Centralized Image Management System for Theme Park Photo Services

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Solution Overview

Problem

Visitors to facilities like theme parks face inconvenience in previewing and printing photographs, as they need to physically visit image display terminals for management and processing, leading to unnecessary prints and cumbersome processes.

Innovation Solution

An image management system that includes photography means, identification information transmission, image management, and communication means allowing mobile terminals to edit, order prints, and manage images remotely through radio communication, enabling preview and printing during the visit without moving to specific terminals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a printing system uses fixed cameras at each attraction to photograph visitors and provides prints immediately, then the visitor can obtain photos at each location, but the visitor must wait for prints at every attraction which is troublesome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephoto acquisition convenienceVSAvoidwaiting time at each attraction

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple fixed cameras installed at different attractions are merged into a unified photography system that stores all images in a centralized image server. Visitors receive one consolidated print containing photos from all attractions, eliminating the need to wait for separate prints at each location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

An image server acts as an intermediary between the fixed cameras and the print output device. The server collects, stores, and manages images from multiple cameras, then provides them for consolidated printing, separating the photography function from the immediate print function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If an image server stores all photo data for later access, then visitors can collectively view images, but visitors must physically visit the image display terminal which is troublesome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage viewing convenienceVSAvoidterminal visit requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical system requiring physical movement to a display terminal is replaced with a mobile terminal (smartphone or tablet) that wirelessly accesses the image server. Visitors view, edit, and order prints of their photos remotely without leaving their current location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile terminal serves multiple functions: viewing images, editing photos, placing print orders, and receiving confirmations. This single device replaces the need for dedicated image display terminals and integrates multiple operations that were previously separated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If all image data obtained by photography are printed, then complete records are provided, but unnecessary prints are generated increasing waste

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephoto record completenessVSAvoidprint waste

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides feedback to visitors by displaying their captured images on mobile terminals before printing. Visitors can review all their photos, select only the desirable ones, and place targeted print orders. This feedback loop enables informed decision-making that eliminates unnecessary prints while preserving complete photo records digitally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of printing all captured images (excessive action), the system allows visitors to selectively print only the desired subset of images (partial action). This approach maintains complete digital records while reducing physical print output to the minimum necessary amount.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Extent of automation

If image processing and printing orders are handled at fixed terminals, then centralized control is maintained, but visitors must move to specific locations reducing convenience

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecentralized managementVSAvoidvisitor mobility

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fixed terminal-based system is replaced with a mobile terminal system that maintains centralized server control while enabling visitor mobility. All image processing, storage, and order management functions remain automated on the server side, while the user interface moves to the visitor's portable device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS7639279B2Image management system

Publication Date: 2009.12.29 FUJIFILM CORP

AI summary

A user can easily preview image data obtained by photography in a facility such as a theme park and an entertainment facility and can place an order on the image data during the stay in the facility. A service server stores the image data obtained by photography of the user by a photography system, by relating the image data to the user ID of the user. When the user instructs the service server to display the image data for preview via a communication apparatus, the service server sends the image data to a PDA via the communication apparatus. The user displays the image data on the PDA and can preview and edit the image data, and can place a printing order.