Remote Image Capture and Distribution System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current photography systems face inefficiencies in capturing and delivering images, particularly in remote or panoramic views, and lack the ability for customers to be subjects of images or distribute them simultaneously to multiple people, with no viable method for self-photography or videography that captures moving subjects with professional quality.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allows customers to request and receive digital images via a communication device, with remote imaging devices positioned to capture images automatically, enabling remote ordering and payment, and simultaneous distribution to multiple recipients, including the image subject and others, using a combination of location determination, image transmission, and payment processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a photographer manually captures and delivers images after an event, then the customer can view and purchase photographs, but the photographer prints many more photographs than are ultimately sold and the sale is dependent upon the customer's viewing and agreeing to purchase the photograph displayed after the event
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically capturing images at the event location and making them available for customer selection before the event concludes. Customers can view and purchase photographs in real-time or shortly after the event, eliminating the need for post-event printing of unsold photographs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing customers to automatically receive, view, and purchase their own photographs through electronic delivery. The automated system handles image capture, processing, and delivery without requiring the photographer to manually print and manage physical photographs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a photographer is positioned close to the customer to capture images, then personal photographs can be taken, but panoramic photographic images are not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary element - a remotely positioned imaging device - that captures images from locations and perspectives inaccessible to a photographer positioned near the customer. This intermediary device enables panoramic and elevated views while the customer remains the subject of the photograph.
3Ease of operation
If traditional personal camera equipment is used for self-photography, then the customer can be in the picture, but the equipment is not sufficiently sophisticated to produce a good product and extra equipment such as tripods must be hauled along
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying on the customer's personal camera equipment, the system uses a sophisticated remote imaging device to capture the customer's image. The high-quality image is then electronically copied and delivered to the customer, eliminating the need for the customer to possess or operate complex photographic equipment while still achieving professional-quality results.
4Productivity
If a photographer captures images at a location, then the image can be taken, but there is no known way to distribute the image simultaneously and contemporaneously to a plurality of other people
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical process of physically distributing photographs to multiple recipients with electronic transmission. Once an image is captured, it can be instantly copied and transmitted to multiple recipients simultaneously through electronic communication channels, eliminating the time required for physical distribution.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for distributing a digital image of a customer includes receiving a request from a customer for an image to be taken of the customer at a site. The request can be received, for example, via a remote signal from a customer's communication device. Payment data are obtained from the customer, and a location of the site is determined. The request is relayed to a remote imaging device that is positioned to image the customer at the site. An image is automatically captured of the customer at the site, and the image is relayed as a proof image to the customer's communication device. Finally, if the image is desired by the customer, an approval is received from the customer to purchase the image.