Electrical computers and digital processing systems: multicomput – Computer conferencing
Reexamination Certificate
1998-10-27
2001-10-09
Winder, Patrice (Department: 2155)
Electrical computers and digital processing systems: multicomput
Computer conferencing
C709S217000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06301607
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to image retrieval and image transfer using commercially available communication channels such as POTS (plain old telephone service) lines, and a server system such as the Internet.
BACKGROUND
Devices for video and image capturing have evolved into common and affordable household tools. Such devices include digital cameras and videophones. The advancing technology is continually making such devices cheaper, easier to use, and more versatile.
Another advancing technology, the internet, has evolved into a common household tool used for fast and efficient communication of endless types of information. The methods of communication have been evolving rapidly and are growing in number. The communication of such information includes the display of fixed and video images. These images have been used both privately and commercially for purposes such as image sharing. Applications include the posting of images to a web page or BBS, and direct electronic delivery of the images to selected recipients.
Notwithstanding the existence of the foregoing advancements, endeavors such as photo developing businesses and real estate businesses have not yet realized the advantages, including the use of rapid image transfer, associated with these advancing technologies. Photo developing businesses continue to use archaic communication methods to submit photos to be processed, such as hand delivery or conventional mail. In addition, the sharing of images for selection for photo processing, such as between family members and friends, continues to be carried out through outdated methods, such as by the physical sharing or mailing of such images.
Real estate businesses also continue to use archaic communication methods. Physical presence at a real estate site and hand delivery of real estate pictures or videos to potential purchasers are common. Such photos or videos are not interactive, meaning the potential purchasers must search elsewhere, contact the realtor via other means, or travel to the real estate site in order to obtain further information. In addition, realtors continue to use manual communication to reach potential purchasers, such as by conventional newspaper advertisements, phone calls, or physical visits.
SUMMARY
The present invention is directed to a method of sharing and displaying images using an internet access appliance with internet telephony and image capture capability for commercial and non-commercial use.
According to an example embodiment, digital images are captured, downloaded to an internet access appliance with internet telephony and image capture capability, or downloaded directly to network storage through the network appliance (that may be transmitted with or without compression), attached to an electronic communication, and sent to a server where the images are parsed and posted onto a web page where they are stored, and subsequent communication is automatically sent to selected individuals. The images may comprise stationary and video images. The selected individuals may comprise family members, friends, target customers, and business associates.
The above summary of the present invention is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the present invention. The figures and the detailed description which follow more particularly exemplify these embodiments.
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Barraclough Keith
Noonen Michael Edward
Netergy Networks, Inc.
Winder Patrice
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