Method of sharing images allowing third party print orders via web site

Abstract

A method of providing image goods and / or services to more than one party located at different locations. The method includes providing a camera for substantially simultaneously capturing an image both electronically and on a photosensitive media by a customer and transmitting the electronic image to a third party at a location remote from the customer along with additional data. The additional data identifying the image with respect to the photosensitive media. The customer and / or the third party placing an order with a service provider for at least one good and / or service with respect to the image. The service provider assembles the order upon receipt of the photosensitive media.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 09 / 717,448 filed Nov. 20, 2000 by Dale F. McIntyre and Thomas D. Jensen.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates to the field of photography, and in particular, to a method of sharing low resolution electronic images to create print orders in advance of a service provider receiving high resolution printable images. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Photographers like to share pictures. In fact, a major reason photographers take pictures is to share them with friends, family and co-workers. One current method to share pictures includes ordering multiple sets of prints giving the user multiple prints of every picture on the roll whether the photographer considers them good enough for sharing or not. This approach is costly for the photographer and limits them to sharing with just a few individuals. [0004] Another method of sharing pictures is to order reprints of...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a method for providing image goods and services to multiple parties located at different locations. The method involves capturing a high resolution image by a customer, transmitting a low resolution electronic image of the high resolution image over a communication network to a third party at a remote location, and placing an order for the service provider to assemble the order upon receiving the high resolution image. The technical effect of this invention is to enable quick and efficient delivery of image goods and services to multiple parties at different locations.

Problems solved by technology

This approach is costly for the photographer and limits them to sharing with just a few individuals.

This is not cost or time efficient.

Reprints are usually more expensive than the original prints, in part because of the extra handling of the previously processed film.

Often an inordinate amount of time passes between the original picture taking and the moment the photographer “gets around” to placing the reprint order and finally receiving the reprint.

Many times the process of ordering reprints never happens because it is not convenient, or it is put off so long that it is not as important as it first was.

However, this is still not necessarily the most convenient way to share pictures.

The process is complex for the average person and may not be intuitive.

Images