Patent ID: 6332146
Filing Date: 2001-12-18
Classification: H04N,Y10S

Abstract:
A method for printing digital images, the method comprising the steps of:uploading a first high resolution digital image from a first image provider to an electronic storage facility;receiving and storing the first high resolution digital image at the electronic storage facility;permitting the first image provider to identify users who can access the first high resolution digital image stored at the electronic storage facility;receiving first login information from a first user, the first login information including a first user identification name and a first password;determining if the first login information is associated with a user identified by the first image provider;generating a low resolution copy of the first high resolution digital image;if the first login information is associated with a user identified by the first image provider:(a) transmitting the low resolution copy of the first high resolution digital image to the first user via the Internet;(b) detecting a selection made by the first user, the selection made by the first user identifying the low resolution copy of the first high resolution digital image; and(c) printing the first high resolution digital image in response to detecting the selection made by the first user;uploading a second high resolution digital image from a second image provider to the electronic storage facility;receiving and storing the second high resolution digital image at the electronic storage facility;permitting the second image provider to identify users who can access the second high resolution digital image stored at the electronic storage facility;receiving second login information from a second user the second login information including a second user identification name and a second password;determining if the second login information is associated with a user identified by the second image provider;generating a low resolution copy of the second high resolution digital image;if the second login information is associated with a user identified by the second image provider:(a) transmitting the low resolution copy of the second high resolution digital image to the second user via the Internet if the second login information is valid;(b) detecting a selection made by the second user, the selection made by the second user identifying the low resolution copy of the second high resolution digital image; and(c) printing the second high resolution digital image in response to detecting the selection made by the second user;maintaining transparency of the first high resolution digital image to the second user; andmaintaining transparency of the second high resolution digital image to the first user.