Remote Image Capture System for On-Demand Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current photography systems face inefficiencies in capturing and delivering images, particularly in capturing panoramic views, self-portraits, and distributing images to multiple people simultaneously, with limited remote ordering and payment capabilities and no viable method for the customer to be in the image.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allows customers to request and order digital images via a communication device, with automatic image capture by a remote imaging device, enabling remote payment and distribution to multiple recipients, including the customer as a subject in the image, using a network of remote imaging devices and human representatives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a photographer prints many photographs for customer selection, then the customer can view and choose from multiple images, but the photographer wastes time and resources printing unsold photographs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses digital copies of photographs stored in a database rather than physical prints. Customers view digital images on personal devices, and only selected images are printed on demand. This eliminates the need to pre-print multiple copies for customer selection, reducing waste while maintaining full customer choice.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows customers to autonomously browse, select, and order photographs using their personal communication devices. The automated ordering system processes selections and arrangements without requiring photographer intervention for each customer decision, eliminating resource waste associated with manual customer service while preserving adaptability.
2Manufacturing precision
If the photographer is close to the customer for photography, then good quality images can be captured, but the photographer cannot be in the picture and panoramic views are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces remote imaging devices as intermediaries between the customer and the photography service. These devices can be positioned anywhere within range of the customer, capturing images without requiring the photographer's physical presence. This enables both high-quality imaging and photographer inclusion in pictures, as well as panoramic views from various vantage points.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from requiring physical proximity in three-dimensional space to achieving photography through remote electronic communication. By adding the dimension of wireless transmission and remote device control, the system overcomes the spatial limitations that previously prevented photographer inclusion and panoramic capabilities.
3Productivity
If traditional photography systems are used, then images can be captured, but distribution to multiple people simultaneously is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the photograph ordering and distribution system universal by enabling simultaneous distribution to multiple recipients through electronic communication. The same image can be ordered and delivered to multiple people at once via their personal devices, eliminating the need for separate physical copies and enabling concurrent distribution that was previously impossible with traditional photography systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for distributing a digital image of a customer includes receiving a request from a customer to a human representative (i.e., a “roving” photographer) for an image to be taken of the customer at a site. An image of the customer is captured by the “roving” photographer at the site in response to the received request. The image is transmitted to a remote processor. An electronic request is received from the customer to view the transmitted image, and the image is transmitted from the remote processor to the customer's communication device. If the customer decides to purchase the image, a transaction is finalized by receiving payment data from the customer, and the final image is provided to the customer. A commission is then paid to the photographer for the transaction. In another embodiment, the cost is at least partially subsidized by advertisement pushed to the customer's communication device.