Online photography sale method resulting in printing a URL

Abstract

This process fundamentally changes the sales cycle in the interaction between a camera and a customer with the intention of selling the picture taken by the camera to the customer as a product. Due to technological and process advancements we are now able to use a website and an associated application to print a direct link to watermarked pictures. This allows customers to access the watermarked picture directly by entering one url given to them on a piece of paper into their internet enabled device. Once they see the watermarked image they can pay for the original picture or directly associated products. This is an alternative to the current system of pre-printed cards with unique identifiers, that currently dominates the market.

Claims

1. A method of selling a picture(s), comprising the steps of: A picture(s) is taken with the intention to sell; picture(s) is uploaded online and watermarked; A link that enables the customer to purchase the picture(s) or products directly related to the picture(s) without the watermark is printed and given to the potential customer.

2. A method of selling a picture(s), comprising the steps of: A picture(s) is taken with the intention to sell; picture(s) is uploaded online and watermarked; A direct link to the watermarked picture(s), that enables the customer to purchase the picture(s) or products directly related to the picture(s) without the watermark is physically given to the potential customer.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Picture(s) is taken using a camera, this can be a smartphone camera, DSLR camera, a point and shoot camera or any other type of camera. Videos can also be taken and follow the same process. If the device taking the picture is not already connected to the internet and has the ability to access websites. Then the picture has to be uploaded to an electronic device that has access. This can be a tablet, computer, smartphone or any other technology. This upload can be done by a physical wire between the devices, through a wireless connection between the devices for example bluetooth or any other method available.

[0018] From this device, a website is accessed, this website allows an individual or company to sign up as a vendor (photographer). Setting up an account is only required once. This creates the vendor a unique username and password. Once logged in the vendor can click a button to create a new product. This redirects the vendor to a page were they can upload the picture taken by browsing their device. The vendor can also type in an amount to charge for the picture. After this the vendor submits the product by hitting a button. The website takes this information and creates a unique purchase page. This page has a watermarked image of the uploaded picture and creates a purchase button.

[0019] The website calls an application on the vendors device, that has been installed previously and sends the unique purchase page URL that was just created to the application. This application allows the vendor to send this unique URL in 3 ways, by text, by email and to a printer. If sent to the printer, the printer will print the URL. The vendor takes the paper that was printed and provides it to the customer. The application is currently an important part of the process due to the limitation of printing from a websites using Android and IPhone devices. To allow this feature I have created an android application, that can take advantage of a thermal bluetooth printer. Other applications for other devices will be created in the future or with technology advancements in the future we maybe able to print directly from the website on an Android or Iphone device

[0020] The ability to print the URL and present it to the customer is the most vital part of this process and is an innovation that is not used in any current process involving the interaction between a camera and a customer with the intention of selling the picture taken by the camera to the customer as a product.

[0021] The customer uses their internet connected device, that can access websites and types in the URL provided on the paper. This sends them directly to the unique purchase page. From here the customer can see the watermarked picture that was taken, and make a purchase decision. If the customer decides to purchase, they input their payment information. Once the payment is confirmed, they can download the image directly from the website. They can also provide their email address to receive an electronic receipt and link to download the picture by email.

[0022] The customer receiving a physical paper with a direct link that takes them directly to the webpage with the watermarked image(s) that is available for purchase is the second most vital part of this process and is only achievable because this process does not require pre-printed cards/paper. With pre-printed cards customers can only be guided to websites were they can search for the image, by inputting the unique code or other search method for example selecting the date the picture was taken, this adds an additional step to the process and inconveniences the customer.