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`WORLD INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ORGANIZATION
`International Bureau
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`INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT)
`(51) International Patent Classification © :
`(11) International Publication Number:
`WO 98/10358
`GO06F 17/30
`_
`(43) International Publication Date:
`
`12 March 1998 (12.03.98)
`
`
`
`(22) International Filing Date:
`
`3 September 1997 (03.09.97)
`
`(21) International Application Number: PCT/US97/15829|(81) Designated States: AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR,
`BY, CA, CH, CN, CU, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, GB, GE,
`GH, HU,IL, IS, JP, KE, KG, KP, KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR,
`LS, LT, LU, LV, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, NO, NZ,
`PL, PT, RO, RU, SD, SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM, TR,
`TT, UA, UG, US, UZ, VN, YU, ZW, ARIPO patent (GH,
`KE, LS, MW,SD, SZ, UG, ZW), Eurasian patent (AM, AZ,
`BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), European patent (AT, BE,
`CH, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, fT, LU, MC, NL,
`PT, SE), OAPI patent (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN,
`ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG).
`
`The images may be modified for entertainmenteffect prior to distribution.
`
`A method whereby personalized photographic images are obtained of patrons in an entertainment venue, such as a theme park. The
`system employs a unique machine-readable identification tap (49) located in a device such as a card, pin, or bracelet, which is attached
`to the patron (43). The identification tag is decoded by readers (52) positioned at various locations within the entertainment venue. This
`identification information is matched with electronic images of the patron carrying the identification tag that are captured by digital cameras
`(63). The electronic images along with the matched patron identities are collected at a storage device (71). At a distribution station (77), the
`patron can view images (85) corresponding to his tap identification, and the images may be printed (87) or may be delivered in electronic
`form on a videotape, CD, or e-mail. The images distributed to patrons may be single-frame images or video recorded images with audio.
`
`(30) Priority Data:
`60/025,442
`60/028 873
`60/029,431
`
`4 September 1996 (04.09.96)
`16 October 1996 (16.10.96)
`12 November 1996 (12.11.96)
`
`GOLDBERG, David,
`(71)(72) Applicant and Inventor:
`{US/US]; 4055 Pinon Drive, Boulder, CO 80303 (US).
`
`A.
`
`(74) Agents: CROUCH, Robert, G. et al; Chrisman, Bynum &
`Johnson, P.C., 1900 Fifteenth Street, Boulder, CO 80302
`(US).
`
`Published
`With international search report.
`Before the expiration of the time limit for amending the
`claims and to be republished in the event of the receipt of
`amendments.
`
`.
`
`(54) Titles METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OBTAINING PERSON-SPECIFIC IMAGESIN A PUBLIC VENUE
`
`wwanscwad
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`See?
`aE noess| ~amme|oreESS
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`(57) Abstract
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`FOR THE PURPOSES OF INFORMATION ONLY
`Codes used to identify States party to the PCT on the
`Albania
`Armenia
`Austria
`Australia
`Azerbaijan
`Bosnia and Herzegovina
`Barbados
`Belgium
`Burkina Faso
`Bulgaria
`Benin
`Brazil
`Belarus
`Canada
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`ES
`FI
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`Spain
`Finland
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`France
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`Gabon
`United Kingdom
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`Georgia
`Ghana
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`Guinea
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`Greece
`ML
`Hungary
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`Ireland
`MN
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`Israe]
`MR
`Iceland
`MW
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`MX
`Iealy
`NE
`Central African Republic
`Japan
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`Congo
`NL
`Kenya
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`Switzerland
`NO
`Kyrgyzstan
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`Céte d'Ivoire
`NZ
`Democratic People’s
`Cameroon
`PL
`Republic of Korea
`China
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`PT
`Republic of Korea
`Cuba
`Kazakstan
`RO
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`Saint Lucia
`Czech Republic
`RU
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`Liechtenstein
`Germany
`SD
`Denmark
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`Sri Lanka
`SE
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`Estonia
`Liberia
`SG
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`front pages of pamphlets publishing international applications under the PCT.
`LS
`Lesotho
`SI
`LT
`Lithuania
`SK
`LU
`SN
`Luxembourg
`LV
`Latvia
`SZ
`MC
`Monaco
`TD
`MD
`TG
`Republic of Moldova
`MG
`Madagascar
`TS
`MK
`The former Yugoslav
`Republic of Macedonia
`Mali
`Mongolia
`Mauritania
`Malawi
`Mexico
`Niger
`Netherlands
`Norway
`New Zealand
`Poland
`Portugal
`Romania
`Russian Federation
`Sudan
`Sweden
`Singapore
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`Slovenia
`Slovakia
`Senegal
`Swaziland
`Chad
`Togo
`Tajikistan
`Turkmenistan
`Turkey
`Trinidad and Tobago
`Ukraine
`Uganda
`United States of America
`Uzbekistan
`Viet Nam
`Yugostavia
`Zimbabwe
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`UG
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`YU
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`PCT/US97/15829
`WO 98/10358
`METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OBTAINING PERSON-SPECIFIC IMAGES IN A PUBLIC VENUE
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`Cross-Reference To Related Patent Applications
`This application is related to and claims priority from Provisional Patent Application No.
`60/025,442,filed September 4, 1996, titled “System for Obtaining Personalized Photographic Images
`in a Large Entertainment Venue,” and from Provisional Patent Application No. 60/028,873, filed
`October 16, 1996, titled “System for Obtaining Personalized Photographic Images in a Large
`Entertainment Venue,” and from Provisional Patent Application No. 60/029,431, filed November 12,
`1996, titled “System for Obtaining Personalized Photographic Images in a Large Entertainment
`Venue,” the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.
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`Technical Field
`The present invention relates to a methodfor taking digital images of people in a public venue
`so that the images corresponding to a given person can be retrieved.
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`Background
`Whenpatronsvisit a large and varied entertainmentsetting, such as the theme parks Disney
`World or Six Flags Over Texas, they often wish to collect a permanent memento of their attendance.
`Often, this memento comprises photographs taken by the patron or those traveling with the patron.
`One difficulty with obtaining this type of photographic imageis that suitable camera angles may be
`difficult or impossible for the patron to achieve. For instance, while on a roller coaster ride, picture
`taking is generally disallowed, requiring pictures to be taken from a distance.
`In addition, the
`patron may havedifficulties obtaining pictures of himself, or the patron may not either have or
`rememberor have the opportunity to use his picture taking equipment.
`In order to compensate for these difficulties, provide patrons with suitable mementos, and to
`obtain additional sources of revenue, entertainment venues may take photographsfor sale to the
`patron. These pictures may be staged pictures, as in “Qld Time” photographs where the patron
`dresses in costumeor places their head in a board cutout such that the patrons headis located just
`above the image of the body of a person in another context. Alternatively, a professional
`photographer may take a picture of the patron positioned next to an actor clothed in a costumeof a
`well-known cartoon character. These staged pictures, however, present only a limited number of
`opportunities in which to obtain images of patrons, and furthermore these methods are generally
`unsuitable for the tens or hundredsof thousandsof patrons who mightvisit a themeparkin a single
`day.
`
`In order to compensate for someof these difficulties, at some theme parks cameras are placed
`strategically within rides so as to capture each patron at a particular moment in the ride’s course.
`For example, at Disneyland in California, a camerais located soas to photograph each load of riders
`on a water ride at the moment of maximum excitement. The photographs are arranged to be
`displayed to each participant as they exit the ride, in order to entice them to purchase the
`photographs as a keepsakes.
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`This method of taking pictures of patrons on rides has proven popular with patrons, but hasa
`numberof practical limitations that limit its usefulness and applicability. For example, after
`standing in line to participate in the ride, the patron must stand in another line to obtain their
`picture. Only one or a small numberof images may be purchased by the patron at eachride.
`Importantly, the patron must remember a numbercorrespondingto their picture in order to obtain
`their picture from among the multitude taken at the theme park each day. Thus, patrons must
`generally purchase their picture directly after their ride in order to be able to remember their
`number. This cumbersome and time-consumingprocess limits the number of images that each
`customer might obtain during the day. These limitations affect both the satisfaction of the patron
`and the revenuesfor the theme park.
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`ma
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`In light of the deficiencies of existing picture taking systems,it is an objective to allow people
`to obtain manypictures of themselves at a numberofdifferent activities within a public venue.
`It is additionally an object of this invention to provide inexpensive pictures to people.
`It is another object of this invention for people to obtain images from vantages that they
`themselves cannot easily reach.
`.
`It is a further object of this invention to allow people to obtain images which have been altered
`to enhancetheir entertainmenteffect and appealto the widest range and numberofpeople.
`It is also an object. of the invention to provide additional revenue sources for entertainment
`
`venue operators.
`
`It is an additional object of this invention to provide imaging means which are relatively
`inexpensive to install.
`It is still another object of this invention to provide imaging means with relatively low
`operatingcosts.
`It is yet an additional object of this invention to provide an imaging means that may be
`employed at a numberof different venues, including theme and amusement parks, ski slopes,
`beaches,cruise ships, casinos, and event centers.
`Additional objects, advantages and novel featuresof this invention shall be set forth in part in
`the description that follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon
`examination of the following specification or may be learned by the practice of the invention. The
`objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the
`instrumentalities, combinations, and methods particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
`To achieve the foregoing and other objects and in accordance with the purposesof the present
`invention, as embodied and broadly described therein, the present inventionis directed to a method
`for obtaining images of a person in a venue. The method includesthe steps of capturing at least one
`electronic visual representation of the person, remotely identifying the person with a corresponding
`predetermined digital identifier, transferring the electronic visual representations and the digital
`identifier to a commonelectronic storage means,storing the electronic visual representations in the
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`storage means so that the digital identifier of the person whose representation is stored can be
`established, and distributing to the person the electronic visual representations corresponding to the
`digital identifier of the person.
`The step of remotely identifying may utilize a tag conveyed by the person. The tag may
`comprise a radio frequency transmitter, which may additionally comprise a means for detecting an
`external radio frequency signal. Alternatively, the tag may comprise a sonic transmitter or a pulsed
`light output means, which may be a light emitting diode. The tag may also comprise a visual
`identifier, which may include a bar code or printed text.
`These tags may be secured
`circumferentially about the wrist of the person.
`The step of remotely identifying may incorporate a step of machine-executed facial recognition
`of the captured electronic visual representation.
`The step of remotely identifying may have a maximal operational distance greater than 6
`inches.
`The step of capturing may be performed with a charge-coupled device or a complimentary
`metal oxide semiconductor device.
`|
`The step of capturing may comprise videographic recording.
`The steps of capturing, transferring, storing and distributing may additionally include the
`capturing, transferring, storing, and distributing an electronic audio representation of the person in
`conjunction with the electronic visual representation of the person.
`The method may additionally include the step of modifying the electronic visual
`representation. This modification may comprise the extraction of image elements corresponding the
`person from the surrounding background,and the placementof the image elements corresponding to
`the person onto an unrelated background. The modification may also comprise replacing pixels from
`the area of the digital image corresponding to the person’s face with unrelated pixels. The
`modification may in addition comprise interspersing pre-recorded videographic recordings not
`containing the person with videographic recordings of the person.
`The step of storing may comprise placing the electronic visual representation of the person in
`digital or analog format on a magnetic tape, or in digital form on a computerdisk.
`The step of distribution may include printing the visual representation of the person on a
`paper substrate. Also, a multiplicity of different visual representations of the person printed on a
`multiplicity of paper substrates may be bound together. The visual representation of the person may
`also be printed on a plastic, ceramic or fabric substrate.
`The step of distribution may comprise placing the electronic visual representation in digital
`format on a thin-film magnetic substrate, which may be a computer disk or a magnetic tape.
`Distribution may comprise placing the electronic visual representation in analog format on a thin-
`film magnetic substrate, which may be a magpnetic tape.
`The step of distribution may include placing the electronic visual representation in digital
`format on an optically-addressed substrate, which may be a compactdisk, or a digital versatile disk.
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`The step of distribution may include the step of transmitting the electronic visual
`representation in digital format over a wide-area digital communications network, which may be the
`Internet.
`The representation and the identifier are transferred in separate communication channels, or
`they maybe transferred in a common communication channel in an interleaved manner.
`The representation may be transferred through a distanceby a radio frequency transmission.
`Distribution mayinvolve the use of a monitor on which visual representations correspondingto
`the person requesting visual representations for distribution can be viewed by the person. The
`monitor may include a human input means by which the person mayselect between alternative
`visual representations for distribution, or between different substrates on which the visual
`representation is placed for distribution.
`The meansof capturing maybelocated in a fixed, predetermined location, or may move in a
`predetermined path, which may be substantially the same path as that taken by the person whose
`picture is being captured. The means of capturing may be physically attached to a means of
`conveyingthe person.
`The step of remotely identifying may utilize a tag reader which is physically attached to a
`means of conveying the person.
`The venue may be an amusementpark.
`The methodof the present invention mayinclude the additional step of presenting the person
`with a task directing the person to perform an observable action, where this task may require the
`person to touch an object, and this object may be substantially in the shapeofan article represented
`in the unrelated image.
`The present invention mayalso be instantiated in an apparatusfor selectively displaying
`electronic images to a person in which visual representations of the person are present within the
`image. This apparatus comprises a video output terminal for displaying electronic images, remote
`identification means for determining the identity of the person when the person is within a
`predetermined distance of the video output terminal, remote iniage storage means from which
`images containing a visual representation of a given person mayberetrieved and bi-directional
`communication means for sending requests for images to the remote image storage from the video
`output terminal and for sending images from the remote image storage to the video output terminal.
`In operation, the detection of the person by the remote identification means causes the display of
`imagescontaining visual representations of the person on the video output terminal. This apparatus
`may include a human input meansthatis accessible to the person when the person is within the
`predetermined distance of the video output terminal, whereby the person may choose images for
`purchase.
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`ief Description Of The
`
`Drawings
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`Fig. 1 is a functional block diagram of the method of the present invention.
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`Fig. 2 is a perspective and schematic view of a person-specific imaging system in which images
`of theme park patrons on a ride are captured, classified and distributed to the patrons, utilizing the
`method shownin Fig. 1.
`Fig. 3 is a block schematic presenting a typical event flow for the person-specific imaging
`system depictedin Fig.2.
`Figs. 4a through 4e are perspective views of identifiers and detectors for different remote
`identification systems that may be employed in the present invention.
`Fig. 5 is a logical schematic of a multiplexed digital signal comprising both identity and image
`information, for use in a person-specific imaging system where identity and image information are
`transmitted digitally on a common communicationscarrier.
`Fig. 6a and Fig. 6b are block schematics of two different methods of integrating printing into
`image distribution in a person-specific imaging system.
`Fig. 7 is a perspective and schematic view of remote identification, image capture and image
`storage in a person-specific imaging system where video images are stored directly in an output
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`format.
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`Fig. 8 is a block schematic of data flow in a person-specific imaging system, whereby segments
`of information are stored in a temporary storage means for the patron to preview.
`Fig. 9 is a perspective and schematic view of remote identification, image capture and image
`storage in a person-specific imaging system utilizing temporary storage devices local to image
`capture and remote identification means, wherein the stored information is physically transferred to
`a central identified image storage device.
`Fig. 10a is a block diagram indicating flow of data in a person-specific imaging system that
`employstransfer of the audio and image datain the analog state.
`Fig. 10b is a block diagram indicating flow of data in a person-specific imaging system that
`employs transfer of the audio and imagedatain the digital state.
`Fig. 11 is a perspective and schematic view of remote identification and image capture in a
`person-specific imaging system wherein the remote identification means and the image capture
`meansmovesubstantially in concert with the patron.
`Figs. 12a through 12e are a series of pictorial images demonstrating methods of image
`modifications that may be employed in a person-specific imaging system.
`Fig. 13a is a block schematic of a distribution system for single images that is part of a person-
`specific imaging system incorporating different output devices.
`Fig. 13b is a block schematic of a distribution system for videographic images stored as analog
`data that is part of a person-specific imaging system incorporating different output devices.
`Fig. 13c is a block schematic of a distribution system for videographic images stored as digital
`data that is part of a person-specific imaging system incorporating the same output devices as shown
`in Fig. 13b.
`Fig. 14 is a block schematic of the steps of task-directed image capture as used in the present
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`invention.
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`Fig. 15 is a perspective image of a patron at a task station engaged in responding to a task
`presented to the patron accordingto stepsof Fig 14.
`Fig. 16a is a side-view image of the patron’s hand as seen by the camera while thepatronis
`engaging in task response as shownin Fig 15.
`Figs. 16b through 16d are views of digital modifications of the image shownin Fig. 16a.
`Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a review monitor for use in entertainment venue waiting lines
`for use in a person-specific imaging system.
`Fig. 18 is a top-perspective view of a waiting line in which image capture, modification and
`review are used to entertain patronsin a person-specific imaging system.
`odes For Carryin
`t The
`Inventio
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`Overviewof the Steps
`An overview of the steps of the present invention is shown schematically in Fig. 1, a block
`diagram. A step of subject remote identification 31 comprises identifying the subject whose image is
`to be captured. A separate step of image capture 33 involves the electronic capture of an image,
`either digitally or in analog form. The subject identification and captured image are combined and
`placed in storage, either temporary or permanent, in an identified image storage step 37. Finally,
`the imageis distributed, usually to the subject identified in the subject remote identification step 31,
`in an image distribution step 39.
`As shownin Fig. 1, the steps of subject remote identification 31 and image capture 33 may be
`distinct from one another, and the outputs of these steps may feed separately into the step of
`identified image storage 37. The order and timing of the remote identification 31 and the image
`capture 33 may vary. Thus, the remote identification 31 mayeither precede, be coincident with, o-
`follow the image capture 33.
`The combination of the steps of subject remote identification 31 and the step of image capture
`33 is of paramount importance in the present invention. By automatically establishing the identity
`of the subjects within a captured image with remoteidentification 31, images can be stored and then
`retrieved by individual theme park patrons without the need for human intervention or conscious
`interaction (such as remembering a number)to aid image distribution 39 to the proper patron. This
`removes a practical bottleneck in the distribution of imagesin a large public venue.
`An Embodimentof the Present Invention
`Fig. 2 is a perspective view, in which images of theme park patrons on a ride are captured,
`classified and distributed to the patrons. The steps of subject remote identification 31 and image
`capture 33 are combined into a combination image capture and remote identification step 41. A
`patron 43 rides in a theme park amusementcar 45, which rides on a pair of rails 47. The patron is
`wearing a remoteidentification tag 49 affixed to his shirt. In responseto a signal originating from a
`remote identification (ID) reader 52, the tag 49 transmits a signal that can be received andidentified
`by remote ID reader 52 as the car 45 with patron 43 passes the remote ID reader 52. The identity of
`the patron 43 is transmitted through an identification transfer wire 53 to a storage controller 73,
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`which stores to, and retrieves identified images from, an image storage device 71. The functioning of
`the remote ID tag 49 and the remote ID reader 52 may take many forms and will be described in
`moredetail below.
`An infrared light beam 59 is generated at an infrared transmission device 55, and is received
`by an infrared receiver 57. When the car 45 passes through the path of the infrared light beam 59,
`reception ofthe light beam 59 energy at receiver 57 is interrupted,andasignalis passed to a digital
`camera 63, causing the camera 63 to capture an imageof the car 45 and its passenger patron 43.
`The digital image so captured by camera 63 is then transmitted to the storage controller 73 through
`an imagetransfer wire 65, from whichit is then stored in image storage device 71.
`The step of image distribution 39is carried out at a kiosk 75 which incorporates a distribution
`station 77. The distribution station 77 incorporates a monitor 85 on which captured images are
`displayed for the patron 43 to review. An integral remote ID reader 51 is included to identify the
`patron 43, so as to determine which images are to be retrieved from the image storage device 71
`through distribution cable 81. Interaction meansare provided to the patron 43 to select and choose
`images by presentation of the images on a viewing screen 85. Chosen images may be printed in the
`workstation 77 and distributed to the patron through image distribution slot 87.
`The interaction means mayinclude a plurality of buttons 83 and 84 supplemented by a
`speaker 79 for communicating audible commands and assistance to the patron 43.
`In this case, the
`button 83 is labeled “YES” and the button 84 is labeled “NO”. Depending on the nature of the
`queries presented on the screen, these buttons 83 and 84 can be used to either select images for
`purchase,or to select the format on which the images should be delivered. For example, the screen
`could present the query, “Would you like the pictures to be printed on paper?” and by pressing the
`button 83 or the button 84, the patron 43 would determine whether the images were printed on
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`paper.
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`Manyother possible user interfaces might be used, including ones with a larger number of
`buttons. Also, the buttons 83 and 84 might have labels programmably configurable, changing
`according to the question asked of the patron 43, so that instead of the query presented above, the
`query could be alternatively phrased, “On which surface would you like your pictures printed, paper
`or plastic?” and the user could respond by pressing the button 83 transiently labeled “PAPER”or by
`pressing the button 84 transiently labeled “PLASTIC.” Requests for images to be retrieved are sent
`back to the image storage device 71 and its controller 73 through distribution cable 81.
`Fig. 3 is a block schematic presenting a summary typical event flow for the first embodiment,
`and may be read with reference to Fig. 2.
`In an initiation step 138, performed once, the tag 49 is
`given to the patron 43, establishing the association of the tag 49 with the patron 43. It may be that
`all subsequent steps of image capture and distribution will be linked solely with the physical
`association of the tag 49, so that the patron 43 can retrieve images as long as the patron 43 still has
`physical possessionof the tag 49. However, in order to compensate for the possibility that the patron
`43 will lose the tag 49, or that the images may be able to be retrieved at a time after the patron 43 no
`longer has possession of the tag 49, a record ofthe association of the tag 49 with the patron 43 will
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`generally be made, andstored in a digital database. Then, images associated with the tag 49 can be
`automatically be associated with the corresponding patron 43.
`In step 139, the remote ID identification tag 49 comesinto range of the remote ID reader 42.
`In step 141, the tag 49 sendingits identifying signal to the remote ID reader 52. The system now
`has information about the identity of the patron 43, as well as the patron’s approximatelocation in
`the ride, due to the generally short transmission distance ofthe tag 49. Because the system also has
`knowledge aboutthe locations of each car 45 in a ride, the system can now identify the patrons 43 to
`a particularcar 45 in specific captured images.
`In step 143, the car 45 carrying the patron 43 passes a switch (comprised in this case of the
`infrared transmission device 55, its infrared light beam 59,andthe infrared receiver 57) and which
`actuates the camera 63. Because the switch indicates the instantaneous position of individual cars
`45, and the location of patrons43 in different cars 45 is known, then the identity of a particular
`patron 43 within the photographic imagecanbeinferred.
`In step 145, the image and patron identities, as well as potentially other relevant information,
`are sent over a communications network (in this case, comprising identification transfer wire 53 and
`imagetransfer wire 65) to the image storage device 71 (in this case, through storage controller 73),
`which stores the information on an easily retrievable medium, such as an array of hard drives. A
`patron 43 at a distribution station 77 who wishes to review the images taken of him interacts with
`the station 77 in step 147, initiating a commandto the storage controller 73 to retrieve the images
`correspondingto one or more patrons from storage device 71. In step 149, those imagesareretrievecl
`from the image storage device 71, and sent to the distribution station 77. The patron, in step 151,
`after reviewing the images,then processes requests for imagesto be printed. In step 153, the images
`are printed on paper or as a memento, and are delivered to the patron 43.
`Steps 139, 141, 143, and 145 will be performed frequently for each patron 43, once for each
`image recorded, as they move through the entertainment venue and participate in various rides and
`activities. These steps will occur largely unknownto the client since they occur through automatic
`means. Steps 147, 149, 151 and 153, on the other hand, will be performed only on the one or more
`occasionsthat the patron 43 wishes to review the imagesororderprints.
`The following sections describe the preceding steps in more detail, including a numberof
`modifications of this preferred embodiment that are within the scope of the present invention.
`
`TheStepofSubjectIdentification31Remote
`
`Remote identification 31 requires identification at a distance, as opposed, for example, to a
`physical transfer of an identification card on which information on a magnetic stripe is read by a
`reader. Such physical transfer schemes require conscious action on the part of the patron, causing
`interruption in the entertainment experience and possible interference with crowd dynamics(e.g.
`slowing the speed of patrons moving through an entrance line). Remote identification, on the other
`hand, is automatic and can occur without the patron being awareof the process.
`
`30
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`20
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`25
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`35
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`PERFECT CORP. EXH. 1004
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`PERFECT CORP. EXH. 1004
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`10
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`15
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`20
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`PCT/US97/15829
`9
`WO 98/10358
`Examples of remote identification include radio frequency identification (RFID), LED
`transmission with photodetector detection, sonic transmitters and microphones, and visual
`identification means such as bar coding, facial recognition, iris scanning, and visual symbology
`coding. In these techniques, there is no physical contact between the object being identified and the
`mechanism which performsthe identification. While some of these methods work at distancesof a
`mile or more, most of these operate best in the ranges of inches to tens of feet, which is the proper
`distance for the present invention. It should be understood that remote identification as applied to
`this invention may involve relatively small distances on the order of less than a foot.
`Remote identification methods generally involve at least two distinct elements, an identifier
`and a detector. The identifier is the characteristic by which the object to be identified is
`distinguished from other like objects. The identifier may be a characteristic intrinsic to the object to
`be identified, such as the physical size and placement of features on a face, where the identifier can
`be detected from a distance by an electronic or mechanicaldevice. Alternatively, the identifier may
`be an extrinsic tag by which theobject can beidentified, such as a radio transmitter which transmits
`a unique code. The detector is the device that detects the identifier from a distance and interprets
`the identity of the object. The detector is matched in function to the form of the identifier. Thus, an
`identifier that incorporates a sonic signal transmission will be matched with a detector such as a
`microphone,andavisible identifier such as a bar code will be matched with either a digital camera,
`which detects reflected illumination, or a laser scanner, which both generates an illumination signal
`as well as detects the reflected light energy.
`These extrinsic tags may take on a numberofdifferent physical forms, including wrist
`bracelets, necklaces and pendants, cards with pinning attachments to be worn on shirts, hats, or
`other garments, or with loops to be hung on belts. The mannerin which the tags are pinned, carried
`or worn is, in general, not specific to a particular form of identifier, and manyidentifier types can be
`used with different physical forms.
`It should be noted that at a particular time, each identifier is associated with a
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