Patent Abstract:
A method of storing and viewing a collection of digital images includes the steps of: providing a plurality of users with a unique user ID associated with a URL identifying a network photoservice provider; providing each one of the plurality of users with a separate password to the unique user ID; at least one of the plurality of users transferring a set of digital images to the unique user ID employing their separate passwords; and viewing the images located at the unique user ID using the separate password.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This is a divisional of application Ser. No. 09/470,814 filed Dec. 22, 1999. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention relates to digital image generation, storage and retrieval, and more particularly to a method for enabling a group of individuals to generate and share a collection of digital images.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    Photographic services including image digitization, digital image storage and network access to digital image files and distribution of digital image files are currently provided by on-line photocenters such as the KODAK PhotoNet™ Online service available on the Internet at http://kodak.photonet.com. To use this system, the photographer checks a box on a photofinishing order envelope indicating she would like to receive this service. The photofinisher processes the film, scans the film to produce digital images, and uploads the digital images to the on-line photocenter via an FTP (file transfer protocol) site through an Internet server. The on-line photocenter receives the digital images and stores them as image files in a mass storage device such as a Sun ultra 250 mass storage hard drive connected to an Internet server.  
           [0004]    The on-line photocenter assigns the image file a roll ID number, and an OwnerKey which functions as a location indicator and password so that the photographer can access the image file over the Internet, and sends the roll ID number and OwnerKey back to the photofinisher. The photofinisher prints a receipt listing the roll ID number, and an OwnerKey and returns the receipt along with the printed photographs to the photographer.  
           [0005]    The photographer then access the on-line photocenter from an Internet capable personal computer, supplying the on-line photocenter with her e-mail address, personal password, roll ID number and OwnerKey. The on-line photocenter then allows her access to the stored images, from which she can download the images to the personal computer, authorize other people&#39;s access to the digital images by providing their e-mail addresses to the on-line photocenter, order reprints, specialty products, digitally manipulate images, and perform other functions. It will be readily appreciated that the entry of so many codes and addresses complicates the use of the services provided by the on-line photocenter.  
           [0006]    Special events such as family reunions weddings and amateur sporting events (e.g. little league) typically have multiple photographers with common interests capturing photographs at the event. Current methods of sharing the images captured at the event include making multiple prints from each roll of exposed film and using either personal contact or the postal system to share the pictures. If an on-line photocenter is used to share the images, individual users need to obtain each others e-mail addresses and then access the on-line photocenter and authorize each other&#39;s access to the image files. Each user at the event needs to perform this procedure and all the images taken at the event would be dispersed over multiple locations at the on-line photocenter. An additional problem occurs when a photographer does not wish to share all of the images captured on a roll of film, for example because some of the images are from another event, are personal, or are inappropriate for sharing.  
           [0007]    There is an additional need for photographers who use digital cameras to participate in the same system. Currently in the on-line photocenters, a user can purchase on-line storage space for the equivalent of a roll of film and then upload digital images from their own computer. However, these images are still dispersed and subject to the problems of connecting groups of users that have experienced a common event.  
           [0008]    Furthermore, consumer photographers who are not connected to the Internet can&#39;t participate within the existing on-line photocenter structure. There is a need to provide these unconnected users with a way to share and print the pictures of the event they participated in without causing them to sit with a connected user and manually keep track of products purchased and the expenses incurred.  
           [0009]    There is a need therefore for an improved method to conveniently enable a group of photographers to generate and share a file of digital images on the Internet.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0010]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for coordinating the image capture by multiple photographers at an event so that all of the images are available at a single Internet location. It is a further object to provide individual users with a secure and simple method of accessing the Internet location that does not require sharing of e-mail addresses, thereby avoiding transcription errors and maintaining a certain amount of privacy. It is a still further object to enable individual photographers to edit and approve the access to the group to images captured at the event. It is a still further object to provide a simple automatic method for photofinishers to implement such a system.  
           [0011]    These and other objects are achieved according to the present invention by providing a method of storing and viewing a collection of digital images includes the steps of: providing a plurality of users with a unique user ID associated with a URL identifying a network photoservice provider; providing each one of the plurality of users with a separate password to the unique user ID; at least one of the plurality of users transferring a set of digital images to the unique user ID employing their separate passwords; and viewing the images located at the unique user ID using the separate password. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]    [0012]FIG. 1 shows a transaction card according to the present invention;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 2 shows the transaction card of FIG. 1 with the adhesive label removed to reveal the user ID number and password, the adhesive label shown applied to a film cartridge and a one time use camera;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 3 shows a front and back view of an alternative embodiment of the transaction card of the present invention;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 4 shows a display rack having sealed packs containing sets of preprinted transaction cards;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a network system useful in performing the method of the present invention;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 6 a  is a flow chart showing the steps in the method that an event host completes according to the present invention;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 6 b  is a flow chart showing the steps in the method that an event participant completes according to the present invention;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 7 is flow chart showing the steps in the method that a photofinisher completes according to the present invention;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the steps of a method for providing professional images of an event for sale with a consumer photo database of the event according to the present invention;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the steps in an alternative method of connecting a professional image database containing images for sale of an event to a consumer database built according to the present invention;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the connection of an electronic camera user to a network photoservice provider for sharing images of event according to the present invention;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the steps in the method of uploading images from a digital camera to a network photo service provider hosting images from an event according to the present invention;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 12 is a mail-in registration card according to the present invention;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 13 a  is an index print for selecting images from an event without a computer according to the present invention;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 13 b  is a mailing form of the index print of FIG. 13 a  for mailing back to a fulfillment center for receiving printed images according to the present invention;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing the steps in the method of the network photoservice provider  60  soliciting printed image sales from event participants that do not have access to Internet  50 ;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 15 shows a package of one time use cameras preconfigured to a common address with a network photo service provider according to the present invention;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 16 show a tear off section of packaging with a bar code from a one time use camera according to the present invention;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing a system for practicing an alternative embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 18 shows a transaction card according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0032]    Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a transaction card  10  is shown. Printed on one side of transaction card  10  is a Universal Resource Locator (URL)  12 , a user ID  14 , and instructions  16 . Removably adhered to the transaction card  10  is an adhesive label  18  which includes a bar code  20  for encoding the URL  12 , user ID  14 , and a password  22 . Adhesive label  18  obscures a human readable version of password  22  until the adhesive label  18  is removed for attachment to a film cartridge  24  or a one time use camera  26 . It should be apparent to one skilled in the art that instructions  16  could be printed on a protective translucent plastic overwrap (not shown) for each card and will be considered within the scope of the invention.  
         [0033]    In FIG. 3, an alternative embodiment of transaction card  10  is shown with magnetic stripe  28  wherein URL  12 , user ID  14  and password  22  are encoded, for example on the back of the card. Instructions  16 , user ID  14  and URL  12  are printed on the front of transaction card  10  in human readable form. In this embodiment, the information on magnetic stripe  28  causes adhesive label  18  to be printed for application on the film cartridge  24  or one time use camera  26 .  
         [0034]    A further embodiment using the structure of FIG. 3 is also possible where the above-referenced information on magnetic stripe  28  is scanned at a retail terminal such as a Kodak Picture Center™ and the adhesive label  18  is printed by a printer  208  associated with the retail terminal  206 . The printed adhesive label  18  is then applied to photoprocessing envelope  210  which will be discussed further with respect to FIG. 17 below.  
         [0035]    According to a still further embodiment, the transaction card  10  may be provided by an event sponsor, such as a NASCAR or NBA event, and include printed advertising on the face of the transaction card  10 . The URL  12  may contain event specific digital images provided by the sponsor for viewing and use by event participants. It is anticipated that the event sponsors would provide the cards to event participants for free or as a premium for admission to the event. The URL  12  contains linkage to the sponsors web site. All of the images that are submitted for photoprocessing with the label  18  will be viewable by all of the participants. Alternatively, the sponsor may make all of the images available for viewing by the general public via the sponsors web site.  
         [0036]    Continuing on with FIG. 4, a package  30  of transaction cards  10  is shown as part of display rack  32 . Each package  30  of transaction cards  10  contains multiple transaction cards  10  each transaction card  10  within the package  30  of transaction cards  10  containing the same user ID  14  but distinct passwords  22 . After purchasing the package  30  of transaction cards  10 , the event host (purchaser of the package  30 ) distributes the transaction cards  10  to event participants.  
         [0037]    Referring to FIG. 5, a network system useful in performing the method of the present invention will be described. A film cartridge  24  or a one-time use camera  26  having an adhesive label  18  is delivered to a photofinisher  34 . The photofinisher includes a film preparation station  36 , a film processor  38 , a film scanner  40 , a label scanner  42 , a computer  44  for controlling the photofinishing operation, a memory  46  for storing digital images and user ID information and a web server  48 .  
         [0038]    The adhesive label  18  is scanned in the label scanner  42 , and the film is developed in the film processor  38  and scanned in film scanner  40  to produce digital images from the images recorded on the film. The digital images are stored in memory  46  along with the associated user ID  14  information. The contents of memory  46  are made available on the Internet  50  via web server  48 .  
         [0039]    The card manufacturer  52  that made the transaction cards  10  includes a database  54  connected to a web server  56  by a computer  58 . The database  54  contains a list of user ID numbers  14  and associated passwords  22  (see FIG. 2).  
         [0040]    A networked photoservice provider  60  includes a web server  62 , and a computer  64 , which contains a customer database  66  that points to images stored in an image database  68 . Digital images and associated customer ID information are downloaded from the memory  46  in the photofinisher  34  to the customer and image databases  66  and  68  respectively in the network photoservice provider  60 .  
         [0041]    When a user desires to access digital images that were stored by himself or others at the event, he employs user workstation  70  via a web server  72  at an Internet service provider  74  using the user ID  14  and password  22  to address the web server  62  and gain access through the customer database  66  using the password  22  to access the images stored on database  68 .  
         [0042]    A fulfillment center  76  includes a web server  78 , a job queue memory buffer  80  and a digital output device  82 , such as an ink jet printer, CD writer, floppy disc writer, digital photographic printer, etc. If the customer desires a print  84 , an article such as a CD  86 , prints, poster prints, t-shirts, CD&#39;s, floppy discs, album pages, greeting cards, digital file downloading, extended image storage, mugs, posting to a web page, postage stamps, masks, sticker prints, and trading cards, bearing the image (not shown), the customer can order the print or article via the Internet using a digital order form (not shown) provided by the network photoservice provider  60 . The network photoservice provider  60  receives the order and forwards it via the Internet  50  to the fulfillment center  76 . The fulfillment center  76 , retrieves the requested digital images from the network photoservice provider  60 , produces the ordered print or article and sends it to an address supplied by the customer.  
         [0043]    Optionally, a professional photo studio  88  having a studio digital image work station  90  connected to professional film scanner  92 , such as a Kodak RFS2035 Professional film scanner, a high resolution professional digital image database  94  is connected to the network photoservice provider  60  and image fulfillment center  76 . A photographer from the professional studio  88  may participate in the event and capture images using conventional or electronic cameras (not shown). The images captured by the professional are stored in database  94 . If the images are captured on conventional film, they are developed and scanned by scanner  92 . If they are captured on an electronic camera, they are downloaded to database  94  in a known manner.  
         [0044]    Referring to FIGS. 6 a - b , the operation of the system according to the present invention will now be described. As shown in FIG. 6 a , the event host purchases ( 96 ) a package  30  of transaction cards  10 . The host hands out the cards ( 98 ) to the photographers at the event. At some point before or after the event, the event host registers ( 100 ) over the Internet  50  with the network photo service provider  60  by filling out a registration form provided on-line by the network photoservice provider  60 .  
         [0045]    Turning to FIG. 6 b , a photographer who received a transaction card  10  at the event, applies ( 102 ) the adhesive label  18  to his film  24  or one time use camera  26 , and drops off ( 104 ) the film  24  or one time use camera  26  at the photofinisher  34 . The photofinisher  34  inputs the URL  12  and user ID  14  into the photofinishing system by scanning the bar code  20  from the adhesive label  18 . Alternatively, the URL  12  and user ID  14  can be carried on the transaction card  10  by a magnetic stripe  28  as shown in FIG. 3, which is scanned by a magnetic card reader  204  (See FIG. 17) located at a film drop off location. An example of a film drop off location which integrates a retail terminal  206  with a magnetic card reader  204  is the Kodak Picture center. A label is printed having the URL  12  and the user ID  14  and the label is attached to a photofinishing envelope  210 .  
         [0046]    After the film has been developed, the photographer picks up ( 106 ) the prints and processed film. By the time the prints are ready, the photographer can connect ( 108 ) to the network photoservice provider  60  using the user ID  14  and password  22  on the transaction card  10  to select the images that are to be shared with the other photographers at the event. The photographer reviews the images displayed on the monitor of user workstation  70  and indicates the images that he desires to share with the others, for example, by checking a box associated with each image. Alternatively, he could check a single box indicating that he wishes to share all of the images.  
         [0047]    After the images that will be shared have been selected by the participants, they can view each others selected digital images ( 110 ), (both his and others at the event), that were captured at the event, and select images for printing ( 112 ) and order reprints and other articles. In the event that a user fails to designate digital images for access to all cardholders within a predetermined period of time, access may be granted by the network photoservice provider  60  to all cardholders to all digital images stored by the user. Taking action after a predetermined time period is function that can be provided by computer  64  of the network photoservice provider  60  as is known the computer art.  
         [0048]    Alternatively, the photographer can contact the network photoservice provider  60  prior to receiving his prints to see if the images are available. The photographer can also employ his user ID  14  and password  22  to track the progress of his photofinishing order, since the link to the user ID  14  is established at the photofinisher  34  and can be made available to the network photo service provider  60  as soon as the adhesive label  18  is scanned. All other services, such as retrieving a low resolution digital image that are normally provided by network photoservice providers  60  are also available to the photographer with respect to all of the images taken at the event.  
         [0049]    Referring to FIG. 7, the steps in the method that a photofinisher  34  completes according to the present invention will be described. The photofinisher  34  associates a twin check number ( 114 ) with the user ID  14  that was scanned from the adhesive label  18  attached to film cartridge  24  or the magnetic stripe  28  on the transaction card  10 . The twin check, which is a sequential number, is attached ( 116 ) to the film strip and the photofinishing envelope  210 . The film is then processed ( 118 ), scanned ( 120 ), and the twin check code is read and the user ID  14  is associated ( 122 ) with the digital image files. The digital image files and associated user ID  14  are temporarily stored ( 124 ) in memory  46  and subsequently transferred ( 126 ) to the image database  68  at the network photoservice provider  60 .  
         [0050]    Referring to FIG. 8, the steps in the method of uploading images from a professional image database  94  containing images of an event to a consumer database built according to the present invention will be described. A professional photographer, who has attended the event and received a transaction card  10  or copied the URL  12  from a transaction card  10 , establishes a remote connection ( 128 ) to the network service provider  60 . The network photoservice provider  60  requests a professional identification (Pro ID) ( 130 ) indicating that the professional photographer has been previously associated with the network photoservice provider  60 . If the professional does not have a Pro ID, the network service provider  60  registers ( 132 ) the professional photographer. Otherwise, the professional enters his Pro ID ( 134 ), enters the event URL  12  ( 136 ) from the transaction card  10 , and uploads ( 138 ) low resolution image files from. professional image database  94  for display in the area of the URL  12  reserved for digital images selected to be shared. After completing the upload process ( 138 ), the professional photographer disconnects ( 140 ) from the network photoservice provider  60 .  
         [0051]    It should be noted that the effect of registration ( 132 ) permits the definition of the electronic funds transfer agreement for distribution of proceeds from the sale or use of images uploaded and originating from the professional image database  94 . In a manner well understood in the electronic commerce art, brokerage fees are a form of revenue sharing where the network photoservice provider  60  collects a percentage of the revenue associated with a user&#39;s selection of a professional image to print for example before distributing the balance of the incurred fee to the professional photographer who has registered with the network photoservice provider  60 .  
         [0052]    Furthermore, it will be understood that fulfillment center  76  will access the URL of the professional image database  94  to download the appropriate high resolution digital image necessary for order fulfillment correlating to the user selected low resolution image resident at the network photoservice provider  60 . It should be obvious to one skilled in the art that an event participant seeking fulfillment of an order including both consumer shared images and images from the professional image database  94  conducts only one distinct electronic transaction in the method of FIG. 8.  
         [0053]    Referring to FIG. 9, the steps in an alternative method of connecting a professional image database  94  containing images for sale of an event to a consumer database built according to the present invention will be described. A professional photographer who has attended the event and received a transaction card  10  or copied the URL  12  from a transaction card  10 , establishes a remote connection ( 142 ) to the network service provider  60 . The network service provider  60  requests a Pro ID ( 144 ) indicating that the professional photographer has been previously associated with the network photoservice provider  60 . If the professional does not have a Pro ID, the network service provider  60  registers ( 146 ) the professional photographer. Otherwise, the professional enters his Pro ID ( 148 ), enters the event URL  12  ( 150 ) from the transaction card, and enters ( 152 ) the URL for his professional image database  94  before disconnecting ( 154 ) from network photoservice provider  60 .  
         [0054]    It should be noted that the effect of registration permits sharing of revenue associated with the sale or use of professional images from the professional image database  94 . In operation, a user connecting with user workstation  70  to network photoservice provider  60  via Internet service provider  74  and Internet  50  will see an active link from the registered professional photographer which will transfer the user to the URL of the professional image database  94 . In a manner well understood in the electronic commerce art, sites (URLs) that transfer users who subsequently purchase items at URL of the professional image database  94  earn a commission on the revenue generated by the transferred user. In this case, the professional photographer incurs the responsibility to track the path of users purchasing images to reimburse the transferring site such as the network photoservice provider  60 . The user also completes a distinct electronic transaction with the professional photographer in addition to any electronic transaction conducted with the network photoservice provider.  
         [0055]    Referring to FIG. 10, a block diagram shows the connection of a user with an electronic camera  156  to a network photoservice provider  60  for sharing images of event captured electronically according to the present invention. It will be understood that electronic camera  156  will include those cameras that at least electronically capture an image of a scene without the use of chemical amplification of incident light as achieved by silver halide based films.  
         [0056]    The connection of the electronic camera  156  to user workstation  70  is well known in the art. For example, the DC210 camera manufactured by the Eastman Kodak Co. allows the user to extract a removable memory card (not shown) for insertion into user workstation  70 . Alternatively, cables for transferring serial data streams in an RS-232 fashion between electronic cameras  156  and user workstation  70  are also well known. This established protocol is also well know with wireless serial transmissions involving the use of infrared light or radio frequencies (RF).  
         [0057]    It will be understood that user workstation  70  can include a scanner (not shown) of the flatbed type and/or the film type where the user can provide digital image files without the need of photofinisher  34 . Furthermore, providing these digital images files from devices that readily convert analog images to digital image files are considered within the scope of this invention.  
         [0058]    Continuing on with FIG. 10, a user connects to the network photoservice provider  60  through ISP  74  and Internet  50  and after establishing a connection, enters the user ID  14  and password  22  from transaction card  10 . Following validation of the user ID  14  and password  22 , digital image files transferred to user workstation  70  are uploaded to the shared image area of URL 12  of network photoservice provider  60 . Network photoservice provider  60  must then create a low resolution file for viewing and selecting within the shared image area of URL  12 . Since uploading is a selection process, there is no need for further involvement of a user supplying digital image files directly from a user workstation  70 . Such a user begins creating an order from images available in the shared image area of URL  12  immediately after uploading his digital image files.  
         [0059]    Referring now to FIG. 11, a flow chart shows the steps in the method of uploading images from a user workstation  70  to a network photo service provider hosting images from an event according to the present invention. A user wishing to upload images begins by establishing a remote connection ( 158 ) to the network service provider  60 . The network photoservice provider  60  requests a user ID  14  and password  22  to validate the connection to the event which the user complies with ( 160 ). The user is then prompted ( 162 ) to see if the images to be uploaded are from a scanner or an electronic camera. If the images to be uploaded are from a scanner the user is prompted ( 166 ) to identify and upload the image. Upon completion of the upload, the user is again prompted ( 170 ) if there is another image to upload and the sequence begins again until all images have been uploaded successfully. When the image is not sourced from a scanner, the system prompts ( 164 ) the user to select the camera model used to capture the image with. This allows the system to anticipate the file format to be uploaded and make any adjustments to the image for presenting in the shared image area of URL 12 . Once the camera has been selected, the upload process begins ( 168 ) by identifying and uploading a specific image. Upon successful upload completion, the user is prompted ( 172 ) to see if there is another image to upload and the sequence repeats itself until all images are successfully uploaded. The user has the option to proceed to the shared image area to construct an order from the shared images or disconnect ( 174 ) from network photoservice provider  60 .  
         [0060]    Turning now to FIG. 12, an event registration card  176  is shown for permitting the sharing of images from the shared image area of URL  12  with users who do not have access to remote electronic connections or the Internet  50 . Event registration card  176  includes at least the address  180  of the network photoservice provider  60 , first class metered postage  178 , registrant address  182  to be filled out by the registrant, and barcode  20  which has encoded the URL 12  and user ID  14 . Event registration cards can be included in the pack  30  of transaction cards  10  to accommodate those event participants who don&#39;t have access to the Internet  50 . Once the event registration card  176  is received by the network photoservice provider  60 , the event participant will receive index prints  184  discussed further with respect to FIG. 13 using a method according to the description of FIG. 14.  
         [0061]    In FIG. 13 a , the front view of an index print  184  is shown for selecting images  214  with selection boxes  216  from an event associated with URL  12  and User ID  14  without the aid of a user workstation  70  connected to the network photoservice provider  60 . The index print  184  is received in the mail by an event participant who has registered with the network photoservice provider  60  by mailing in the event registration card  176 . Index print  184  includes an event title  186  that further includes any photographer information that is input at the time the specific event photographer connects to the URL  12  and makes his selections to share with the other event participants. A registered event participant receives index print  184 , marks the selection boxes  216  indicating those which are desirable to print, and provides information in payment field  220 . Furthermore, index print  184  has preprinted fold lines  212  which creates a mailing form shown in FIG. 13 b  that includes prepaid return postage  188 , the address  218  of the fulfillment center  76 , the registrant address  182 , and the bar code  20  which can be automatically read and fulfilled when returned to the fulfillment center  76 . Automatic fulfillment is a scanning process that identifies the marked selection boxes  216  and the URL  12  and user ID  14  which connects the fulfillment center  76  to the network photoservice provider  60 . Form scanning processes are well known in the art of order fulfillment with an example of such a technique being used by the BMG Music service to fulfill orders for tapes or compact discs. Alternatively the indication of the images to be printed or other photoservices to be provided can be communicated by telephone to the photoservice provider or fulfillment center and indicating the photoservices desired via voice or touchtone response to a recorded program. The marked index print may also be faxed to the photoservice provider or fulfillment center.  
         [0062]    Turning to FIG. 14, a flow chart shows the steps of the method of the network photoservice provider  60  in coordination with fulfillment center  76  soliciting print sales from event participants that do not have access to Internet  50 . This is accomplished by the registration ( 190 ) of such event participants upon receiving the event registration card  176  at the network photoservice provider  60 . The event participant&#39;s registration information is entered into a database in a standard fashion with a relationship created to the event associated with URL  12 . As film cartridges  24  or one time use cameras  26  that were used at the event are dropped off with photofinisher  34 , they get scanned to URL  12  and user ID  14  as defined by the transaction card  10  of each participant. Once the participant has selected images to be shared, the system is triggered ( 192 ) to create a new index print  184  and mail it ( 194 ) to the registered event participants without Internet  50  access. The index print  184  is mailed back ( 196 ) to the fulfillment center  76  which in coordination with the network photoservice provider  60  fulfills the order ( 198 ) from the images stored in the shared image area of URL  12 . As shown in FIG. 15, a package  200  of one time use cameras  26  is shown which are preconfigured to a common URL  12  with a network photo service provider  60  according to the present invention. The bar code  20  which encodes the user ID  14  and URL  12  is printed on the outer package component of one time use camera  26 . This arrangement provides an alternative effective arrangement to affixing the bar code  20  as a label.  
         [0063]    Turning to FIG. 16, a tear off section  202  of the outer package component of the one time use camera  26  of FIG. 15 is shown. In this arrangement, the tear off section  202  is kept by the customer as a receipt with the instructions to access his images at URL  12  and user ID  14  with password  22 .  
         [0064]    [0064]FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing a system for practicing an alternative embodiment of the present invention. According to this embodiment, the magnetic stripe  28  discussed with reference to FIG. 3 is scanned by a magnetic card reader  204 . The URL  12  and user ID  14  are read from the magnetic stripe  28  and input into a retail terminal  206 . The retail terminal  206  drives printer  208  to print an adhesive label  18  with a bar code  20  containing the URL  12  and the user ID  14 . The label  18  is affixed to processing envelope  210  for receiving the film cartridge  24 . Alternatively, printer  208  can print directly onto the processing envelope  210 .  
         [0065]    [0065]FIG. 18 shows an alternative embodiment of a transaction card according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention having more than one removable adhesive label  18  on the card such that adhesive labels for more than one roll of film can be scanned to the same user ID  14  and password  22  at URL  12 . Such a transaction card  10  can be used by an individual user to store at a single location, images obtained from multiple rolls of film over a period of time.  
         [0066]    The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention.  
       PARTS LIST  
       [0067]    [0067] 10  transaction card  
         [0068]    [0068] 12  universal resource locator (URL)  
         [0069]    [0069] 14  user ID  
         [0070]    [0070] 16  instructions  
         [0071]    [0071] 18  adhesive label  
         [0072]    [0072] 20  bar code  
         [0073]    [0073] 22  password  
         [0074]    [0074] 24  film cartridge  
         [0075]    [0075] 26  one time use camera  
         [0076]    [0076] 28  magnetic stripe  
         [0077]    [0077] 30  package  
         [0078]    [0078] 32  display rack  
         [0079]    [0079] 34  photofinisher  
         [0080]    [0080] 36  film preparation station  
         [0081]    [0081] 38  film processor  
         [0082]    [0082] 40  film scanner  
         [0083]    [0083] 42  label scanner  
         [0084]    [0084] 44  computer  
         [0085]    [0085] 46  memory  
         [0086]    [0086] 48  web server  
         [0087]    [0087] 50  Internet  
         [0088]    [0088] 52  card manufacturer  
         [0089]    [0089] 54  database  
         [0090]    [0090] 56  web server  
         [0091]    [0091] 58  computer  
         [0092]    [0092] 60  network photoservice provider  
         [0093]    [0093] 62  web server  
         [0094]    [0094] 64  computer  
         [0095]    [0095] 66  customer database  
         [0096]    [0096] 68  image database  
         [0097]    [0097] 70  user workstation  
         [0098]    [0098] 72  web server  
         [0099]    [0099] 74  Internet service provider  
         [0100]    [0100] 76  fulfillment center  
         [0101]    [0101] 78  web server  
         [0102]    [0102] 80  job queue  
         [0103]    [0103] 82  digital output producer  
         [0104]    [0104] 84  prints  
         [0105]    [0105] 86  compact discs (CDs)  
         [0106]    [0106] 88  professional photo studio  
         [0107]    [0107] 90  studio workstation  
         [0108]    [0108] 92  professional film scanner  
         [0109]    [0109] 94  pro image database  
         [0110]    [0110] 96  purchase cards step  
         [0111]    [0111] 98  hand out cards step  
         [0112]    [0112] 100  register event host step  
         [0113]    [0113] 102  application step  
         [0114]    [0114] 104  drop off film step  
         [0115]    [0115] 106  pick up prints step  
         [0116]    [0116] 108  connect to network step  
         [0117]    [0117] 110  view others pictures step  
         [0118]    [0118] 112  order reprints step  
         [0119]    [0119] 114  associate twin check number step  
         [0120]    [0120] 116  attach twin check step  
         [0121]    [0121] 118  process film step  
         [0122]    [0122] 120  scan film step  
         [0123]    [0123] 122  link twin check to image files step  
         [0124]    [0124] 124  store image files and user ID step  
         [0125]    [0125] 126  transfer image files step  
         [0126]    [0126] 128  establish remote connection step  
         [0127]    [0127] 130  request Pro ID step  
         [0128]    [0128] 132  register Pro ID step  
         [0129]    [0129] 134  enter Pro ID step  
         [0130]    [0130] 136  enter event URL step  
         [0131]    [0131] 138  upload images step  
         [0132]    [0132] 140  disconnect from network step  
         [0133]    [0133] 142  establish remote connection step  
         [0134]    [0134] 144  request Pro ID step  
         [0135]    [0135] 146  register Pro ID step  
         [0136]    [0136] 148  enter Pro ID step  
         [0137]    [0137] 150  enter event URL step  
         [0138]    [0138] 152  enter pro image data base URL step  
         [0139]    [0139] 154  disconnect step  
         [0140]    [0140] 156  electronic camera  
         [0141]    [0141] 158  establish remote connection step  
         [0142]    [0142] 160  enter user ID and password step  
         [0143]    [0143] 162  prompt to see if images are available step  
         [0144]    [0144] 164  select camera model step  
         [0145]    [0145] 166  upload images step  
         [0146]    [0146] 168  begin upload process step  
         [0147]    [0147] 170  check for additional image step  
         [0148]    [0148] 172  check for additional image step  
         [0149]    [0149] 174  disconnect step  
         [0150]    [0150] 176  event registration card  
         [0151]    [0151] 178  first class metered postage  
         [0152]    [0152] 180  address  
         [0153]    [0153] 182  registrant address  
         [0154]    [0154] 184  index print  
         [0155]    [0155] 186  title  
         [0156]    [0156] 188  first class return postage  
         [0157]    [0157] 190  registration step  
         [0158]    [0158] 192  create new index print step  
         [0159]    [0159] 194  mailing step  
         [0160]    [0160] 196  return mail step  
         [0161]    [0161] 198  fulfill order step  
         [0162]    [0162] 200  package  
         [0163]    [0163] 202  tear off section  
         [0164]    [0164] 204  magnetic card reader  
         [0165]    [0165] 206  retail terminal  
         [0166]    [0166] 208  printer  
         [0167]    [0167] 210  photoprocessing envelope  
         [0168]    [0168] 212  fold line  
         [0169]    [0169] 214  images  
         [0170]    [0170] 216  selection boxes  
         [0171]    [0171] 218  address  
         [0172]    [0172] 220  payment field

Technology Classification (CPC): 6