Retail photo system configuration module and system

The present invention is a configuration module for a Retail Photo System. The configuration module is a memory module that provides system configuration information for use with a network connected Retail Photo System. Physical and digital controlled access to the configuration module is provided by a locking enclosure, password protected access, and an automatic scenario based activation means. Access to the configuration module is limited to authorized personnel and remote access, or via scenario based activation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Retail Photo Systems allow consumers, with little or no knowledge of digital imaging techniques or systems, to print, share, and create custom photo-centric gifts incorporating their own snapshots and video clips. These systems are configured with components and devices such as a computer processor, wireless routers, touch screen displays, printers, film and print scanners, DVD reader/writers, and payment mechanisms such as credit card readers. In addition, these systems also include an assortment of custom and commercially available software packages, graphics, templates, fonts, special effects, image quality and manipulation algorithms, media calibration setting, video, music, and sound clips, promotional and advertising content, pricing and payment systems, and “step by step” workflows and graphic user interfaces (GUIs) each customized to the individual retailer and system configuration. Problems occur because each of these Retail Photo Systems, with its unique set of components, devices, software, content, and billing schedules, require a unique set of drivers, content and software licenses, pricing information, retail specific graphics and features, and other configuration information. Manually updating and replicating this configuration information requires a trained and knowledgeable operator usually requiring a service call, is prone to errors, is time consuming, and makes the Retail Photo System unavailable to users during this process.

US published patent application 2006/0061804 titled “modular digital photofinishing system,” incorporates a handheld image display and manipulation device that is capable of two-way wireless communication or communicating by way of a physical interface with a digital photofinishing system, such as a photo kiosk, in a retail venue. The system is modular with multiple optional input and output devices and media. Provisions are made for controlled digital and physical access to the portable devices, but the system lacks a configuration module that stores and provides configuration information. The portable devices can save user preference settings by associating users with individual user accounts.

US published patent application 2005/0114234 titled “software configuration of module dependent on history,” incorporates a program controller which is arranged to automatically authorize, configure, or upgrade a program for a customer replaceable card of a system, the controller arranged to manage the program automatically, according to a license agreement, and according to a history of use of the hardware module. A supplier can track customer changes and enforce more easily different conditions for authorizing the program on different modules from different sources, having different levels of capability. There can be less interaction with the supplier to get specific authorizations. Using the history of the module can make it easier to determine whether it falls within the agreement with the customer and the history can be stored on the module. It can be used to ease inventory tracking and generate billing information. In this system the customer has access to a hardware module and the authorizations are provided by the supplier. This is counter to the system and method of the present invention where the customer has no access to the configuration, and license authorization is initiated by the configuration module.

US published patent application 2003/0009378 titled “wireless transmission of data to and from photofinishing equipment,” describes the use of in-store photo processing equipment. Photo processing equipment including digital hybrid minilabs and kiosks are installed inside a retail store. This equipment contains a device that can send and receive data wirelessly. The digital hybrid minilab and/or kiosk can then engage in two-way wireless communication with other wirelessly enabled devices inside the retail store. These devices may be possessed by a consumer shopping at the retail store or installed at the retail store. When interacting with the device, the consumer may create or manipulate data, which is then transferred wirelessly back to the kiosk and/or digital hybrid minilab. This system can communicate with other devices but lacks a configuration module that is physically and digitally isolated from the retail personnel and customers. An automatic means to record and provide configuration information to a Retail Photo System that does not require operator intervention, is protected from unauthorized access, and is responsive to changes in the system and unique system configurations is needed. The present invention meets this need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a retail photo system comprising a) a display; b) a pointing device; c) a computer processor in communication with a router and at least one peripheral device; d) a remote business management system and a configuration module. The remote business management system sends updates to the computer processor using the router to periodically provide new content and configuration information to the retail photo system from an offsite location. The configuration module has a memory device containing configuration and license information for supporting software and content for the retail photo system. The computer processor provides the configuration module with periodic updates after the computer processor receives updates from the remote business management system. The configuration module can automatically initiate required licensing and configuration information for software and content without operator or retail photo sales clerk intervention. The configuration module is physically and digitally isolated from the computer processor during normal usage of the retail photo system and is only digitally accessible when initiated by the remote business management system, by a detected change to computer parameters or by an authorized operator. The configuration module is also preferably physically and digitally isolated from retail personnel and customers.

The retail photo system can also include a photo kiosk, digital minilab, digital order station for remote image product production at centralized facilities, or combination thereof.

Pointing devices include a touch screen, mouse, key board, a camera system with gesture recognition, a microphone system with voice recognition, or combination thereof.

Peripheral devices include a color thermal printer, inkjet printer, electro-photographic printer, a CD/DVD reader/writer, a hard copy media scanner, or combination thereof.

The content and configuration information includes retailer specific settings, graphic user interfaces, image editing tools, imaging algorithms, product pricing schedules, retailer specific trade dress and promotional offers, seasonal and decorative graphics, templates, print drivers, work flows, licenses, software, or combinations thereof.

The invention also provides a configuration module for use in a retail photo system, comprising: a) a memory device containing configuration and license information for supporting software and content for the retail photo system; b) a containment structure to prevent unauthorized access; and c) an automatic scenario based activation mode wherein the configuration module can automatically initiate required licensing and configuration information for software and content without operator or retail photo sales clerk intervention.

The configuration module is physically and digitally isolated from a computer processor during normal usage of the retail photo system and is only digitally accessible when initiated by a remote business management system, by a detected change to computer parameters or by an authorized operator. The configuration module is also preferably physically and digitally isolated from retail personnel and customers.

The invention also provides a method of a retail photo system startup using a configuration module of the invention. The method involves mounting the configuration module and then comparing configuration module data with retail photo system computer data. If the configuration module data matches the retail photo system data or vice versa, then the configuration module is un-mounted. Un-mounting means digitally disconnecting. If the data does not match, if after determining that a new peripheral device has been installed, peripheral driver and related data is located and saved on the configuration module and thereafter the configuration module is un-mounted. If the data does not match if after determining that a remote business management system or operator has updated the computer data, the updated data is located and saved on the configuration module and thereafter the configuration module is un-mounted. Alternatively, the computer is updated with data from the configuration module and thereafter the configuration module is un-mounted.

The invention also provides a method of installing a peripheral device in a retail photo system using a configuration module of the invention. The method involves installing a peripheral device on a computer of the retail photo system and mounting the configuration module. Configuration module data is compared with retail photo system computer data. If the configuration module data matches the retail photo system data or vice versa, then the configuration module is un-mounted. If the data does not match, if after determining that a new peripheral has been installed, peripheral driver and related data on the configuration module is located and saved on the configuration module, then the configuration module is un-mounted. If the data does not match if after determining that a remote business management system or operator has updated the computer data, updated data is located and saved on the configuration module and then configuration module is un-mounted. Alternatively, computer is updated with data from the configuration module and then the configuration module is un-mounted.

The invention also provides a method of installing new configuration data using a configuration module of the invention. The method involves changing a computer parameter by a remote business management system or by an operator, recording the change of computer parameter by the computer, and mounting the configuration module. The configuration module data is compared with retail photo system computer data. If the configuration module data matches the retail photo system data or vice versa, then the configuration module is un-mounted. If the data does not match, if after determining that a new peripheral has been installed, locating and saving peripheral driver and related data on the configuration module and then un-mounting the configuration module. If the data does not match if after determining that a remote business management system or operator has updated the computer data, locating and saving the updated data on the configuration module and then un-mounting the configuration module. Alternatively, the computer is updated with data from the configuration module and then the configuration module is un-mounted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Explanations of certain terms used in the present application are provided below.

“Retail Photo System” is an image fulfillment system to enable consumers to create customized hard and soft copy photo products in retail environments. These systems include any combination of; photo kiosks, digital minilabs, color printers, scanners, CD and DVD reader/writers, servers for web hosting of digital photos, digital order stations, and the like.

“Remote Business Management” or “RBM” is a system to periodically provide new content and configuration information to the digital image fulfillment system from an offsite location.

“Configuration information” includes setup information, peripheral numbers and types, peripheral drivers, calibration information, specialized software, workflow instructions, pricing schedules, remote fulfillment access information, software and content licensing information, and retailer specific data.

“Content” includes graphics, backgrounds, and templates used to make and enhance photo products, music, specialized fonts, image product formats, manufacturer and retailer promotional, trade dress, and marketing communications.

“Centralized Imaging Services” or “CIS” is a remote wholesale production facility for image products that may be unsuitable for retail production such as photo books, photo customized apparel, posters, mouse pads, and the like.

“Advanced Unit Replacement” or “AUR” means a new or replacement computer is shipped to a retail site when the existing computer is identified as malfunctioning.

Retail Photo Systems are designed to enable consumers to create customized hard and soft copy photo products in retail environments. Retail Photo Systems are used by consumers who are guided by on-screen interactive instructions and a graphic user interface. Retail clerks are available to perform routine maintenance, answer consumer questions, perform basic system calibration, and reload print media and softcopy media such as DVD's. As such, retail clerks receive a minimum of training, frequently change jobs, and are typically unsuited for more complex tasks. Retail Photo Systems include any combination of photo kiosks, digital minilabs, color printers, hardcopy scanners, CD and DVD reader/writers, servers for web hosting of digital photos, and digital order stations for remote image product production at centralized facilities. Consumers use their hard copy photographs that can be digitally scanned at the retail site and/or personal digital images accessed via their smart phones, social media accounts, USB memory devices, SD cards, memory sticks, or stored on DVD media that are brought to the Retail Photo System. Consumers load their images onto these digital image fulfillment systems through the appropriate wired or wireless interface means and follow on-screen, guided instructions to create photo products including: photographic prints, enlargements, photo books, photo calenderers, DVDs, web hosted photo albums, movies, and slide shows, photo t-shirts, photo apparel and accessories, mugs, and mouse pads. Some photo products are created at the retail site, while other more complex image products, such as photo books and photo apparel, are compiled and specified at the retail site and the digital image and instructions are sent to and produced at a remote production facility.

The Retail Photo Systems also include graphic user interfaces, image editing tools, imaging algorithms, product pricing schedules, retailer specific trade dress and promotional offers, seasonal and decorative graphics, templates, print drivers, and work flows. Problems arise when equipment or computers fail and components are replaced or added requiring drivers, licenses, and software installation. New installations also require a series of software modules and retailer specific settings and content. In some cases the computer network capabilities within the retail environment may lack the capacity to support configuration from a remote location or the local network usage within the retail environment may interfere with a time consuming and data intensive installation. In addition, seasonal and regional promotions, pricing, and related content must routinely be provided to the digital image fulfillment system at the retail location to refresh the product offerings and to coincide with upcoming holidays and events. However, installing software, setting up, and configuring a digital image fulfillment system can be a formidable task for a retail clerk that typically operates these systems.

FIG. 1illustrates a Retail Photo System10with touch screen display20, displayed user image25, and pointing device30. Pointing device30is shown as a computer mouse that can be used in addition to or in lieu of the touch screen, but can be any device or combination of devices suitable to provide instructional input and user selections to the Retail Photo System10, such as a key board, a camera system with gesture recognition, or a microphone system with voice recognition, which are well known in the art and not shown. Computer processor40is used to provide image processing, a graphic user interface, imaging workflow, and to manage input, output, and operation of the peripheral devices. Typical peripheral devices for a Retail Photo System include a Photo Printer50, which can be a color thermal, inkjet, or electro-photographic printer for prints, enlargements, photo albums and greeting cards as shown with printed user image55. Other peripheral devices include a Large Format Photo Printer60such an inkjet printer for making posters and banners, a CD/DVD Reader/Writer70for soft copy audio visual image products or storage, and Scanner80for digitizing hard copy media such as prints, slides, and negatives. Router90is also included to send images and photo product orders to remote locations for storage and fulfillment. Router90is also used to send updates to Computer processor40using a Remote Business Management system45which is communicatively connected to Router90to periodically provide new content and configuration information to the Retail Photo System10from an offsite location. The Remote Business Management system45is also used to monitor the status Retail Photo System10and the connected peripheral devices. In an alternative configuration one or more of the peripheral devices can be connected to Computer processor40via the Router90such as with a networked printer configuration, not shown.

Also shown inFIG. 1, Configuration Module100can be seen through cut-away view95in Computer processor40. Another embodiment incorporates the Configuration Module100into the Retail Photo System enclosure. Configuration Module100can also be a separate device connected to the Retail Photo System10. Configuration Module100can include a locking mechanism/door110to prevent unauthorized access to the memory device120inside Configuration Module100as shown inFIG. 2b.

FIG. 2ashows Configuration Module100, with locking mechanism/door110, which uses key140to provide access to authorized users and to prevent access from unauthorized users.FIG. 2aalso shows memory device120. Although a key140and locking mechanism/door110are shown, any suitable locking system such as a combination or an electronic lock can be used or alternatively a special tool such as a 5 sided Allen key and compatible screw can be used to secure locking mechanism/door110and prevent unauthorized access or tampering.

Configuration module100, of the present invention, includes a small memory device120with all of the required configuration and license information supporting the software and content for a specific Retail Photo System10. Memory device120is connected to and communicates with the Retail Photo System10computer processor40, which provides memory device120with periodic updates, which the computer processor40receives from the Remote Business Management System. For example, as new peripheral devices are installed the configuration module is automatically updated (by the remote Business Management System or by software loaded on to Computer processor40).

Memory device120has enough storage capacity to provide setup and configure a specific Retail Photo System10. In addition to configuring the Retail Photo System10, memory device120is used to automatically initiate all of the required licensing and configuration information for third party software and content without operator or clerk intervention. The configuration module is also automatically accessed when the computer is replaced without intervention from the retail operator, e.g. “scenario based automatic workflow modification.” Access to the configuration module, to initiate it or to update it, is provided via the Remote Business Management System, or locally via password to prevent access by unauthorized users.

Memory device120comprises a volume of read-write memory such as solid state or magnetic memory with sufficient capacity to store the required configuration information. The configuration module memory can comprise; single solid state, redundant solid state, single magnetic memory, redundant magnetic memory, or combination thereof.

Configuration module100and memory device120also provide the required configuration information for the software, applications, and content to process, enhance, print, store, transmit, and transactional information to process the user provided images or video to create the user selected image products. The configuration module100can be used to simplify and expedite setting up multiple Retail Photo Systems within a retail environment or related retail network utilizing similar configurations. For example, once the first of a group of similar Retail Photo Systems for a specific retailer is configured, the remaining Retail Photo Systems are updated with the configuration module). The configuration module100also provides the ability as well as the information for the computer to obtain the required updates and content from a remote location via the internet.

Situations that might require configuration updates include computer failure, new printer/peripheral install, content refresh, system expansion—more hardware/memory/features, new media such as type/lot based print media calibration data, new pricing schedules, seasonal/periodic promotions, configuration update, date triggered auto-licensing renewal, 3rd party software update, and automated sequence of operation.

The configuration module100is connected to the computer processor40via USB Connector160or similar bi-directional communication means such as SATA/eSATA. As shown inFIG. 2b, key140is inserted into locking mechanism/door110providing access to memory slot130with memory device120inserted. Alpha-numeric code150is provided as additional security feature, which is used by an authorized operator accessing the configuration module100. Once locking mechanism/door110is unlocked and opened, an authorized operator can view and use the alpha-numeric code150and user interface30to manually mount the configuration module100and to initiate a comparison between the configuration module100memory device120and the computer processor40. This mode may also be used to access special functions such as used for system diagnostics and maintenance. In addition, software running on computer processor40is designed to detect scenarios that require mounting the configuration module100, detecting the new information, and the source, and recipient of the data transfer.

Configuration module100is separate from the computer processor40so that if the computer processor or related hard drive is replaced, all of the saved settings, operational configurations, and licenses and the like can be restored and the system can be up and operational quickly with little to no clerk involvement. The configuration module100is both physically and digitally isolated from the Retail Photo System10and computer processor40and is only digitally accessible when initiated by Remote Business Management System, a detected change to the computer parameters, or by authorized operator with the required access code via the Retail Photo System10.

The configuration module is also physically and digitally inaccessible to the retail operators and users. The configuration module may be concealed and thus require a service technician with knowledge of the location to find it in the system. The configuration module may be in a containment structure to prevent unauthorized access, theft, or tampering and can only be accessed with a physical key and an access code. Optionally, an alpha-numeric access code is printed inside the locked configure module enclosure for access by a service technician.

As shown inFIGS. 2aand 2b, the configuration module is encased in a key140accessible reinforced housing. Alternatively, the configuration module is concealed in an innocuous component or structure such as an inline noise suppressor or USB port replicator with a false front plate or bezel that conceals the memory from view and ready access.

The Retail Photo System10on startup verifies that the configuration module100is connected and operational. If the configuration module100is not accessible during periodic system checks and updates by the connected computer a failure notice is sent to a trained operator via Remote Business Management System and/or on-screen to alert clerk to contact service to investigate.

The configuration module retains all configuration information and content and is isolated from the computer and computer operating system during normal usage of the Retail Photo System. The configuration module receives updates only when new configuration information and content is provided to the PC. The configuration module operates automatically and is not accessible to the customer or clerk. The configuration module is only mounted when new configuration information or content is received or when a computer fails, is replaced, or is upgraded. The configuration module retains all software and content licenses, which are reapplied automatically if the computer fails, is replaced, upgraded, or when periodic license renewals are required.

The configuration module is different from a hard drive/backup system because only critical configuration information is stored and the configuration module is only accessible under certain conditions and is physically isolated to prevent unauthorized access.

The flowchart ofFIG. 3shows the start-up scenario method of the present invention with the initiation of the Retail Photo System10. The initiation of Retail Photo System10, as shown in step170, can occur at morning start up, during a reboot, a hard drive fails, or if computer processor40is replaced or upgraded. At step180the configuration module100is mounted and at step190the configuration data stored on memory device120is compared to the configuration data stored on computer processor40and at decision step200, if the data is matched the configuration module100is un-mounted at step250. If at decision step200it is determined that the configuration data does not match, decision step210checks computer processor40to determine if a new peripheral device has been installed. If a new peripheral device has been installed the device driver and related data are copied to the memory device120in configuration module100at step230and when complete the configuration module100is un-mounted at step250. If at decision step210it is determined that a peripheral device has not been installed decision step220determines if the configuration data in computer processor40has been updated by the Remote Business Manager, by an authorized operator, or service technician. If at decision step220it is determined that the computer processor40configuration data has not been changed, then at step260the configuration module100is used to update the configuration data stored in computer processor40and then the configuration module is un-mounted at step250. If at decision step220it is determined that the configuration data stored in computer processor40has been updated then at step240the updated configuration data is located and is copied to memory device120in configuration module100and when completed configuration module100is then un-mounted at step250.

The flowchart ofFIG. 4shows the peripheral installation scenario method of the present invention with peripheral installation on the Retail Photo System10. The peripheral installation on Retail Photo System10, as shown in step270, can be any number or type of peripheral devices as shown inFIG. 1. At step280the peripheral device drive is copied to computer processor40and at step180the configuration module100is mounted. At step190the configuration data stored on memory device120is compared to the configuration data stored on computer processor40and at decision step200, if the data is matched the configuration module100is un-mounted at step250. If at decision step200it is determined that the configuration data does not match, decision step210checks computer processor40to determine if a new peripheral device has been installed. If a new peripheral device has been installed the device driver and related data are copied to the memory device120in configuration module100at step230and when complete the configuration module100is un-mounted at step250. If at decision step210it is determined that a peripheral device has not been installed decision step220determines if the configuration data in computer processor40has been updated by the Remote Business Manager, by an authorized operator, or service technician. If at decision step220it is determined that the computer processor40configuration data has not been changed, then at step260the configuration module100is used to update the configuration data stored in computer processor40and then the configuration module is un-mounted at step250. If at decision step220it is determined that the configuration data stored in computer processor40has been updated then at step240the updated configuration data is located and is copied to memory device120in configuration module100and when completed configuration module100is then un-mounted at step250.

The flowchart ofFIG. 5shows the new configuration data scenario method of the present invention with new data provided to the Retail Photo System10by the Remote Business Manager, by an authorized operator, or service technician. The new configuration data provided to Retail Photo System10, as shown in step290, can be type of configuration data as previously discussed. At step300the new configuration data is copied to computer processor40and at step180the configuration module100is mounted. At step190the configuration data stored on memory device120is compared to the configuration data stored on computer processor40and at decision step200, if the data is matched the configuration module100is un-mounted at step250. If at decision step200it is determined that the configuration data does not match, decision step210checks computer processor40to determine if a new peripheral device has been installed. If a new peripheral device has been installed the device driver and related data are copied to the memory device120in configuration module100at step230and when complete the configuration module100is un-mounted at step250. If at decision step210it is determined that a peripheral device has not been installed decision step220determines if the configuration data in computer processor40has been updated by the Remote Business Manager, by an authorized operator, or service technician. If at decision step220it is determined that the computer processor40configuration data has not been changed, then at step260the configuration module100is used to update the configuration data stored in computer processor40and then the configuration module is un-mounted at step250. If at decision step220it is determined that the configuration data stored in computer processor40has been updated then at step240the updated configuration data is located and is copied to memory device120in configuration module100and when completed configuration module100is then un-mounted at step250.

Other embodiments to automatically initiate the data comparison between the Retail Photo System10and computer processor40and the configuration module100and updating the data on the appropriate device include; at periodic intervals, when initiated by a service technician, when a peripheral device receives new firmware, or when new output media calibration information has been added. It will be understood that, although specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration and explained in detail with particular reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, numerous modifications and all sorts of variations may be made and can be effected within the spirit of the invention and without departing from the scope of the invention.

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