. The method according to claim 21, further comprising the step of outputting images comprising a user image and an advertisement, said outputted image sent in electronic format to a remote location.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein the shop owner may define and control advertisement elements which are present in said electronic format.

26. The method according to claim 25, wherein said advertisement elements comprise at least one of the following: a) information regarding the location of the shop; b) information regarding business activities of said shop; c) advertisements of advertisers providing products similar in a similar field of those provided by the shop; d) advertisements of advertisers not-related to the products provided by the shop; e) advertisements pertaining to equipment used in said system; wherein said advertisements subsidizing the cost of purchase of the system of the invention.

27. The method according to claim 24, wherein said electronic format is an email message.

28. The method according to claim 24, wherein said electronic format is an MMS message sent to cellular phones, said MMS message is paid for by said shops or by said customers.

29. The method according to claim 28, wherein said MMS messages are paid for by said customers using a "reverse billing" method for charging their cellular phone account.

30. The method according to claim 21, wherein the revenues from said advertisers is shared with owners of said shops, creating additional income to shops.

31. The method according to claim 21 , wherein said advertisements displayed in shops originate from at least one of the following sources: shop owners, shop chains owners, advertisers related to the business domain of the shop, and advertisers unrelated to the business domain of the shop

32. The method according to claim 21, wherein said advertisements are displayed on plurality of display means, in at least one of the following manners: a) on at least a portion of the main display means, while the software controlling the means is not in use for more then a predefined length of time b) on at least a portion of the area of the main display means, while the software controlling the means is in use; c) on the entire area of secondary display means connected to said system through additional screen cards.