Patent Publication Number: US-6992787-B2

Title: Method of purchasing image bearing products

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   Reference is made to commonly assigned application U.S. Ser. No. 09/858,360, entitled “METHOD OF DISPENSING IMAGE BEARING PRODUCTS,” and filed on common date herewith in the names of J. A. Manico and J. R. Fredlund, and which is assigned to the assignee of this application. 
   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention relates to image producing kiosks. More particularly, the invention relates to purchasing image bearing products from image producing kiosks. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Various types of image producing kiosks are well known, and have been referred to by various names, for example, photo kiosks or photo booths. These image producing kiosks are typically located in a public area so as to be readily accessible to the user (e.g., the passerby, consumer) to provide the user with an opportunity to interact with the kiosk to form/produce an image. For convenience of discussion, the term “kiosk” will hereinafter be used to refer to the various types of image producing kiosks. The image product formed/produced by the kiosk (e.g., the image bearing product) for the user could be in the form of a print or enlargement. The kiosk might include an enclosed area in which to pose for an image, a partially enclosed area, a partially open area, or be fully open for posing. An example of a commercially available kiosk is the Kodak Picture Maker™ available from Eastman Kodak Company. Features of this kiosk include scanning of prints and the creation of reprints and enlargements from the scanned print. Optional input devices for this kiosk include a digital film scanner, a camera memory card reader, a CD reader/writer, and a tethered digital camera. Further features of this kiosk include the ability to add borders and manipulate the image to increase the personal value and enjoyment of the image. 
   Computer systems which are networked allow for the sending and receiving of files to/from a remote location. Kiosks can be similarly networked, whereby images may be sent to and received from a remote location. While kiosks can be networked, the user of the kiosk may wish to provide the image bearing product produced by the kiosk as a gift/memento/keepsake for another person (hereinafter, the recipient) located remotely from the kiosk. If the image bearing product is being provided as a gift, the user will desire to pay for the product, and as such, the payment is provided remotely from the receipt of the gift. For example, the user located in California may wish to provide an image to a business associate (the recipient) located in New York. Thus, there exists a need to be able to collect payment from the user at a first location, to provide the image bearing product produced using the kiosk by the user to a recipient located at a remote location, and to ensure that the image bearing product is provided only to the intended recipient. Accordingly, a need continues to exist for a method by which networking can be used to provide image bearing products and by which a remote purchase can be made. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   An object of the present invention is to provide a method for dispensing an image bearing product and collecting payment for the image bearing product. 
   Another object of the invention is to provide a method for dispensing an image bearing product to a recipient located remotely from where the payment of the image bearing product occurred. 
   These objects are given only by way of illustrative example. Thus, other desirable objectives and advantages inherently achieved by the disclosed invention may occur or become apparent to those skilled in the art. The invention is defined by the appended claims. 
   According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of purchasing image bearing products, including the steps of providing a plurality of network connected kiosks having image input and product output capability; generating an identifier; inputting an image at one of the plurality of network connected kiosks; storing the image at a network accessible location; notifying a recipient of the identifier after providing payment for the image bearing product; and using identifier to retrieve the image from any one of the plurality of network connected kiosks. 
   According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of notifying a recipient of the availability of an image bearing product. The method comprises the steps of providing a plurality of network connected kiosks having image input capability, product output capability, and point of sale capability; generating an identifier; inputting an image at one of the plurality of network connected kiosks; storing the image at a network accessible location; providing payment for the image bearing product using the point of sale capability; notifying a recipient of the identifier after payment has been provided; using the identifier to retrieve the image from any one of the plurality of network connected kiosks; and using the retrieved image to generate the image bearing product from any one of the plurality of network connected kiosks. 
   According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of remotely providing an image bearing product. The method comprises the steps of providing a plurality of network connected kiosks having image input and product output capability; generating an identifier; inputting an image at one of the plurality of network connected kiosks; storing the image at a network accessible location; inputting a credit card number and a name of the credit card holder; indicating a dollar limit amount for the charges which can be made to the credit card; notifying a recipient of the identifier; using the identifier to retrieve the image from any one of the plurality of network connected kiosks; displaying, on any one of the plurality of network connected kiosks, purchase options; selecting at least one of the purchase options as the image bearing product; generating the selected purchase option from any one of the plurality of network connected kiosks; charging the credit card for the selected purchase option, and notifying the credit card holder of the amount charged to the credit card. 
   The present invention provides a method for dispensing an image bearing product, and more particularly, a method for purchasing an image bearing product and providing it to a recipient located remotely. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
       FIG. 1  shows a schematic diagram illustrating a system in accordance with the present invention for dispensing image bearing products. 
       FIG. 2  shows a schematic diagram of an image producing kiosk. 
       FIG. 3  shows a schematic diagram of a method for dispensing image bearing products in accordance with the present invention. 
       FIG. 4  shows a flow diagram of a method for dispensing image bearing products in accordance with the present invention. 
       FIGS. 5(   a ) and  5 ( b ) show a front and back view, respectively, of a postcard for notifying a recipient to collect an image bearing product at a kiosk. 
       FIG. 6  shows a schematic diagram of another method for dispensing image bearing products in accordance with the present invention. 
       FIGS. 7 and 8  show a flow diagram of another method for dispensing image bearing products in accordance with the present invention. 
       FIGS. 9(   a ) and  9 ( b ) show a front and back view, respectively, of a postcard for notifying a recipient to input an image at a kiosk. 
       FIGS. 10(   a ) and  10 ( b ) show a front and back view, respectively, of another postcard for notifying a recipient to collect an image bearing product at a kiosk. 
       FIGS. 11(   a ) and  11 ( b ) show a front and back view, respectively, of a postcard including an image for notifying a recipient to collect an image bearing product at a kiosk. 
       FIG. 12  shows a flow diagram of a method for purchasing an image bearing product in accordance with the present invention. 
       FIG. 13  shows a flow diagram of another method for purchasing an image bearing product in accordance with the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   The following is a detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, reference being made to the drawings in which the same reference numerals identify the same elements of structure in each of the several figures. 
     FIG. 1  depicts a system  5  in accordance with the present invention. As illustrated, system  5  includes a plurality of image producing kiosks  10 ,  12 ,  14 ,  16 , and  18 . Each kiosk  10 ,  12 ,  14 ,  16 , and  18  is connected by a channel  20  to at least one server  22 . Accordingly, kiosks  10 ,  12 ,  14 ,  16 , and  18  are network connected to each other by means of server  22 . A printer  24  is connected to server  22 . Printer  24 , in accordance with the present invention, can be silver halide printers, thermal printers, ink jet printers, electrophotographic printers, and the like. 
   One of kiosks  10 ,  12 ,  14 ,  16 , and  18  is more particularly illustrated in  FIG. 2 , and for ease of discussion, is referenced as kiosk  10 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , kiosk  10  includes input means  30  for communicating with the user. Preferably, input means  30  is a screen or monitor having a touch screen interface, though alternatively, a keyboard or other input device may be used to share information with the user. Kiosk  10  further includes a scanner  32  or other device for capturing images and converting the image for storage in digital form, such as on a floppy disk or memory card. An image capture device  34  may be a component of kiosk  10 , and may include such known devices as photographic film cameras, digital cameras, and camcorders. Kiosk  10  may include a printer  36  and an input device  37 , such as a computer, having an aperture  38  for receiving a digital storage device, such as a floppy disk, memory card, or CD. Printer  36 , in accordance with the present invention, can be a silver halide printer, thermal printer, ink jet printer, electrophotographic printer, and the like. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 3–4 ,  FIG. 3  shows a schematic diagram illustrating a method of dispensing image bearing products in accordance with the present invention, while  FIG. 4  depicts a flow diagram of the method. 
   Imagine for example, that a person, located in California, wishes to send his cousin, located in New York, an 8×10 photograph of their grandmother on her 80 th  birthday. Thus, the person located in California (i.e., a user U or first consumer) can use a kiosk to send an image bearing product (i.e., the 8×10 photograph) to a recipient R (i.e., the cousin; a second consumer) located remotely (i.e., in New York). 
   First, user U locates a first kiosk. For example user U locates kiosk  10  as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . Upon locating kiosk  10 , user U needs to indicate the desire for an image bearing product to be produced remotely (step  100 ). This desire is indicated to kiosk  10  by means of input means  30 . An identifier ID representative of, associated with, or identified by the transaction is generated by kiosk  10  (step  102 ). Identifier ID can be textual, alphanumeric, iconic, or can comprise words, sentences or phrases. Preferably, identifier ID is unique. User U then inputs an image I to kiosk  10  (step  104 ). Image I can be received by kiosk  10  by several means, for example, using scanner  32 , image capture device  34 , or if the image is in electronic form, using aperture  38 . In step  106 , user U inputs name and address information of recipient R. The name and address of user U may optionally be input to kiosk  10 . Kiosk  10  then sends identifier ID and the recipient&#39;s name and address information to server  22  (step  108 ). Server  22  sends this information to printer  24  for printing (step  110 ), with the print containing notification of user&#39;s U desire to create an image bearing product, the identifier ID, and the name and address of recipient R. The print from printer  24  may be on any printable media and be of various shapes and sizes, including paper, stickers, stock card, and postcards. For illustrative purposes only, Applicants have selected a postcard in which to describe the present invention. A postcard printed from printer  24  is more particularly described below. 
   Still referring to  FIG. 3 , the postcard is sent to recipient R (step  112 ). In step  114  recipient R takes identifier ID to any of the network connected kiosks, which for illustrative purposes is represented in  FIG. 3  as kiosk  18 . Recipient R inputs identifier ID to kiosk  18  (step  116 ) by means of input means  30 , or by scanning the postcard on scanner  32 , or by any other means that allows kiosk  18  to recognize identifier ID, for example, a bar code reader. Upon receiving identifier ID, kiosk  18  queries the network (step  1118 ), represented by server  22 , for the location of image I that has been input by user U. Image I may reside on kiosk  10 , kiosk  12 , kiosk  14 , kiosk  16 , or at some other point on the network such as server  22 . Image I may be stored at any network accessible location, for example, at a network accessible location identified by identifier ID. Though identifier ID need not identify the network accessible location of image I. Once the location of image I is determined, image I is transmitted to kiosk  18  (step  120 ). 
   In step  122 , recipient R can view image I on input means  30  of kiosk  18 . Recipient R may also view any option(s) for image I which have been selected by user U (though user U may not have selected any options). If user U selected option(s), user U may have already provided payment for the selected option(s). The payment may have been provided by user U by means of entering his credit card number. User U may also enter a monetary limit for the transaction. For the particular example given above, user U may have paid for the 8×10 photograph. Other options which may have been selected by user U or recipient R include a single or multiple copies, stickers, cards, posters, and value-added services such as enlargements, borders, and special image effects. Further options may include other photo products such as a tee shirt, mug, calendar, puzzle, photo CD, mouse pad, book bag, album page, and cake decoration. When the output option(s) for the image bearing product has been selected by recipient R (step  122 ), recipient R can direct kiosk  18  to print the selected image bearing product(s) (step  124 ). 
     FIGS. 5(   a ) and  5 ( b ) show, respectively, a front and back view of a postcard  40  which can be generated by printer  24  to be sent to recipient R (as described in step  112 ). The front of postcard  40  includes a recipient address area  42 . The front of postcard  40  may optionally include a return address area  44 , which may be user&#39;s U address or the address of a photography shop or store where kiosk  10  is located or a service which operates kiosk  10  or networked kiosks. If postcard  40  is to be mailed via the U.S. Post Office, a postage area  46  is needed on the front view for a stamp or meter marking. 
   The back view of postcard  40  shows a message area  48  for the inclusion of a message for recipient R. Message area  48  can, for example, provide notification of user&#39;s U creation of an image bearing product. This may be an automatic message or a message generated by user U. Postcard  40  also includes an identifier area  50  for the inclusion of identifier ID. Postcard  40  preferably includes a store location area  52 , providing, for example, a listing of the names/addresses of stores having kiosks. If recipient R&#39;s image bearing product is a photo product such as a tee shirt or mug, store location area  52  could specify the specific store/location for recipient R to pick up the product. Optionally, store location area  52  may be used as an advertising area, for example for advertising specific stores, store events, store openings, store coupons, and special store promotions. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 6–8 ,  FIG. 6  shows a schematic diagram illustrating another method of dispensing image bearing products in accordance with the present invention, while  FIGS. 7–8  depict a flow diagram of the method. 
   In step  200 , a first consumer C 1  indicates at a first kiosk (referenced in  FIG. 6  as kiosk  10 , and hereinafter referred to as first kiosk  10 ) the desire to produce an image bearing product with image data acquired remotely. This is accomplished by interacting with input means  30 . Identifier ID is generated for the image bearing product (step  202 ). In step  204 , first consumer C 1  inputs the name and address information of a second consumer C 2 . First consumer C 1  also inputs the name and address information of first consumer C 1  (step  204 ). In step  206 , first kiosk  10  sends identifier ID and the name and address information of both first consumer C 1  and second consumer C 2  to server  22 . Server  22  sends the information to printer  24  for printing of a first postcard  60  (step  208 ), and first postcard  60  is sent to second consumer C 2  (step  210 ). First postcard  60  printed from printer  24  for this method is more particularly described below. 
   Continuing to refer to  FIGS. 6–8 , second consumer C 2  takes identifier ID to a second kiosk (referenced in  FIG. 6  as kiosk  18 , and hereinafter referred to as second kiosk  18 ) which is network connected to first kiosk  10  (step  212 ). In step  214 , second consumer C 2  inputs identifier ID by means of input means  30 , by scanning first postcard  60  on scanner  32 , or by any means that allows second kiosk  18  to recognize identifier ID. In step  216 , second kiosk  18  directs second consumer C 2  to input an image I, for example, by means of scanner  32 , image capture device  34 , input device  37 , aperture  38 , or other input means of second kiosk  18 . After image I has been input to second kiosk  18 , second kiosk  18  sends identifier ID to server  22  (step  218 ). Server  22  sends this information and the previously gathered first consumer C 1  address information to postcard printer  24  for printing of a second postcard  70  (step  220 ), which is sent to first consumer C 1  (step  222 ). Second postcard  70  printed from printer  24  for this method is more particularly described below. 
   Continuing to refer to  FIGS. 6–8 , first consumer C 1  takes identifier ID to a third kiosk (referenced in  FIG. 6  as kiosk  12 , and hereinafter referred to as third kiosk  12 ) which is any of the network connected kiosks (step  224 ). Note that third kiosk  12  may in fact be first kiosk  10 . First consumer C 1  inputs identifier ID by means of input means  30 , by scanning second postcard  70  on scanner  32 , or by any means that allows third kiosk  12  to recognize identifier ID (step  226 ). In step  228 , third kiosk  12  queries the network for the location of image I corresponding to identifier ID. Image I may reside on first kiosk  10 , second kiosk  18 , or at some other point on the network such as server  22 . Once located, image I is sent to third kiosk  12  (step  230 ). In step  232 , first consumer C 1  can view image I and the options for image I which have been selected by second consumer C 2 , particularly those options which have been provided by previous payment. First consumer C 1  may have paid for a simple copy of the image, or for multiple copies and value-added services such as enlargements, borders, and special image effects. When the output option(s) has been selected, first consumer C 1  can direct third kiosk  12  to print the image bearing product (step  234 ). 
     FIGS. 9(   a ) and  9 ( b ) show, respectively, a front and back view of first postcard  60  generated by printer  24  to be sent to second consumer C 2  (as described in step  210 ). As illustrated in  FIG. 9(   a ), the front of first postcard  60  includes recipient address area  42 , the recipient being second consumer C 2 . The front of first postcard  60  may optionally include return address area  44 , which may be first consumer&#39;s C 1  address or the address of a store where first kiosk  10  is located or a service which operates first kiosk  10 , server  22 , or networked kiosks. If first postcard  60  is to be mailed via the U.S. Post Office, postage area  46  may be included. 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 9(   b ), the back view of first postcard  60  includes message area  48  for the inclusion of a message for second consumer C 2 . Message area  48  can, for example, provide notification of first consumer&#39;s C 1  desire to create an image bearing product, and/or may include a reference or description of the image desired. This may be an automatic message or a message generated by first consumer C 1 . First postcard  60  further includes identifier area  50  for the inclusion of identifier ID. Store location area  52  may be provided on the back view. As discussed above, store location area  52  may include a listing of the names/addresses of stores having kiosks, specific store/locations, or be used as an advertising area. 
     FIGS. 10(   a ) and  10 ( b ) show, respectively, a front and back view of second postcard  70  generated by printer  24  to be sent to first consumer C 1  (as described in step  222 ). The front of second postcard  70  includes recipient address area  42 , the recipient being first consumer C 1 . The front of second postcard  70  may optionally include return address area  44 , which may be second consumer&#39;s C 2  address or the address of a photography store where second kiosk  18  is located or a service which operates second kiosk  18 , server  22 , or networked kiosks. If second postcard  70  is to be mailed via the U.S. Post Office, postage area  46  may be included. 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 10(   b ), the back view of second postcard  70  includes message area  48  for the inclusion of a message for first consumer C 1 . Message area  48  can, for example, provide notification that second consumer C 2  has input image I. This may be an automatic message or a message generated by second consumer C 2 . The back view further includes identifier area  50  for the inclusion of identifier ID. Store location area  52  may be provided on the back view. As discussed above, store location area  52  may include a listing of the names/addresses of stores having kiosks, specific store/locations, or be used as an advertising area. 
   Postcard  40 , first postcard  60  and/or second post  70  are used for notification, and this notification may not be limited to this form. For example, email messages may be used to provide notification to the user/recipient and first and second consumer. Also, automated telephone messages may be used for notification. Wireless communication means might also be employed. 
   The printer which generates the postcard can be located anywhere on the network. It may be attached to server  22  as shown in  FIG. 1  as printer  24 , or attached at each kiosk location as shown in  FIG. 2  as printer  36 . 
   The notification may also alert the user/recipient/consumer to kiosks which are close to their addresses. The location of these kiosks can be selected from a list of networked kiosks that are geographically close. For example, the locations of these kiosks could be provided in store location area  52 , as shown in  FIG. 10(   b ). 
   The notification can optionally include a print or file representative of the image to be used on the image bearing product. This representation can entice the recipient to go to one of the listed kiosks and receive the image bearing product.  FIGS. 11(   a ) and  11 ( b ) show, respectively, a front and back view of a postcard  80  having an image area  82  with a representative image. 
   Other means that allows the kiosk to recognize identifier ID could include, for example, a radio frequency (RF) transponder. Accordingly, the postcard would comprise an RF tag having identifier ID. Alternatively, if the postcard includes a magnetic stripe having identifier ID, the kiosk could include a magnetic head for reading the magnetic stripe. Still further, if identifier ID is a bar code, the postcard could be read by the kiosk if the kiosk included a bar code reader. Identifier ID is illustrated as a bar code on postcards  40 ,  60 ,  70 ,  80  as illustrated in  FIGS. 5(   b ),  9 ( b ),  10 ( b ), and  11 ( b ), respectively. In addition, a kiosk employing a print scanner and optical character reader software, hereinafter referred to as OCR software, could use eye readable alphanumeric text to recognize identifier ID. 
   System  5 , as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , may be specific to a single retailer or may encompass a plurality of kiosks located at differing retailers. A large chain retailer might prefer to enable system  5  only for kiosks operating under the retailer&#39;s control. 
   System  5  may include means for paying for the image bearing product. For example, payment may be provided by the user by entering a credit card number to a kiosk using either a keypad or other known credit card reading device. Thus, system  5  would charge the user&#39;s credit card account. The user could limit the dollar amount that may be charged. In this manner, the recipient may choose from a number of output options that have differing prices. Optionally, payment may be provided to a store clerk (or other point of sale capability) by cash, check, or credit card, and the store clerk could acknowledge the prepayment for the image bearing product via the kiosk. 
   Prepayment may also carry value beyond that of the image bearing product. For example, the value of a picture frame or photo album might be prepaid. System  5  could alert the retailer that this prepayment has occurred, such as by means of a separate postcard to the retailer, a coupon printed on the recipient&#39;s notification (e.g., postcard), or by a coupon printed by the retailer&#39;s kiosk. 
   System  5  might also be enabled to notify the paying consumer of charges made by the recipient. For example, when the image bearing product is generated or the picture frame is obtained by the recipient, a hardcopy or electronic notification may be sent to the paying consumer. 
   The function of the first kiosk may also be accomplished by a first consumer at a networked home computer. The necessary indication of desire for an image bearing product and payment method may be accomplished by well known home ordering processes. 
   System  5  can also provide a receiving consumer (i.e., the recipient) with an opportunity to send a thank you message to the paying consumer. When the receiving consumer is collecting the image bearing product, the kiosk might query the receiving consumer, asking if the creation of a thank you note is desired. If created, the thank you note could be sent to the paying consumer by hardcopy (e.g. printed on printer  24  and sent via the U.S. Postal Service) or by electronic means. If a thank you is not generated, system  5  might optionally generate a confirmation to be sent to the paying consumer indicating that the image bearing product has been picked up by the receiving consumer. 
     FIGS. 12 and 13  show flow diagrams for purchasing an image bearing product in accordance with the present invention. For ease of discussion, the flow diagrams shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13  are discussed in relation to the schematic diagram of  FIG. 3  and the flow diagram of  FIG. 4 . 
   A method of remotely ordering or purchasing an image bearing product illustrated in  FIG. 12  comprises steps  100 – 124  discussed above. In addition, as illustrated in  FIG. 12 , at step  300 , user U inputs payment means. As discussed above, the payment means preferably is a credit card, though other payment means can be used, such as cash and check. Then, after the image bearing product is generated (step  124 ), a notification is sent to user U (step  302 ). Such notification can indicate the charges to the credit card, the generation of the image bearing product or the obtaining of the other products by the recipient. As noted above, the notification can be a hardcopy or electronic notification. Optionally, a thank you note can be sent to user U (step  304 ). 
   Another method of remotely providing an image bearing product is illustrated in  FIG. 13  and comprises steps  100 – 124  discussed above. In addition, at step  300 , user U inputs payment means, and further inputs a dollar limit amount for the payment means (step  306 ). Accordingly, when recipient R queries the second kiosk, the second kiosk can display purchase options and pricing (step  308 ). Recipient R selects at least one of the purchase options for the image bearing product. If the pricing for the selected image bearing product is greater than the dollar limit set by user U, recipient R can provide additional payment means, such as using the recipient&#39;s credit card, for any difference. Then, after the image bearing product is generated (step  124 ), user U&#39;s payment means (e.g., credit card) is charged (step  310 ), and a notification is sent to user U (step  312 ). Such notification can indicate the charges to the credit card, the generation of the image bearing product or the obtaining of the other products by the recipient. As noted above, the notification can be a hardcopy or electronic notification. Optionally, a thank you note can be sent to user U (not shown in  FIG. 13 ). 
   Those skilled in the art will recognize that the described purchasing method may be applied to  FIGS. 6–11 . For example, with regard to  FIG. 8 , second consumer C 2  could provide a credit card number for payment of the image bearing product. Accordingly, when first consumer C 1  retrieves the image and generates the image bearing product, first consumer C 1  does not need to provide payment as it has been arranged by second consumer C 2 . 
   Various combinations for the purchasing method may be recognized. For example, first consumer C 1  may provide both the image and payment, thereby providing a gift for second consumer C 2 . Second consumer C 2  may provide both the image and payment, thereby providing a gift for first consumer C 1 . First consumer C 1  may provide the payment, and second consumer may obtain an image bearing product after inputting an image. Similarly, first consumer C 1  may provide payment, but first consumer C 1  may obtain the image bearing product after second consumer C 2  has input the image. 
   Further features may be employed for the transaction. For example, if the image bearing product has not been generated within a pre-determined time period, a refund of the payment may be provided. Alternatively, if only a portion of the payment is required to pay for the generated image bearing product, a partial refund (i.e., a refund of the balance of the payment) may be made. It should be recognized that once a full or partial refund is made, identifier ID may be in-activated. 
   It should also be recognized that more than one payment means may be provided for the method. That is, both user U and recipient R might provide credit card numbers, for example, to pay a balance due or to purchase additional image bearing products. 
   Another feature which may be employed is a re-notification. That is, if any one of the steps has not been completed within a predetermined time period (for example, the image has not been retrieved within a pre-determined time period or the image bearing product has not been generated within the pre-determined time period), then the recipient can be re-notified. The re-notification may be in the same form as the first notification, or could be of a different form. For example, the first notification might be by postcard, while the re-notification might be by email. More than one re-notification might be desired. 
   The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to a presently preferred embodiment, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents thereof are intended to be embraced therein. 
   
     
       
         
             
           
             
                 
             
             
               PARTS LIST 
             
             
                 
             
           
          
             
                 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
          
             
                 
                5 
               system 
             
             
                 
               10 
               kiosk 
             
             
                 
               12 
               kiosk 
             
             
                 
               14 
               kiosk 
             
             
                 
               16 
               kiosk 
             
             
                 
               18 
               kiosk 
             
             
                 
               20 
               channel 
             
             
                 
               22 
               server 
             
             
                 
               24 
               printer 
             
             
                 
               30 
               input means 
             
             
                 
               32 
               scanner 
             
             
                 
               34 
               image capture device 
             
             
                 
               36 
               printer 
             
             
                 
               37 
               input device; computer 
             
             
                 
               38 
               aperture 
             
             
                 
               40 
               postcard 
             
             
                 
               42 
               recipient address area 
             
             
                 
               44 
               return address area 
             
             
                 
               46 
               postage area 
             
             
                 
               48 
               message area 
             
             
                 
               50 
               identifier area 
             
             
                 
               52 
               store location area; advertising area 
             
             
                 
               60 
               first postcard 
             
             
                 
               70 
               second postcard 
             
             
                 
               80 
               postcard 
             
             
                 
               82 
               image area 
             
             
                 
               C1 
               first consumer 
             
             
                 
               C2 
               second consumer 
             
             
                 
               R 
               recipient 
             
             
                 
               U 
               user