Abstract:
An automatic camera image transmittal system and method permits the safe, efficient and secure transmission of digital images ( 1012 A) to a wireless network ( 1011 ) where they are archived and retrieved by authorized parties ( 1018 ). Initially the image is compressed and transmitted to the wireless network ( 1011 ) with a unique identifier, which authenticates the validity of the transmittal. The unique identifier includes a portion that is related to the specific camera used so that if the camera is stolen, the network will not accept images from that camera in the future. Fractal geometry technology is used to reconstitute the images ( 1012 A) and improve picture resolution. The network ( 1017 ) can track the images ( 1012 A) via the unique camera serial numbers and the preferences set by the customer ( 1100 ) at the time the camera is purchased. Information such as payment, printing, storage, and other data regarding the customer preference as well as passwords are also stored in the system ( 1010 ). The system and method enables customers ( 1100 ) to safely and securely transmit, store and retrieve digital images ( 1012 A) without running out of film or having to connect to a computer or data card ( 1014 ).

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This non-provisional application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/285,476, filed on Apr. 20, 2001 and incorporates herein, by reference, all the subject matter thereof. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    This invention relates to a method and system for producing a digital image, transmitting said image to a wireless network and accessing said image from an archive of images stored on said wireless network.  
           [0004]    2. Description of Related Art  
           [0005]    Digital cameras have become increasingly popular and appear to be slowly replacing conventional chemical film-type cameras. At present the bulk of such cameras produce digital images by recording the digital image on a floppy disk or a Memory Stick™ and uploading that information to a personal computer (PC). Alternatively, the digital picture can be uploaded directly through a USB port. Software either provided by the camera manufacturer or commercially available is then used to edit the picture and print it on a color printer.  
           [0006]    There are several disadvantages to the foregoing procedure. First, it requires a PC and the appropriate printing equipment. Such equipment can be costly and good quality color printers are rarely as good as commercial printers. Second, the memory of such devices is inherently limited so that a user can only store a relatively small number of photographs if resolution and clarity is important.  
           [0007]    The general concept of creating a digital, or analog, image and transmitting it wirelessly to a remote location is known in other contexts. For example, wireless fax machines operate on a similar principle, as do remote television broadcasts. At present, however, there does not appear to be an economical, simple and convenient way of transmitting digital images to a remote location where they can be archived in a robust fashion and assessed for future printing or viewing.  
           [0008]    In addition, the following specific prior art may be relevant to the present invention.  
           [0009]    FotoNation, Inc. has issued a press release stating it will be granted patent protection for certain “critical” technology to allow users to connect digital cameras via telephones and cell phones to the Internet. The press release details three critical components, namely: 1) a method of configuring a camera through an external device and associating image information with images from the camera; 2) downloading to the camera configuration data by way of connection to and transmission through a telephone network to add functionality to the camera; and, 3) transferring the associated selected image data and digital image from the camera for external processing.  
           [0010]    While the foregoing described application refers primarily to a camera and how it might be connected to the Internet via telephone, it does not appear to describe a complete, functional system that automatically tracks images, provides serial numbers and records customer preferences automatically.  
           [0011]    The Eastman Kodak Company of Rochester, N.Y. produces a Kodak DCS Camera that can be employed with a system that is capable of receiving digital images from the camera. The system, however, provides for remitting digital images from the camera to the user&#39;s computer and not to a system that cannot only send images to a computer, but also to professional printing services, archiving services and includes the ability to track images and billing information efficiently and accurately.  
           [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,167,469 describes a wireless method for transporting digital images. The system described therein has the capability of capturing digital images and e-mailing the image to an e-mail server for e-mail distribution. The system, however, does not appear to provide for transactional delivery (assured, once, and only once), billing, serial number tracking, camera control, etc.  
           [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,181,954 describes a method and apparatus for image capture, compression and transmission of a visual image over telephonic or radio transmission systems. The disclosure primarily relates to the capture of high resolution (at least 640×800; also 800×600 and 1200×1600 or more) full color images from any NTSC source like video cameras, monochrome image intensifiers, monochrome night vision devices (such as FLIRs and the like). Depending upon the application, medium and low resolution may also be selected based upon user desires. It does not, however, offer a complete system, provide for dealing with transactional behavior, routing, billing, etc.  
           [0014]    There are a number of other devices that can be found on websites on the World Wide Web.  
           [0015]    For example, a small wireless camera having relatively low resolution and a short range is advertised at http://www.smarthome.com/7647ea.html.  
           [0016]    Also, an organization known as Remote Video Diagnostics describes a digital imager that uses PAL, not for snapshots, but for the purpose of sending discreet photos and is found at http://www.sightlink.co.uk/wireless.htm.  
           [0017]    Surveillance cameras are frequently of short range, generally not completely Internet compatible, and typically do not provide for enlarging software. Such surveillance cameras can be found http://www.x10.com/products/x10_vk45a.htm.  
           [0018]    A 2.4 GHz wireless camera transmitter is advertised at http://64.132.25.173/servlet/cat/product/MVL8C.html. The main drawback, however, of every wireless camera is transmission type, ie, they are either based on close-range technologies like 2.4 GHz or Bluetooth; or, like the Kodak/Cellular Modem combination, required modem-to-modem connection (ie internet).  
           [0019]    A wireless attachment for a video camera having a limited range of approximately 150 feet is described at http://www.samsontech.com/wireless/productsvml.html. It appears that almost every wireless camera available sends a video signal. Video, which sends multiple frames, is acquired at lower resolution per frame than a photo camera.  
           [0020]    A short-range, low-resolution $75 wireless video camera for children is advertised at http://www.kbkids.com/genProduct.html.  
           [0021]    Hewlett-Packard has introduced two point-and-shoot digital cameras, namely, the HP PhotoSmart 315 and the HP PhotoSmart 215, both targeted for first-time buyers. The HP PhotoSmart 315 is a 2.1 megapixel digital camera with a 2.5× digital zoom (for close-ups) and 1.8-inch high-resolution color LCD for instant preview and post-view of photos. The HP PhotoSmart 315 also provides wireless printing via HP JetSend infrared technology. The camera ships with an 8 MB Compact Flash card and is compatible with both PC and USB-connect Macintosh systems. See, in particular, the following web-site: http://maccentral.macworld.com/news/001002.hp.s.html. The foregoing, however, are very local in that images are sent to a local printer and not to the WorldWide Web. See http://e-services.hp.com/newsevents/press  
           [0022]    The bulk of the digital image business is focused on local, short distance wireless, or is waiting for, Bluetooth or broadband to become ubiquitous.  
           [0023]    Additional, possibly relevant, information may be obtained from the Lightsurf press release of Mar. 19, 2001 available at http://www.lighsurf.com/press/releases/pr — 0211901.html. Further discussions can be found at the press release entitled “Motorola and Lightsurf” available at http://www.lightsurf.com/press/releases/pr — 2070001.html.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0024]    Briefly described, the invention comprises an image network referred to as a Click &amp; Deliver system or network that permits amateur and professional photographers to directly send any or all digital images from their camera by pushing a button any or all digital images via a wireless network, be informed whether uploads are successful, and be authenticated by the network to prevent unauthorized usage. By use of this technology, images can be condensed to be sent swiftly over wireless and Internet lines. The transmission is transactional in nature, ensuring one, and only one, delivery of each image. The technology described, using fractal geometry can reconstruct the images into satisfactory images (otherwise the amount of data needed for each image is too large given current technology to be sent easily). The novel network can track images via unique camera serial numbers and customer set information at the time of camera purchase for payment, printing, storage and shipment and other processes as well as set a password to change such information. The network can also use passwords to prevent cameras reported as stolen from sending images via the network, to shut down cameras via encoded software and make such information available to non-Internet photo developers, making stolen cameras worthless.  
           [0025]    The invention described herein will further enable consumers to have limitless developed pictures without ever running out of film or dropping off and picking up film, or connecting to a computer by a wire or data card.  
           [0026]    The invention may be more fully understood by reference to the following drawings. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0027]    [0027]FIG. 1A illustrates a simplified schematic of the steps of the invention according to the preferred embodiment thereof.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 1B illustrates a more detailed version of the steps of the invention showing positive authentication and authorization.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate the processing steps of the high-level use case mode.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 3 further illustrates the PhotoSet Manager steps of the system.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 4 comprises a block diagram schematic of the overall system deployment diagram in which nodes represent one or more physical devices, components represent software systems and alternatives are enumerated in box notes, or within the components shown.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 5A illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention in which a camera phone sends wireless photos to a server where the photos can be accessed and paid for by purchasing in real time.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 5B illustrates the steps in the method for the embodiment shown in FIG. 5A. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0034]    During the course of this description like numbers will be used to identify like elements according to the different figures, which illustrate the invention.  
         [0035]    A simplified version of the invention  100  is illustrated in FIG. 1A. Initially the photographer or user  10  acquires a digital camera  12 , which has a unique serial number identifier  32 . At the time of purchase, the camera owner  100  may fill out a form with preferences with regard to image management (which image developer, how much to charge credit cards each month or for each set of images, where to send the prints), what level of services they require (professional or amateur), which level of “assured” delivery is required, archiving services, and a secret password associated with the camera and its unique serial number. When the consumer  10  takes a photo or a series of photos, the user  10  will typically press a single button on their camera  12 .  
         [0036]    The camera  12  will compress in step  16  the image data  14  in to a small file so that it can be uploaded onto a wireless carrier for transmittal  18 . Software and technology is presently commercially available to compress the image set. The mode of transmission  18  includes the capability to find the appropriate wireless method for transmission in the area, direct web, radio, phone lines, or satellite depending upon speed and cost and try to transmit the images  14  until it has successfully transmitted the images  14 . When notification  20  of the successful transmittal has occurred, the camera  12  will automatically delete transmitted files thereby freeing space for new images. The system  100  is scalable (i.e. the mobile application may integrate thousands or even millions of users  10 ); will provide security (authentication of users, confidentiality, non-repudiation of transactions, etc.); and is robust (transactions need to be executed exactly in spite of poor network coverage or failures). The system  100  is also flexible in order to accommodate different transmission technologies including, but not limited to, SMS, GSM, GPRS, Bluetooth, Infrared) and interaction styles (synchronous, asynchronous, transactional, one-to-one, or many-to-many).  
         [0037]    The system  100  hardware includes wireless transmission chips that may connect directly to the web or to radio or satellite but excludes telephone. Extended Short Messaging Service (ESMS) for digital content may also be used as a RF mechanism, bypassing the phone system entirely. Other technologies may be available on a global basis. The camera  12  should be “Transport and Network Agile” to allow a choice among competing, available networks/transports, including protocols such as Bluetooth. Agile Camera  12  may choose among competing networks/transports based upon SLA criteria.  
         [0038]    After the image is received and archived  20 , it is distributed according to the user&#39;s  10  preferences  22 , which may be by a wireless distribution, or distribution to a home PC  24  followed by a billing statement  26 . Notification to the user  10  can be at a multitude of levels including, but not limited to, notification that images have been sent to confirm delivery in the case of professional photographers.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 1B illustrates, in more detail, how the system  100  determines positive authentication and authorization. As illustrated in FIG. 1B the user  10  makes an authorization request  30  of the controller  80 , which transmits an I.D.  32  to the authentication and authorization equipment  82 . If the I.D. request  32  is authenticated in step  34 , the result  36  is transmitted back as authorization  38 .  
         [0040]    Next, the I.D. and authentication permission  40  is forwarded to  82  for authorization  42 , the results of which  44  are transmitted back and received as permission  46 . The digital image  48  is then transmitted to archiver  84  where it is archived as step  50  and a confirmation  52  is transmitted back to controller  80 . The user  10  may wish to enhance  54  the digital photograph at which point a request  56  is transmitted to the fractal enhancer  86  where upon the enhancement  58  is performed and an acknowledgement  60  is transmitted back to  54 . Once those steps have been completed  60 , notification  62  is sent to the finishing controller  88  resulting in completion  64  of the finishing process. Another notification  66  is sent to client server  90  notifying the controller  68  that the process is complete. Finally, a notice  70  is sent to the billing controller  72  of the client server  90  to forward the bill to the user  10 . Alternatively, if the process steps are not satisfactorily completed a failure notification  92  is generated.  
         [0041]    [0041]FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate the steps in further detail indicating what happens if there is a failure of any of the steps to take place satisfactorily.  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 3 illustrates the use set of FIGS. 2A and 2B in a slightly alternative embodiment.  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 4 illustrates the system deployment  100  in which nodes represent one or more physical devices; components represent software systems; and alternatives are enumerated in box notes or within the components.  
         [0044]    The system  100  may be further understood as follows. The network or system  100 , as shown in FIGS. 1B through 4.will check identifying serial numbers to determine if the user  10  is entitled to use the network  100 , will check the status of the account (ie, how much money is authorized and on hand or charge credit card for pay-as-you-go customers), and after verification, will permit successful transmittal and notify the customer  10 . Authentication of users also prevents “denial-of-service” attacks by third parties. In cases where access is attempted by cameras  12  reported stolen, the system  100  may attempt to send a message to the camera  12  shutting it down via encoded software until returned to the owner  10 .  
         [0045]    After authentication and authorization, the network  100  will transmit the images, based upon previous information, to a selected printer, to archives if requested; and, monitor information to ensure safe delivery.  
         [0046]    The receiving end of the network  100  includes the capability, in the form of software, at the printer to take images  14 , use fractal geometry, and reconstitute the images  14  into satisfactory photographic images of acceptable quality to consumers  10 . Such data compression and expression are generally desirable to make upload and download times reasonable and to ensure sufficient storage capabilities given the billions of images taken each month by amateur and professional photographers  10 .  
         [0047]    Images may also be stored in archives for consumers  10 , where they can call up their images in their personal directories. Such images may be maintained either for a limited period after transmittal without charge or for unlimited periods upon payment of a fee or other consumer agreement.  
         [0048]    A photo printer receives the images and prints them in a format pre-selected by customers  10  and mails printed images to customers  10  at pre-selected addresses. At the time of transmittal, agreed upon fees will be transferred to the printer&#39;s account and charged to the customer  10 . Confirmation of payment will be sent to the customer  10  and the photo printer as well as stored in the system  100 &#39;s client files.  
         [0049]    The system  100  includes a number of unique features. The system  100  will allow customers  10  to send their photographic images  200  or  300  over a wireless network with a click of a camera button thereby storing their images and/or receiving printed photos in the mail in a few days. The system  100  may also automatically not friends and associates of the user  10  by e-mail when a group of new images  300  has arrived for viewing. Such images will be managed and condensed  400  without the loss of acceptable image quality via the network system  100 , then saved, delivered and charged as per the customer&#39;s instructions. Customers  10  will be informed via the network that the images  200  and  300  have been successfully delivered  500   a  and  500   b . Camera theft will be cut down by use of the unique serial number thereby preventing stolen cameras  12  from using the network  100  and by use of software that can shut down the camera  12  via data signals when activated by the network  100  when a camera  12  is recorded stolen. The preferred camera  12  of the system  100  may be “conversational” with the system  100  telling the camera  12  that a good receipt was made ( 500   a  and  500   b ), or a picture  200 ,  300  was rejected due to an authorization problem, corruption, etc. The transactional components  500   a  and  500   b  enable this “conversational” feature.  
         [0050]    The present invention  100  also includes substantially improved security capability. At the time of purchase the user  10  is requested to provide the unique identification number of the camera  12  and is given a unique password as previously described. When the camera  12  is sold or given away by the original purchaser  10 , the information is updated via the unique password given to the original owner  10  at time of purchase. Such changes can be made over toll free 800 or 888 numbers or directly on the system  100  network through the World Wide Web. In cases where the camera  12  is reported stolen, the network  100  can monitor attempts to use the camera  12  on the network  100  and prevent and disable the camera  12  thus making stolen cameras  12  worthless. If all images have unique serial numbers attached to them, it is possible to alert photo processors to databases of stolen cameras to improve security for all owners  10 . Authentication of users  10  also prevents “denial-of-service” attacks by third parties. This might occur, for example, where a large number of rouge devices are programmed to send large quantities of fake photo data to the system  100  in an attempt to overwhelm its processing network. Authentication can take place on the outskirts of the network  100 . These “velvet rope” devices will only let valid binary photo data processing requests to the network  100 .  
         [0051]    In general, authorization is used to determine what rights the user  10  has within the scope of available rights (i.e., services) offered by the system  100 . Rights will depend upon the subscription plan and, SLA, class of user, etc. There are a variety of different types of authorizations by the user  10  such as, for example, the right to user registered data, what the chosen parameters are, how much money is left in a users account, whether the user is professional or amateur, whether photos can be transmitted to press agencies or other professional organizations, etc.  
         [0052]    Images  200 ,  300  can be stored, their graphics enhanced by fractal geometry, and sound and/or text may be added for both consumers and professional photographers and subsequently routed  600  to be printed  700  or otherwise viewed  800 . Thereafter, the subscriber  26  is billed  900 .  
         [0053]    There are a number of information responses that the system  100  can provide to the user  10  or to other parts of the system  100 . For example, there can be an acknowledgement response (ACK) to indicate that the image was uploaded, or telling the sender  10  that images were received  500   b , were sent, estimated time of delivery, cost of order, and/or delivery address. It is also possible that negative acknowledgements (NAK) may be sent to the camera  12 , indicating a problem of some sort. The nature of the problem may determine the behavior of the camera  12  or the behavior of the user  10  (e.g., automatic retry, delayed retry, identifies the user as an unknown individual, etc.).  
         [0054]    Drop down menus are another type of enhancement and feature unique to the system  100 . For example, customers  10  would receive a drop down menu via the World Wide Web, similar to that found on cellular phones, when sending images whereby the user  10  could scroll down and select choices with regard to processing, delivery, authorization of additional charges to credit cards, size of pictures ordered, types of prints (glossy, flat, borderless, date-stamped, nature of customer on pictures, etc.). The drop down menu would preferably be a physical element of the camera  12 , or, could be sent directly to users&#39;  10  web/wireless application protocol (WAP) enabled cellular phone. In the case of a relatively inexpensive camera  12 , this could be a useful feature.  
         [0055]    Customize controlled routing is another relatively unique and useful feature of the invention. According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, the data on file is set by the customer and limited by their authorizations and payment levels. For example, a commercial photographer may want a set of photos to be routed to Associated Press another set to New York Magazine. This routing could be controlled by instrumentation on the camera  12 , or by an external (not a private phone) WAP phone link to the system  100 , or by other mechanism.  
         [0056]    An alternative embodiment of call routing would be that a fee could be charged either by the transmission of a single image  200  or by the transmission of a full set of images  300  for maintaining the network  100 , handling payments, and directing images  200 ,  300  to various printing concerns. Such a fee is presently estimated to be in the range of 2 to 5 cents per image. Another routing customization and enhancement takes into account that customers  10  may or may not use the Internet to manage their pictures of their account. Non-technical customers  10  may call a toll free 800 or 888 number to establish their account and preferences, for instance, which credit card to be charged, how many pictures to accumulate before shipping an order, the maximum number of photos to allow, or an option for double prints. On the other hand technically capable customers  10 , who are familiar with the Internet may set their own preferences via the Internet, and may participate in more complex image management functions including selling, e-mailing, and editing their photographs.  
         [0057]    Another unique feature of the system  100  is the ability to perform a sophisticated digital image management. Specifically, the network  100  can enhance images via proprietary technology, such as the use of fractal geometry, in order to accommodate the use of lower price cameras and their relatively low resolution images and makes them printable as standard sized photos. Moreover, the technology is available to enlarge files to appropriate sizes, currently 1830×1230 resolution for 4×6 images, using software to smooth images as they are enlarged and to eliminate pixellation. The system  100  also calls for the ability to compress images to reduce download and upload times and for data storage purposes.  
         [0058]    Further alternatives of the unique digital image management of the system  100 , include the ability of the system  100  to automatically upgrade customers  10  when appropriate from prevailing, relatively slow Internet speeds of 56K to cable, DSL, T1 and other relatively new wireless connections that will allow individuals to send images quicker from point-to-point. It is also possible to add various watermarks, graphics, and titles to the photos that can be set in the initial customer preferences and profiles via the Internet web-site or by toll free 800 or 888 numbers of a reasonable service charge. It is further possible to upload images to a specific photo image printer based upon the customer&#39;s choice, price, speed of delivery, etc. via a computer network that monitors the system  100  constantly for factors affecting image printing and delivery. For example, if a printer is overloaded or, if a printing station is located in the same state as a user, it might make better sense to use that printer rather than one across the country. The system  100  includes the alternative ability to direct images to be stored either on the system  100  web-site or at the photo developer&#39;s site. The images may be stored initially free for a period of time and thereafter payment of a fee or rent might be charged after, for example, 30 days. Lastly, the system  100  has the capability to alert customers  10  that digital storage rights are about to expire unless the storage fee is paid.  
         [0059]    Finally, the system  100  includes an enlarging and smoothing processor (ESPA) that preferably comprises an array of micro-processors using fractal geometry to enlarge smaller prints so that they can produce acceptable 4×6 inch prints.  
         [0060]    Online Image-Selling Sub-System Connected to a Camera Phone  
         [0061]    As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, users  1100  of Camera-Phones  1010  can also sell their images  1012 A immediately after they create the image. This creates a market in up-to-the-minute images of sporting or national events, and may also be used by news organizations or free lancers as another income source.  
         [0062]    The Image-Selling System  1000  is a sub-system, or alternative embodiment, of the core system  100 . Once the Camera-Phone  1010  has uploaded the image  1012 A directly to the file servers  1014 , the user  1100  can caption  1013  the photo  1012 A so that it is searchable by anyone  1018  on the web or file server  1014 . The caption  1013  may be created on the camera-phone keyboard using the standard phone-keyboard alphabetic encoding techniques (Pressing the “2” key twice yields the second letter of the “2” key—a “B”), or the photographer  1100  may speak into the phone  1010  to send a voice file that follows the image  1012 A. The server  1014  runs a voice recognition program that translates the voice pattern into text and inserts that text as the caption of the photo  1012 A.  
         [0063]    Once the photo is captioned  1013 , other users  1018  can find the photo  1012 A among millions of other images by searching the database for keywords or by browsing recent public image uploads. In special situations like national events, server  1014  will create web pages that feature images as they stream in from the event.  
         [0064]    The image producer  1100  can watermark  1015  his or her image  1012 B by specifying “Watermark all images” in his “Membership Options”, or by designating a specific image for watermarking prior to upload to the server  1014 . Watermarking adds the word ‘proof’ to an image  1012 B when viewed by a guest  1018  (anyone who is not the owner of the image). This prevents viewers  1018  from stealing clean images directly from the computer screen using a screen capture.  
         [0065]    Image producers can sell their images  1012 A under several customizable online contracts: for instance, (1) Illustrate a PowerPoint presentation—$5; (2) Illustrate an advertisement with a viewership up to 50,000 people—$25; and, (3) Illustrate a campaign with up to 1 million impressions—$100. The contract is between the buyer  1018  and the seller  1100 ; the system  1000  serves as the tool to facilitate the sale. The buyer  1018  enters his or her credit card  1019  to make the purchase, and the web server  1014  clears the credit card  1019 , deducts the transaction fee, and deposits the money  1022  in the seller&#39;s online account such as Paypal. After payment  1019  is made, a clean or usable copy (i.e. without watermarks) of the photograph  1012 A is forwarded  1021  from the web or server  1014  to purchaser  1018  in a format he or she can use. If the seller  1100  has no online account, the system  1000  sends an e-mail notifying the seller  1100  that it is trying to deposit funds, and will attempt again upon response to the e-mail.  
         [0066]    The transaction is low-cost and “frictionless” because it does not require human interaction: the system  1000  connects buyers  1018  and seller  1100  in different locales but with a common desire to produce and use a certain image  1012 A. Another advantage of the system  1000  is that it can operate in real time. For example, in the event of a natural disaster, the photographer  1100  can take the photograph  1012 A, caption it, send it to a server wirelessly, watermark it, have it reviewed by purchaser  1018 , and sell it and get paid all within real time minutes, e.g. 5-10 minutes, of the original event. Alternatively, the photo  1012 A can go to an auction site like e-Bay where it is auctioned in substantially real time and the user  1100  gets a fair price for his efforts. All of the above produces a result where the photographer has more incentive to take useful and interesting photos  1012 A and will get paid relatively promptly while the public benefits from more photos  1012 A taken closer to the actual event and for which the purchaser has paid a fair price. Everyone benefits.  
         [0067]    While the invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiment thereof, it will be appreciated by those ordinary skilled in the art that modifications can be made to the various different parts of the system and the method steps incorporated therein, without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention as a whole.