Abstract:
A system and method for providing photographs of spectators at an event employing photography equipment, producing photographs of a plurality of spectators at an event and a correlator providing a correlation output correlating information contained in the photographs of the plurality of spectators with identifying information relating individual ones of the plurality of spectators to photographs of the individual ones of the plurality of spectators.

Description:
REFERENCE TO CO-PENDING APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    Applicants hereby claim priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application U.S. Serial No. 60/245,394, filing date Nov. 2, 2000 and entitled “Mass Event”. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention relates to photography generally and more particularly to systems and methodologies for identifying persons appearing in photographs.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    The following publications are believed to represent the current state of the art:  
           [0004]    Published PCT Patent Applications WO 00/04711 of the present assignee and WO 98/10358;  
                                                         U.S. patents:                                5,852,823;   5,852,669;   5,850,470;   5,835,625;   5,835,616;   5,828,779;       5,826,242;   5,825,881;   5,818,953;   5,805,720;   5,802,208;   5,801,763;       5,976,351;   5,794,217;   5,787,186;   5,779,284;   5,774,873;   5,754,656;       5,751,847;   5,745,681;   5,729,619;   5,724,522;   5,721,832;   5,717,923;       5,715,400;   5,715,325;   5,694,514;   5,666,215;   5,664,111;   5,655,053;       5,652,881;   5,644,765;   5,642,431;   5,642,160;   5,629,990;   5,629,981;       5,602,375;   5,598,208;   5,583,614;   5,576,838;   5,566,327;   5,554,984;       5,550,928;   5,524,065;   5,459,797;   5,432,864;   5,430,809;   5,410,609;       5,383,111;   5,381,155;   5,375,177;   5,363,504;   5,321,396;   5,164,992;       5,120,126;   5,031,224;   5,012,522;   4,991,223;   4,991,205;   4,975,969;       4,797,937;   4,790,022;   4,734,725;   4,547,896;   4,414,635;   4,110,826;       4,009,466;   3,938,088.                  
 
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0005]    The present invention seeks to provide systems and functionalities for providing photographs of spectators at events.  
           [0006]    There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a system for providing photographs of spectators at an event including:  
           [0007]    photography equipment, producing photographs of a plurality of spectators at an event; and  
           [0008]    a correlator providing a correlation output correlating information contained in the photographs of the plurality of spectators with identifying information relating individual ones of the plurality of spectators to photographs of the individual ones of the plurality of spectators.  
           [0009]    There is additionally provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a system for providing photographs of spectators at an event and wherein the correlator includes:  
           [0010]    first correlation functionality which employs individual identification information provided by identifiers worn by individual ones of the plurality of spectators, which individual identification information is extracted from the photographs.  
           [0011]    There is further provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a system for providing photographs of spectators at an event and wherein the correlator includes:  
           [0012]    second correlation functionality which employs the assigned locations of individual ones of the plurality of spectators to provide individual identification information.  
           [0013]    Preferably, the system also includes a distribution sub-system which is operative to make the photographs available to individual ones of the plurality of spectators appearing in the photographs on the basis of the correlation output.  
           [0014]    Additionally or alternatively, the system also includes a distribution sub-system which includes an identifier-based indexer operative using information related to identifiers for identifying photographs in which identifier bearing individual ones of the plurality of spectators appear.  
           [0015]    Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system also includes a distribution sub-system which includes an assigned location-based indexer operative using information related to assigned locations of individual ones of the plurality of spectators for identifying photographs in which individual ones of the plurality of spectators at the assigned locations appear.  
           [0016]    Preferably, the distribution sub-system also includes a computer network based system wherein identifier based information is entered to receive access to photographs in which an identifier-based spectator appears.  
           [0017]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the distribution sub-system also includes a computer network based system wherein location based information is entered to receive access to photographs in which an spectator appears at a given location.  
           [0018]    There is additionally provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a method for providing photographs of spectators at an event including:  
           [0019]    producing photographs of a plurality of spectators at an event; and  
           [0020]    providing a correlation output correlating information contained in the photographs of the plurality of spectators with identifying information relating individual ones of the plurality of spectators to photographs of the individual ones of the plurality of spectators.  
           [0021]    There is further provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a method for providing photographs of spectators at an event and wherein the correlating includes:  
           [0022]    first correlation functionality which employs individual identification information provided by identifiers worn by individual ones of the plurality of spectators, which individual identification information is extracted from the photographs.  
           [0023]    There is additionally provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a method for providing photographs of spectators at an event and wherein the correlating includes:  
           [0024]    second correlation functionality which employs the assigned locations of individual ones of the plurality of spectators to provide individual identification information.  
           [0025]    Preferably, the method also includes making the photographs available to individual ones of the plurality of spectators appearing in the photographs on the basis of the correlation output.  
           [0026]    In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the making includes:  
           [0027]    using information related to identifiers for identifying photographs in which identifier bearing individual ones of the plurality of spectators appear.  
           [0028]    Additionally or alternatively, the making includes:  
           [0029]    using information related to assigned locations of individual ones of the plurality of spectators for identifying photographs in which individual ones of the plurality of spectators at the assigned locations appear.  
           [0030]    As a further addition or alternative, the making includes entering identifier based information into a computer network to receive access to photographs in which an identifier-based spectator appears.  
           [0031]    Further additionally or alternatively, the making includes entering location based information into a computer network to receive access to photographs in which a spectator appears at a given location.  
           [0032]    There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a photograph classifier providing a photograph classification output classifying the photographs according to at least one classification criterion.  
           [0033]    In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the photograph classifier provides the classification output according to at least a classification criteria based on information contained in the photographs other than the identifying information.  
           [0034]    Alternatively or additionally, the photograph classifier provides the classification output according to at least a classification criteria based on information not contained in the photographs.  
           [0035]    The classification criteria may include, for example, sound or other information indicating the existence of spectator excitement, indicating presence of a given logo or symbol or indicating that a spectator is identified with a given team or sponsor in a visually sensible manner.  
           [0036]    The system may also include an output device receiving the photograph classification output and providing a photograph classification dependent output. The output device may include, for example, a still photograph storage device which stores photographs in accordance with the photograph classification output, a still photograph distribution device which makes photographs available for distribution in accordance with the photograph classification output, a still photograph selection device which selects photographs in accordance with the photograph classification output or an Internet still photograph distribution subsystem which makes photographs available for download in accordance with the photograph classification output.  
           [0037]    The Internet still photograph distribution subsystem may include an audio sound bite functionality, which would make concurrent sound bites available for download together with the photographs. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0038]    The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 1 is a simplified pictorial illustration of a system and methodology for providing photographs of spectators at an event in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 2 is a simplified pictorial illustration of a system and methodology for providing photographs of spectators at an event in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 3 is a simplified pictorial illustration of a system and methodology for providing photographs of spectators at an event in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 4 is a simplified pictorial illustration of a real-time photograph access feature applicable to the embodiments of FIGS. 1 &amp; 2;  
         [0043]    [0043]FIGS. 5A and 5B are simplified pictorial illustrations of use of an image code for automated access control at an event in accordance with two alternative embodiments of the present invention;  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 6 is a simplified pictorial illustration of delivery of products to a spectator in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 7 is a simplified flow chart illustrating the operation of the present invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0046]    Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of a system and methodology for providing photographs of spectators at an event in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention and to FIG. 7, which is a simplified flow chart illustrating the methodology.  
         [0047]    As seen in FIG. 1, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a spectator at an event purchases or otherwise obtains a ticket  110 , which typically includes, inter alia seat location indicia  112 , advertising content  114 , a removable spectator identifier  116  and a spectator identification code  118 , which is keyed to the removable spectator identifier  116 .  
         [0048]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the spectator identifier  116  comprises a multi-segment color coded tag, such as a tag 116 illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 19 and described at pages 13, 20 &amp; 21 of applicant/assignee&#39;s published PCT Patent Application WO 00/04711, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.  
         [0049]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the spectator removes the removable spectator identifier  116  from the ticket and adheres it to his outer clothing. The spectator is photographed wearing the spectator identifier  116 , while in an arena or other suitable location, preferably by one or more static cameras  120  and/or by one or more moving cameras  122 . Any suitable type of photography may be employed, such as still photography, video photography and both digital and analog media may be employed.  
         [0050]    Optionally, at the time of acquisition of the photographs, sound bites may also be acquired. This may be particularly meaningful during instances of excitement in sports or other events, when the image of the spectator may have a real correlation to the concurrent sounds.  
         [0051]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, photographs may be classified not only according to the identity of the spectator, but also according to one or more additional criteria. These criteria may be based on information contained in the photographs and additionally or alternatively may be based on information not contained in the photographs, such as concurrently acquired audio content, such as sound bites.  
         [0052]    For example, photographs taken at times of excitement, as evidenced by either or both visual characteristics of the photographed spectators or concurrently acquired sound bites, may be considered to be preferable over other photographs and may be made available with a higher priority.  
         [0053]    As another example, photographs of spectators wearing certain clothing or holding products associated with certain sponsors may be provided to the spectators at no cost or lowered cost by the sponsors.  
         [0054]    The photographed content and any acquired concurrent sound bites are preferably loaded in real time or promptly after an event to one or more servers  124 . This content preferably includes spectator identification data corresponding to each spectator identifier  116  photographed on a spectator. Servers  124  are preferably accessible via the Internet.  
         [0055]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a spectator or any other person having access to ticket  110  or who has otherwise received the identification code  118  may view any picture taken of a spectator wearing a spectator identifier  116  by entering a suitable web site and then, typically in response to suitable prompts, entering the spectator identification code  118 , which corresponds to the spectator identification data provided by the spectator identifier  116 . In response to entry of the spectator identification code  118 , the viewer sees a picture  126  of the spectator and typically also views suitable advertising content  128 . The viewer may then conveniently purchase a download of the picture  126  and any other ancillary products or services, such as T-shirts, mugs and e-mail greetings with pictures.  
         [0056]    Where concurrent sound bites are recorded, these may be played to the viewer at the time of viewing the photograph.  
         [0057]    Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of a system and methodology for providing photographs of spectators at an event in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention and to FIG. 7, which is a simplified flow chart illustrating the methodology.  
         [0058]    As seen in FIG. 2, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a spectator at an event purchases or otherwise obtains a ticket  210 , which typically includes, inter alia seat location indicia  212  and advertising content  214 .  
         [0059]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the spectator is photographed typically while seated or standing in his assigned seat as identified by the seat location indicia  212  on the ticket  210  in an arena or other suitable location, preferably by one or more static cameras  220  and/or by one or more moving cameras  222 . Any suitable type of photography may be employed, such as still photography, video photography and both digital and analog media may be employed.  
         [0060]    The photographed content is preferably loaded in real time or promptly after an event to one or more servers  224 . This content preferably includes seat location data corresponding to each spectator photographed. The seat location data may be derived from one or more sources, such as fixed viewable indicia in the arena or other location or outputs of an inertial or other suitable sensor. Servers  224  are preferably accessible via the Internet.  
         [0061]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a spectator or any other person having access to ticket  210  or who has otherwise received the seat location data may view any picture taken of a spectator located at the indicated seat location by entering a suitable web site and then, typically in response to suitable prompts, entering the seat location indicia  212 .  
         [0062]    In response to entry of the seat location indicia  212 , the viewer sees a picture  226  of the spectator and typically also views suitable advertising content  228 . The viewer may then conveniently purchase a download of the picture  226  and any other ancillary products or services, such as T-shirts, mugs and e-mail greetings with pictures.  
         [0063]    Reference is now made to FIG. 3, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of a system and methodology for providing photographs of spectators at an event in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0064]    As seen in FIG. 3, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a spectator at an event purchases or otherwise obtains a ticket  310 , which typically includes, inter alia seat location indicia  312 , advertising content  314  and a removable spectator indicator  316 .  
         [0065]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the spectator indicator  316  comprises a multi-segment color coded tag, such as a tag 316 illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 19 and described at pages 13, 20 &amp; 21 of applicant/assignee&#39;s published PCT Patent Application WO 00/04711, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Alternatively the spectator indicator may be any suitable, not individualized non-coded tag. The spectator indicator  316  may be employed in the embodiment of FIG. 3 merely for indicating that a spectator wishes to have his picture made available for viewing via the system and methodology of the present invention.  
         [0066]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the spectator may remove the removable spectator indicator  316  from the ticket and adheres it to his outer clothing. The spectator may be photographed wearing the spectator indicator  316 , while in an arena or other suitable location, preferably by one or more static cameras  320  and/or by one or more moving cameras  322 . Any suitable type of photography may be employed, such as still photography, video photography and both digital and analog media may be employed.  
         [0067]    The photographed content is preferably loaded in real time or promptly after an event to one or more servers  324 . This content preferably includes seat location data corresponding to each spectator photographed wearing a spectator indicator  316 . The seat location data may be derived from one or more sources, such as fixed viewable indicia in the arena or other location or outputs of an inertial or other suitable sensor. It is appreciated that photographs of spectators who are not wearing a spectator indicator  316  are not accessible. Servers  324  are preferably accessible via the Internet.  
         [0068]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a spectator or any other person having access to ticket  310  or who has otherwise received the seat location data may view any picture taken of a spectator located at the indicated seat location and wearing a spectator indicator  316  by entering a suitable web site and then, typically in response to suitable prompts, entering the seat location indicia  312 .  
         [0069]    In response to entry of the seat location indicia  312 , the viewer sees a picture  326  of the spectator wearing the spectator indicator  316  and typically also views suitable advertising content  328 . The viewer may then conveniently purchase a download of the picture  326  and any other ancillary products or services, such as T-shirts, mugs and e-mail greetings with pictures.  
         [0070]    Reference is now made to FIG. 4 is a simplified pictorial illustration of a real-time photograph access feature applicable to the embodiments of FIGS. 1 &amp; 2. As seen in FIG. 4, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a spectator at an event purchases or otherwise obtains a ticket  410 , which typically includes, inter alia seat location indicia  412 , advertising content  414 , a removable spectator identifier  416  and a spectator identification code  418 , which is keyed to the removable spectator identifier  416 .  
         [0071]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the spectator identifier  416  comprises a multi-segment color coded tag, such as a tag 416 illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 19 and described at pages 13, 20 &amp; 21 of applicant/assignee&#39;s published PCT Patent Application WO 00/04711, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.  
         [0072]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the spectator removes the removable spectator identifier  416  from the ticket and adheres it to his outer clothing. The spectator is photographed wearing the spectator identifier  416 , while in an arena or other suitable location, preferably by one or more static cameras  420  and/or by one or more moving cameras  422 . Any suitable type of photography may be employed, such as still photography, video photography and both digital and analog media may be employed.  
         [0073]    The photographed content is preferably loaded in real time to one or more servers  424 . This content preferably includes at least one and possible both spectator identification data corresponding to each spectator identifier  416  photographed on a spectator and seat location indicia  412 . Servers  424  are preferably accessible via the Internet.  
         [0074]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a spectator or any other person having access to ticket  410  or who has otherwise received the identification code  418 , such as via a real time telephone call or any other suitable communication, may view in real time or thereafter any picture taken of a spectator wearing a spectator identifier  416  and/or located in a seat location identified by seat location indicia  412  by entering a suitable web site and then, typically in response to suitable prompts, entering the spectator identification code  418 , which corresponds to the spectator identification data provided by the spectator identifier  416  or entering the seat location indicia  412 .  
         [0075]    In response to entry of the spectator identification code  418  and/or the seat location indicia  412 , the viewer sees a picture  426  of the spectator and typically also views suitable advertising content  428 . The viewer may then conveniently purchase a download of the picture  426  and any other ancillary products or services.  
         [0076]    Reference is now made to FIGS. 5A and 5B, which are simplified pictorial illustrations of use of an image code for fully or partially automated access control at an event in accordance with two alternative embodiments of the present invention.  
         [0077]    Turning to FIG. 5A it is seen that a spectator identifier  500 , in addition to its functionality as described hereinabove, may be employed for automated access control. In the embodiment of FIG. 5A, a spectator identifier reader  502  incorporated in an automatic turnstile assembly  504  may provide access to given areas such as in an arena, to persons wearing spectator identifiers  500  which grant them predetermined access entitlements.  
         [0078]    Turning to FIG. 5B it is seen that a spectator identifier  510 , in addition to its functionality as described hereinabove, may be employed for partially automated access control. In the embodiment of FIG. 5B, a handheld spectator identifier reader  512  incorporated in an automatic turnstile assembly  504  may be used by an usher to indicate that persons wearing spectator identifiers  510  have entitlement to access predetermined areas.  
         [0079]    Reference is now made to FIG. 6, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of delivery of products to a spectator in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0080]    As seen in FIG. 6, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a spectator at an event wearing a spectator identifier  616  or being located in an identifiable seat location indicated by indicia  618  may be photographed using the functionality described hereinabove with reference to FIGS.  1 - 4 . In addition to this functionality, the spectator may also purchase a picture as well as other products, such as, for example, food products. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at the time of ordering, the order taker scans either or both of the spectator identifier  616  and the spectator seat location indicia  618  by means of a scan device  620 . The scan device  620  preferably also includes a recording unit (not shown) for recording the order placed by the spectator. The ordered products are then delivered to the spectator by using information derived from either or both of the spectator identifier  616  and the spectator seat location indicia  618 .  
         [0081]    It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of the various features described hereinabove as well as variations and modifications which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the specification and which are not in the prior art.