Patent ID: 12217293

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure provides generally for an apparatus and method for ordering image-based articles of physical Merchandise in a physical world and corresponding virtual articles of merchandise associated with non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

In the following sections, detailed descriptions of examples and methods of the disclosure will be given. the description of both preferred and alternative examples though through are exemplary only, and it is understood that to those skilled in the art that variations, modifications, and alterations may be apparent. It is therefore to be understood that the examples do not limit the broadness of the aspects of the underlying disclosure as defined by the claims.

Glossary

“Blockchain” as used herein refers to a shared, immutable ledger that is capable of recording transactions and/or tracking assets in a distributed network. An asset can may be a physical world, tangible article or intangible item, including an item in a virtual world and/or an NFT.

“Device,” as used herein, refers to any smart device (comprising a controller and a storage) or computer, having a processor, memory, and network access device. Device includes, but is not limited to, smart phones, cellular phones, desktop computers, laptop computers, and tablet computers.

“Non-Fungible Token” (“NFT”) to some embodiments, of the present invention an NFT is a one-of-a-kind digital token created (or “minted”) and recorded on a digital ledger, called a blockchain. NFTs can be bought and sold like any other property, but they have no physical form. NFTs are “non-fungible” (i.e., unique and not interchangeable) because each token comprises unique data (e.g., code and other metadata) that distinguishes it from other NFTs relating to the relevant blockchain. Blockchain solutions like the public Ethereum network, Polkadot, Cosmos and Flow can be used to create NFTs. The NFTs can then be bought and sold via an NFT marketplace website that is linked to the underlying blockchain solution (e.g., OpenSea). According to the present invention the buying and selling of a NFT367may be tied to the sale of a corresponding physical item310. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the NFT may exist in a virtual world, such as a metaverse.

“Merchandise,” as used herein, refers to one or more of any number of potentially desirable items that a user may want to generate from an image. Merchandise includes, but is not limited to, hats, t-shirts, coffee mugs, calendars, photo books, and wall art.

“Public Ledger” as used herein refers to as a record-keeping system that maintains participants' identities in secure and (pseudo-)anonymous form, their respective NFT assets, and a record book of all the genuine transactions executed between network participants.

Referring now toFIG.1A, an image display application101appears on the user's Device. The image display application101allows a user to view one or more images102. In some embodiments, the one or more images will include a memory or photo book memorializing an event. Events may include a life event, such as a birthday, anniversary, wedding, christening, photo session, bar mitzvah or bat mitzvah. Other embodiments include a collection of images included in a school yearbook. This disclosure incorporates by reference U.S. Pat. No. 9,030,496 for disclosure describing a source of image data.

Referring now toFIG.1B, when an image102appears on the image display application101, the image display application101may cause instructions103for selecting a particular image to appear on the Device's display. In a preferred embodiment, this instruction103comprises the phrase “Tap & Hold photo.” In this preferred embodiment, the Device also comprises a capacitive screen104that displays the image102may be responsive to a user action, such as a user providing a source of body heat (i.e. the user's finger)105, thus allowing the user to carry out instruction103to select the particular image. In an alternative embodiment, the instructions103prompt the user to use a computer mouse to click the particular image102. The image102may be associated with spatial coordinates, such as Cartesian Coordinates or Polar Coordinates.

Referring now toFIG.2A, once the user indicates a selection of an image102by following instruction103, the image display application101applies a visual indication of selection201to the selected image102or a portion of selected image102by, for example, at least one of: surrounding the image102or portion of image102with a colored border; causing the image102or portion of image102to wiggle; causing image102or portion of image102to be highlighted or glow; and the like.

Referring now toFIG.2B, once the image102is selected201, the image display application101opens a side menu205. Side menu205comprises one or more Merchandise options203, and off-shade, picture frame-shaped boxes204. The image display application101displays instructions202to instruct the user on how to choose the desired Merchandise.

Referring now toFIG.3A, a user can select the particular desired article of Merchandise by dragging and dropping the chosen image102using a user input device, such as a computer mouse or the user's finger105, to the picture frame-shaped box204corresponding to the user's chosen article of Merchandise.FIG.3Ademonstrates the user creating a coffee mug from image102. In some embodiments, as the user moves the selected image102, it is automatically resized to fit the picture frame-shaped box204. The resized image of the picture may be displayed on the article of merchandise such that the user may view a representation of an item to be generated with the image of the picture301.

Referring now toFIG.3B, in some embodiments, following the user selection of a particular desired article of Merchandise, the image display application101displays at least one preview304of the desired article of Merchandise,305, as it would appear with the chosen image302,304. By way of non-limiting example, a preview304of a customized coffee mug may comprise the chosen image102wrapped around the generally cylindrical body of the coffee mug303. In some embodiments, the image display application presents users with additional options for finalizing the Merchandise, such as, by way on non-limiting example, cropping the image, rotating the image, resizing the image or applying an annotation to the image.

In some embodiments, a set of Cartesian Coordinates may be associated with one or more segregated spatial areas on a Merchandise item. The segregated spatial areas may designate a position for a selected image to reside on a Merchandise item. The invention includes the provision of a user interface that allows a user to select an image, such as for example via a designation of an X,Y coordinate or other set of coordinates (e.g. Cartesian Coordinate or Polar Coordinate), and to additionally select a merchandise item via the use of coordinates, such as Cartesian or Polar coordinates designating a position within the user interface associated with the Merchandise item. Finally, a third set of coordinates, such as Cartesian Coordinates or Polar Coordinates, may be used to designate a position to generate a copy of the selected upon the Merchandise item.

Referring now toFIG.4, the user's Device401transmits through its network access device by wireless network, LTE cellular data connection, internet protocol, or other data transfer protocol, the user's order402to a remote server403, for processing and creation of the actual Merchandise. The user's order comprises one or more images102and a chosen article of Merchandise305, and may in some embodiments also comprise any alterations to the one or more images102provided by the user. In some embodiments, the photo may be exported to Merchandise site with the ability to include image102in an article of Merchandise. In some embodiments, image102may be transmitted to a photographer. In some embodiments, a photographer may capture image102and receive a royalty from any article of Merchandise sold based on image102. In some embodiments, use fees may be applicable for reproduction. Device401may be in logical connection with an appropriate digital rights management apparatus to give or receive appropriate rights permissions in image102.

In some embodiments, the user will have access only to images102for which the user has permission to generate Merchandise. In other embodiments, the user will have access to a larger set of images, and the user's permission to use a given image in generating Merchandise will be checked after the user has selected the image. For a collection of images, such as a memory book or yearbook, a user may receive a third party authorization (such as from an event organizer or a school representative). The third party authorization is additionally transmitted to a manufacturer thereby authorizing the generation of the customized article of merchandise.

A public ledger may be maintained by the server and securely store details of the transactions and processes described herein. The public ledger will preferably be a block based record-keeping system that maintains transaction details and other details, such as participants' identities. The identities may be stored in semi-anonymous form, respective NFT assets (such as physical and/or virtual articles of merchandise), and a record book of all the transactions executed between network participants.

Accordingly, referring now toFIG.5, there may be numerous methods relating to the verification of permission to use certain images. These methods may share some or all of a select set of common steps. InFIG.5, these common steps may be depicted. The server403will receive501the desired at least one image102.

The server403can then determine502whether the user has permission to create Merchandise with the at least one image102. There may be many methods for verifying that the user has permission to create Merchandise with the at least one image102. These methods may include metadata verification that the image is a picture taken with a camera corresponding to the user's Device; use of facial recognition software to match the subject of the at least one image102with on-file photographs of the user; or an affirmation by the user that he has the right to generate Merchandise with the at least one image102. If it is verified that the user has permission to create Merchandise with the at least one image102, then the order will be processed507.

If the server cannot determine502that the user has permission to create Merchandise with the at least one image102, then the server may verify503that the owner of the server has permission to create Merchandise with the at least one image102. For example, image hosting service Instagram requires that its users grant Instagram a royalty-free license to use in connection with advertising any content the users upload to Instagram. See Terms of Use, INSTAGRAM, http://help.instagram.com/478745558852511 (last updated Jan. 19, 2013). If the server owner has a similar license with respect to the at least one image102, then the order will be processed507.

If neither the user nor the server owner has permission to create Merchandise with the at least one image102, then the server will504identify the other party whose permission is needed to use the at least one image102. The other party may be at least one of: the photographer of the at least one image102, a person depicted in the at least one image102, or the parent of the person depicted in the at least image102if the person is a minor. There may be numerous methods to identify the other party whose permission is needed, including, but not limited to, facial recognition software or use of user- or computer-inputted metatags on the at least one image102itself.

The server will then seek authorization505from the other party to create Merchandise with the at least one image102. There may be numerous methods to seek authorization from the other party, including, but not limited to, automatically generating an email, or if the other party also has the image display software101on a Device owned by her, transmitting a signal to the image display software101on the other party's Device that prompts the other party to give or decline authorization. If the other party grants authorization to create Merchandise with the at least one image102, then the order will be processed507. If the other party does not grant authorization, then the order will be deleted506, and the server403will transmit a cancellation message to the user's Device. Server403may also be operative to assemble a photobook based on the at least one image102to send to third parties. The third parties may also create their own Merchandise based on the at least one image102. In some embodiments, the third parties may receive compensation for sales for such Merchandise.

In addition,FIG.6illustrates a controller600that may be utilized to implement some embodiments of the present invention. The controller may be included in one or more of the apparatus described above, such as the Revolver Server, and the Network Access Device. The controller600comprises a processor unit610, such as one or more semiconductor based processors, coupled to a communication device620configured to communicate via a communication network (not shown inFIG.6). The communication device620may be used to communicate, for example, with one or more online devices, such as a personal computer, laptop, or a handheld device.

The processor610is also in communication with a storage device630. The storage device630may comprise any appropriate information storage device, including combinations of storage devices (e.g., cloud storage, mechanical disk drives, solid state disk drives), and/or semiconductor memory devices such as Random Access Memory (RAM) devices and Read Only Memory (ROM) devices.

The storage device630can store a software program640for controlling the processor610. The processor610performs instructions of the software program640, and thereby operates in accordance with the present invention. The processor610may also cause the communication device620to transmit information, including, in some instances, control commands to operate apparatus to implement the processes described above. The storage device630can additionally store related data in a database650and database660, as needed. The data may include GPS, timestamp, resolution, general EXIF metadata, IPTC metadata, etc.

Referring now toFIG.7, a schematic diagram illustrates a physical article of merchandise705(as illustrated a mug) with a designated photo707and an associated NFT706. The associated NFT may convey rights in one or both of the photo707and the physical article of merchandise705.

A corresponding virtual article of merchandise703may be created in a virtual world and displayed on a user interface702on a computing device701. A second NFT704may be associated with the virtual article of merchandise703.

According to the present invention, a physical article of merchandise705may be created with input from a user specifying one or more photos (such as a first photo and a second photo) and a physical placement of the one or more photos on the physical article705. A virtual article of merchandise703corresponds with the physical article of merchandise705. One or more of an NFT706associated with the physical article of merchandise705and an NFT associated with the virtual article of merchandise704. A public ledger404may be maintained on one or more servers that records transfers of ownership and other details related to one or more of the physical article of merchandise705, the virtual article of merchandise703, and the photo707.

The public ledger may include a record-keeping system (apparatus with executable software software) that is operable to maintain participants' identities in secure and (pseudo-) anonymous form, their respective NFT assets, and a record book of all the genuine transactions executed between network participants.

Referring now toFIG.8a flowchart is illustrated that shows a method for generating a physical article of merchandise in the virtual world and virtual article of merchandise in a virtual world, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. At step802, the method may include receiving digital image data from a image capture device, the digital image data representative of a first digital photo. At step804, the method may include receiving from a first user an input choosing a desired article of merchandise. At step806, the method may include receiving the first digital photo to be applied to the article of merchandise. At step808, the method may include associating Cartesian Coordinates with one or specified spatial areas of the first digital photo received from the image capture device.

At step810, the method may include designating an area to apply the first digital photo to the article of merchandise. At step812, the method may include receiving a second digital photo and prompt the first user to designate desired Cartesian Coordinates on the article of merchandise. In some embodiments, to apply the first digital photo and the second digital photo. At step814, the method may include manufacturing the article of merchandise in the physical world (“physical merchandise”), the physical merchandise comprising a replication of the first digital photo and the second digital photo.

At step816, the method may include generating a virtual article of merchandise in a virtual world (“virtual merchandise”), the virtual merchandise comprising a virtual replication of the first digital photo and the second digital photo. At step818, the method may also include generating a non-fungible token (“NFT”) for the virtual merchandise. At820, the method may include transferring one or both of the physical merchandise to the first user and transferring ownership of the NFT to the first user.

In some embodiments, the method may additionally include the step of recording a transfer of one or both of: the article of merchandise in the physical world, and the NFT in a public ledger. In some preferred embodiments, the public ledger may be a blockchain ledger.

According to some embodiments, a public ledger that records ownership of one or both of: the physical merchandise, and an associated NFT may include data management and storage system such as, for example, a cloud based database system. Preferred embodiments include a blockchain based public ledger, which may include a series (or chain) of blocks on which transaction details are recorded after suitable authentication and verification by network participants.

A recording and storage of confirmed transactions on such public ledgers at the start of a related series of transactions, such as all photos in a particular collection (e.g., all photos of students from a particular school). If a block is pending a state of capacity with transaction details, one or more new blocks may be mined and added to the blockchain by a designated network participant (e.g., a miner). Some network participants may receive and store a full copy of an entire ledger on a specified device that is connected to an associated trading network. The public ledger may be distributed in a manner conducive to participants connecting and contributing to blockchain network activities in order for it to maintain its functionality.

CONCLUSION

A number of embodiments of the present disclosure have been described. While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any disclosures or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of the present disclosure. While embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein by way of example using several illustrative drawings, those skilled in the art will recognize the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments or drawings described. It should be understood the drawings and the detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the present disclosure to the form disclosed, but to the contrary, the present disclosure is to cover all modification, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of embodiments of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word “may” is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures.

The phrases “at least one”, “one or more”, and “and/or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C”, “at least one of A, B, or C”, “one or more of A, B, and C”, “one or more of A, B, or C” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together.

The term “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted the terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” can be used interchangeably.

Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in combination in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.

Similarly, while method steps may be depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in a sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results.

Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.

Thus, particular embodiments of the subject matter have been described. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. In some cases, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results. In addition, the processes depicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require the particular order show, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. In certain implementations, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed disclosure.

In certain implementations, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed disclosure.