Method for providing image goods and/or services to a customer

Abstract

A system and method for obtaining photographic products and / or services and for the sharing of digital images without the need of a computer. In particular a cable set top box and cable communication network is used for communication with third parties, including image service providers.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 775,003 filed Feb. 9, 2004, which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 09 / 574,950 filed May 19, 2000 (now issued U.S. Pat. No. 7,111,317), which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09 / 534,471, filed Mar. 24, 2000, entitled “Leasing A Configured Camera System” to Parulski; and cross references the following. [0002] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 044,574, filed Jan. 27, 2005, entitled “Leasing A Configured Camera System”, to Parulski; [0003] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 549,733, filed Oct. 16, 2006, entitled “System and Method for Providing Image Products and / or Services”, to Wolcott et al; [0004] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 613,524, filed Dec. 20, 2006, entitled “System and Method for Facilitating Imaging Services Using a Service Identification Number Stored in an Image Capture Device”, to Wolcott et al; [0005] U.S. patent application Ser. No...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0024] enabling a plurality of users to each select a particular digital camera from a plurality of differently configured digital cameras.

Problems solved by technology

These improved digital cameras, and the products and services associated with the cameras can in some cases be prohibitively expensive.

The conventional approach to the purchase of cameras and photographic products / services does not provide a cost efficient and convenient way to obtain and use a variety of cameras, such as high end, high priced digital cameras, while at the same time taking advantage of the vast array of photographic products and services which are available.

Further, the conventional approach to photography and the purchasing of cameras and associated products and services, does not give a consumer the opportunity to bundle and customize specific photographic products and / or services with a selected camera for a specified fee and time; and the further opportunity to keep the camera at no cost, exchange the camera for a new camera or purchase the camera at a reduced rate at the end of a predetermined time period.

It has also become increasingly popular to share digital images, particular over the internet However, this has been limited to individuals having relatively expensive computers for the capture and / or transmission of digital.

Transmission over conventional phone lines generally takes substantial amounts of time to due to the limited capacity of the typical phone lines.

Images