Automated Venue Image Capture System with Sensor Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for capturing and delivering images, especially in crowded or restricted locations, face inefficiencies and practical limitations, such as inability to access optimal viewpoints, lack of professional quality, and difficulty in including the customer in the image or incorporating audio, leading to suboptimal customer experiences.
Innovation Solution
A system of multiple high-definition cameras at fixed positions, capable of zooming and panning, that automatically capture images and videos of large groups, allowing customer identification and selection of images through electronic communication, and enables customization, payment, and delivery of images as professional-quality albums with added content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a photographer manually captures and delivers images in crowded or restricted locations, then professional quality images can be obtained, but operational costs increase and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated image capture where cameras with sensors automatically detect customers, capture images from optimal viewpoints, and deliver them without requiring manual photographer intervention. This self-service mechanism maintains professional quality while dramatically improving operational efficiency by eliminating the need for human photographers in crowded locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual photography with an automated electronic system consisting of cameras, sensors, and computer-controlled image processing. This substitution eliminates the need for human photographers to physically navigate crowded or restricted locations, thereby maintaining image quality while significantly improving productivity and reducing operational costs.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple cameras are deployed to capture images from optimal viewpoints, then image quality improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs multiple cameras that serve universal functions: capturing images from various viewpoints, tracking customers, and providing coverage of restricted areas. Each camera is equipped with sensors and computer control capabilities that enable them to perform multiple tasks, thereby improving image quality without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates sensors that provide feedback to the computer control system, which then adjusts camera positioning and capture parameters in real-time. This feedback mechanism allows the system to optimize image quality from multiple viewpoints while automatically managing the complexity of coordinating multiple cameras through centralized control.
3Productivity
If automated image capture is implemented, then operational costs decrease, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system operates autonomously by detecting customers through sensors, capturing images from optimal viewpoints, and delivering them without human intervention. This self-service capability dramatically reduces operational costs while the system's automated nature simplifies operation, as no manual coordination is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual photographer operations with an automated electronic system that uses sensors, computer control, and automated image processing. This substitution reduces operational costs by eliminating human labor while maintaining ease of operation through automated decision-making and execution, requiring minimal human oversight.
4Adaptability or versatility
If customers can select and customize images electronically, then customer experience improves, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time feedback to customers by transmitting captured images electronically to their devices, allowing immediate viewing and selection. This feedback loop enables customers to review and customize their images on-the-spot, improving the customer experience while minimizing time loss through instant delivery and automated processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary actions by automatically capturing and organizing images in the background while customers continue their activities. Images are pre-processed and made available for customer selection before they even realize the capture occurred, thereby enabling extensive customization options without adding perceptible time to the customer's experience.
Data Source
AI summary
Automated systems and methods for capturing digital images of a customer with multiple high-definition video cameras mounted in a venue such as a stadium, interactively communicating with venue customers to receive customer requests for images and information regarding customer locations in the venue and in response identify camera images containing the requested images and pixel groups therein containing images requested by customers, processing the requests to generate preview and send to customers for approval and ordering, and generating and sending final images in response to purchase requests and calculating and automatically applying charges to customers and third parties for promotional material sent to customers and making payments to third parties having rights in image content sent to customers. Variations of embodiments are suitable for venues such as a museum, a garden, a zoo, a religious institution, a theme park, or any other venue where imaging is possible and practical, or in a defined time period, such as a trip or vacation. The systems and methods can be essentially fully automated, using automated cameras and essentially only electronic communications between a customer and a computerized central facility, or can include a human representative or contractor for some of the operations. The souvenir can include other customer-related elements, such as “stock” images, composited images that include the customer or customer-related people or objects, and text and sound.