Location-referenced photograph repository

Abstract

A photograph repository system includes data storage for storing photographs in the form of digital data files and a search feature that provides for searching for photographs by location and optionally by other search criteria. In one embodiment, a photograph repository service is accessible to users over a common data network, such as the Internet. In the photograph repository service, each stored photograph is associated with a location, i.e., where the photograph was taken and / or the location of an object in the photograph. Users can search for and obtain copies of their own photographs that they had stored previously with the photograph repository service. In addition, users can search for and obtain copies of photographs that had been taken by other users and stored with the photograph repository service. The photograph repository system can also be implemented as a standalone system, a hybrid system, or a peer-to-peer system.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a system that enables persons to store and retrieve photographs and other images.

[0002] Digital photography has affected the ways that people take and use photographs. For example, because digital photographs exist as data files on computer-readable media, persons can easily exchange copies of digital photographs with friends and family members.

[0003] Digital cameras are expected to become more common as they become smaller and less expensive. As digital cameras become smaller and less expensive, they are being incorporated into other devices, such as PDAs (“personal digital assistants”) and portable phones. As digital cameras become more available, people are expected to take more and more digital photographs.

[0004] Although digital photography has resulted in significant changes in the ways that people take and use photographs, there continues to be room for further improvements. One consideration associated wi...

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