US20040122918A1 - System and method of sharing images - Google Patents

Abstract

A system and method for facilitating asynchronous transmission of digital data between at least two parties over a communication network. The system comprises a digital data facilitator having a digital storage device for storing digital data transmitted over the communication network from a first party, the digital data facilitator having the ability to review a request transmitted from a second party, the digital data having an associated first and second identifier, the second identifier being associated with the second party, the second identifier being associated with a telephone number, the first identifier being associated with an electronic identifier of the first party.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• The invention relates generally to the field of digital imaging, and in particular to the transmission of digital images. More specifically, the invention relates to a system and method of sharing images between two parties.[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• Various methods are available to share digital images between two parties. One known method is to attach a digital file comprising a digital image as part of an electronic message, for example, e-mail. When the recipient receives the electronic message, the digital file can be detached and the image viewed. Another known method employs on-line service providers, for example Ofoto, Inc., a subsidiary of Eastman Kodak Company. On-line service providers support websites/databases, which permit a user to store/access/share digital images between two or more parties. For example, using a website, a user can arrange a collection of images which can be viewed by individuals authorized by the user. These authorized individuals can view the collection of images and can order prints of the images.[0002]
• While such systems may have achieved certain degrees of success in their particular applications, some systems have disadvantages. Some systems require the use of a computer, and therefore, the user needs to be computer literate to send/receive an image. Further, some websites where the images reside are of questionable security. In addition, some websites require that a user “register” in order to obtain a password to allow sharing and prevent unwanted viewing of personal images. Still other systems are fee-based. For example, some systems charge a monthly service fee to the user to store and/or share their images regardless of the usage of the system. Yet other systems charge a service fee to a recipient of the images to receive images sent by a sender. Still other systems allow the practice of “spamming” of unwanted/unsolicited images to recipients.[0003]
• Accordingly, a need exists for a system and method of sharing images between at least two parties, which can, but does not require, the use of a computer to send/receive images. Still further, such a system and method should not allow for receipt of unwanted or unsolicited images. Yet further, if such a system and method includes a fee, such a fee should be based on usage.[0004]
• The system and method of the present invention provides for the sharing of images between at least two parties. The system and method can, but does not require, the use of a computer to send/receive images. The system and method provides for the receipt of wanted and solicited images. A fee can be employed, wherein the fee is based on usage.[0005]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• An object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for sharing images between at least two parties.[0006]
• Another object of the present invention is to provide such a system and method which can, but does not require, the use of a computer.[0007]
• A further object of the present invention is to provide such a system and method, which provides for the receipt of wanted and solicited images.[0008]
• A still further object of the present invention is to provide such a system and method which, if a fee is employed, employs a fee which is based on usage.[0009]
• These objects are given only by way of illustrative example, and such objects may be exemplary of one or more embodiments of the invention. Other desirable objectives and advantages inherently achieved by the disclosed invention may occur or become apparent to those skilled in the art. The invention is defined by the appended claims.[0010]
• According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for facilitating asynchronous transmission of digital data between at least two parties over a communication network. The system comprises a digital data facilitator having a digital storage device for storing digital data transmitted over the communication network from a first party, the digital data facilitator having the ability to review a request transmitted from a second party, the digital data having an associated first and second identifier, the second identifier being associated with the second party, the second identifier being associated with a telephone number, the first identifier being associated with an electronic identifier of the first party.[0011]
• According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for facilitating asynchronous transmission of digital data between a first and second party over a communication network. The method comprises the steps of: transmitting the digital data over the communication network from the first party to a digital data facilitator having a digital storage device, the digital data having an associated first and second identifier, the first identifier being associated with an electronic identifier of the first party, the second identifier being associated with a telephone number of the second party; storing the digital data on the digital storage device; reviewing a request transmitted from the second party to the digital data facilitator; employing the digital data facilitator to identify the first party and the second party; determining the absence or presence of the digital data stored on the digital storage device having the associated first and second identifier associated with the first and second party, respectively; and fulfilling the request if the digital data is present.[0012]
• According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for facilitating asynchronous transmission of digital data between a first and second party over a communication network. The method comprises the steps of: transmitting the digital data over the communication network from the first party to a digital data facilitator having a digital storage device, the digital data having an associated first and second identifier, the first identifier being associated with an electronic identifier of the first party, the second identifier being associated with a telephone number of the second party; storing the digital data on the digital storage device; reviewing a request transmitted from the second party to the digital data facilitator, the request comprising the first identifier; accessing the first identifier from the request; accessing the second identifier of the second party transmitting the request; accessing the digital data stored on the digital storage device having the associated first and second identifier; and fulfilling the request.[0013]
• According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for facilitating asynchronous transmission of digital data between a first and second party over a communication network. The system comprises a digital data facilitator having a digital storage device for storing the digital data transmitted over the communication network from the first party, the digital data facilitator having the ability to transmit the digital data to the second party in response to a request transmitted to the digital data facilitator from the second party subsequent to a communication sent to the second party from the digital data facilitator, a first identifier and a second identifier being associated with the digital data, the first identifier being associated with the first party, the second identifier being associated with a telephone number of the second party; a communication device for sending the communication to the second party over the communication network; and a transaction facilitator adapted to monitor the digital data being transmitted over the communication network.[0014]
• According to a still further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for facilitating asynchronous transmission of digital data between a first and second party over a communication network. The method comprises the steps of: transmitting the digital data over the communication network from the first party to a digital data facilitator having a digital storage device, the digital data having an associated first and second identifier, the first identifier being associated with an electronic identifier of the first party, the second identifier being associated with a telephone number of the second party; storing the digital data on the digital storage device; employing the digital data facilitator to identify the first party and the second party; sending a communication to the second party over the communication network; reviewing a request transmitted from the second party to the digital data facilitator in response to the communication sent to the second party; and transmitting the digital data to the second party in response to receiving the request from the second party.[0015]
• According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for facilitating asynchronous transmission of digital data between at least two parties over a communication network, comprising: a digital data facilitator having a digital storage device for storing the digital data transmitted over the communication network from a sender, a recipient identifier and a sender identifier being associated with the digital data, the digital data facilitator having the ability to transmit the digital data to a recipient, the recipient identifier being associated with the recipient, the digital data facilitator having an associated facilitator identifier associated with the digital data facilitator; and an identification system for detecting the facilitator identifier.[0016]
• According to a still further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for facilitating asynchronous transmission of digital data between a first and second party over a communication network. The method comprises the steps of: transmitting the digital data over the communication network from the first party to a digital data facilitator having a digital storage device, a first identifier and a second identifier being associated with the digital data, the second identifier being associated with the second party, a facilitator identifier being associated with the digital data facilitator; storing the digital data on the digital storage device; employing the digital data facilitator to identify the second party associated with the transmitted digital data; transmitting the digital data to the second party, the digital data including the facilitator identifier; employing an identification system, located remotely from the digital data facilitator, to determine if the facilitator identifier transmitted with the transmitted digital data is associated with the digital data facilitator; and receiving the transmitted digital data if the facilitator identifier transmitted with the transmitted digital data is determined to be associated with the digital data facilitator.[0017]
• According to a still yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for generating an image bearing product, comprising: a digital data facilitator having a digital storage device for storing digital data transmitted from a first party, the digital data facilitator having the ability to review a request for the image bearing product transmitted by the first party with regard to the digital data, the digital data having an associated first and second identifier, the second identifier being associated with a delivery address of the second party, the first identifier being associated with a telephone number of the first party; a communication network for transmitting the digital data from the first part to the digital data facilitator and for transmitting the digital data to a service provider for generating the image bearing product in accordance with the request; delivery means for delivering the image bearing product to the second party at the second party address; and a transaction facilitator for monitoring the transmission of the digital data and generation of the image bearing product and transmitting a bill to the telephone number of the first party.[0018]
• According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for generating an image-bearing product. The method comprises the steps of: transmitting digital data over a communication network from the first party to a digital data facilitator having a digital storage device, the digital data having an associated first and second identifier, the second identifier being associated with a telephone number of the second party, the first identifier being associated with a telephone number of the first party; storing the digital data on the digital storage device for a predetermined period of time; receiving a product request from the second party for the image bearing product after the elapse of the predetermined period of time; transmitting a data request to the first party for the digital data; receiving the digital data in response to the data request; transmitting the digital data to a service provider to generate the image bearing product in accordance with the request; delivering the image bearing product to the second party at the second party address; and billing the telephone number of the first party for the generation of the image bearing product.[0019]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.[0020]
• FIG. 1 shows a system for facilitating asynchronous transmission of digital data between a first party and a second party over a communication network in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.[0021]
• FIG. 2 shows a flow diagram of a method in accordance with the present invention employing the system of FIG. 1.[0022]
• FIG. 3 shows a digital display device.[0023]
• FIG. 4 shows a system for facilitating asynchronous transmission of digital data between a first party and a second party over a communication network in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.[0024]
• FIG. 5 shows a flow diagram of a method in accordance with the present invention employing the system of FIG. 4.[0025]
• FIG. 6 shows a system for facilitating asynchronous transmission of digital data between a first party and a second party over a communication network in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.[0026]
• FIG. 7 shows a flow diagram of a method in accordance with the present invention employing the system of FIG. 6.[0027]
• FIGS. 8 through 10 show systems for notifying a second party of the availability of digital data.[0028]
• FIG. 1 shows a system in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention.[0029]
• FIG. 12 shows a flow diagram of a method in accordance with the present invention employing the system of FIG. I[0030]1.
• FIG. 13 illustrates a particular embodiment of the present invention wherein a digital camera is employed to transmit and receive the digital data.[0031]
• FIG. 14 shows an illustration of a typical digital camera.[0032]
• FIG. 15 shows a block diagram of the digital camera of FIG. 14.[0033]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• The following is a detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, reference being made to the drawings in which the same reference numerals identify the same elements of structure in each of the several figures.[0034]
• The present invention is directed to the asynchronous transmission of digital data between at least two parties over a communication network. By asynchronous it is meant that the transmission is not occurring at the same time. That is, that each operation is completed only after the preceding operation is completed. Accordingly, asynchronous does encompass such transmissions as email. In other words, both the sender and receiver of a message need not be connected together at a particular point in time.[0035]
• The present invention is suited for the transmission of digital data wherein the digital data defines a digital still image. However, the present invention is not limited to the transmission of digital still images. The digital data transmitted in accordance with the present invention can include video clips and sound.[0036]
• The present invention encompasses several embodiments. In a first embodiment, a recipient of the digital data places a request for the digital data. In a second embodiment, an automated service informs the recipient when the digital data is available for receipt. In a third embodiment, an automated service determines when the digital data is available for provides for automatic receipt of the digital data. In a fourth embodiment, an image-bearing product is produced.[0037]
• First Embodiment. A first embodiment of the present invention relates to a system for facilitating asynchronous transmission of digital data between at least two parties over a communication network wherein a recipient of the digital data transmits a request for the digital data.[0038]
• Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a[0039]system10 for facilitating asynchronous transmission of digital data between a first party (i.e., a sender) and a second party (i.e., a recipient) over a communication network. As will be discussed,system10 of the first embodiment can, but does not require, the use of a computer or other processor.System10 includes adigital data facilitator12 having adigital storage device14 for storing thedigital data16 transmitted over acommunication network18 from a first party (S) todigital data facilitator12.Digital data facilitator12 can be any device adapted to facilitate the transmission of digital data, including but not limited to a computer, a server, or a network of computers or servers.Digital data facilitator12 further comprises atransaction facilitator19 for monitoring the transmission ofdigital data16 to/fromdigital data facilitator12, as well as monitoring the length of storage ofdigital data16 onstorage device14.Digital data facilitator12 is configured to review arequest20 transmitted from a second party. Associated withdigital data16 is a first ID1 and second ID2 identifier. As will become evident, second identifier ID2 is associated with the second party. Second identifier ID2 is also associated with a telephone number of the second party. First identifier ID1 is associated with an electronic identifier of the first party.
• A diagram of a first[0040]method employing system10 of FIG. 1 is shown in FIG. 2. The method relates to facilitating asynchronous transmission of digital data between a first and second party over a communication network. Atstep100,digital data16 is transmitted overcommunication network18 from the first party todigital data facilitator12 havingdigital storage device14.Digital data16 is stored (such as in a data file) on digital storage device14 (step102).Request20 is transmitted from the second party to digital data facilitator12 (step104). Atstep106,digital data facilitator12 identifies the first party and the second party, and determines the absence or presence ofdigital data16 stored ondigital storage device14 having the associated first and second identifier associated with the first and second party, respectively (step108). Ifdigital data16 is present, the request is fulfilled (step110).
• The method shown in FIG. 2 is now more particularly described with an example. In the particular example, a mother (i.e., the second party) lives in a location (e.g., Wisconsin) remote from where her several grown children (i.e., the first party) live (e.g., California, New York, and Florida). Accordingly, the first party is any one of the children, and the second party is the mother. The mother enjoys receiving images/photographs from her children.[0041]
• At least one of the children (i.e. the first party) accesses at least one image in digital form (i.e., digital data[0042]16) which she desires to share with her mother. It is well known that an image can be captured in a digital form using a digital image capture device, for example, a digital camera. Alternatively, a scanner or other device can be employed to convert a hard copy print of an image to digital form. Once accessed, the child transmits (step100) the at least one image, in digital form, overcommunication network18 todigital data facilitator12.
• The child can transmit[0043]digital data16 from devices known to those skilled in the art. For example, the child can transmitdigital data16 from a computer, wherebycommunication network18 would be the internet or the like. Alternatively, the child can transmitdigital data16 from a digital camera or other digital imaging device, wherebycommunication network18 can be a telephone line, wireless communication, the internet, or the like. Communication network can be a low band-width communication system, for example, a standard voice network (POTS), a cellular phone or an ISDN network.
• [0044]Digital data16 can comprise audio. That is, the device which converts data todigital data16 can include means, such as a microphone, to record audio information.
• It is recognized that the[0045]communication network18 transmittingdigital data16 todigital data facilitator12 does not need to be thesame communication network18 transmittingdigital data16 to the first party. What communication network employed is dependent on the device being employed to transmit the communication.
• In transmitting the digital image, the child associates first identifier ID[0046]1 todigital data16, wherein first identifier ID1 is an electronic identifier of the first party, that is, associated with the child. An example of first identifier ID1 is a telephone number for the child, an email address for the child, an internet address, or the like. As such, first identifier ID1 can be employed to identify the originator ofdigital data16. In transmitting the digital image, second identifier ID2 is associated withdigital data16. Second identifier ID2 is associated with the second party. More particularly, second identifier ID2 is a telephone number for the mother.
• Once transmitted, at[0047]step102digital data16 is stored onstorage device14 ofdigital data facilitator12.Digital data facilitator12 can be located at any location, local or remote from the first or second party.
• The mother enjoys receiving images/photographs from her children. Accordingly, the mother transmits a request to[0048]digital data facilitator12 to determine if there are any images from any one of her children. That is,request20 is transmitted indicating that the mother is interested in learning whether any images have been transmitted todigital data facilitator12 that are intended for the mother.
• [0049]Request20 can be transmitted by the second party by means known to those skilled in the art. For example, if the mother has a computer, the mother can transmitrequest20 employing the computer. Alternatively, other electronic devices can be employed, including, but not limited to a telephone, a PDA (personal digital assistant), wireless communicator, or the like. Preferably, the mother transmits the request by telephone since one of the objects of the present invention is to provide a method of asynchronous transmission of digital data between two parties wherein the requesting party is not employing a computer. As such, the mother could dial a predetermined sequence of numbers to transmitrequest20, or the number or address of the digital data facilitator can be preprogrammed into her device.
• When transmitted, second identifier ID[0050]2 associated with the second party is associated withrequest20. Accordingly, whenrequest20 is reviewed (step104),digital data facilitator12 is able to identify the mother as the requester.
• [0051]Digital data facilitator12 accesses the plurality of digital data stored instorage device14 to determine ifstorage device14 includes any digital data having second identifier ID2 associated to the digital data (step108). That is,facilitator12 determines if any of the stored digital data is intended for receipt by the mother. If no such digital data is found, the request is not fulfilled. If such digital data is found,digital data facilitator12 accesses the stored digital data and identifies the first party who transmitted the stored digital data by accessing first identifier ID1, and the request is fulfilled (step110).
• In a preferred embodiment, the method shown in FIG. 2 further comprises the step of, prior to fulfilling the request (step[0052]110), determining if the second party will accept transmission ofdigital data16 fromdigital data facilitator12 to the second party. For example, on a particular day, the mother may only wish to receive images from her youngest child because that particular day is the youngest child's birthday. Accordingly, after determining the presence of stored digital data but prior to fulfillingrequest20, the first party's identity (i.e., the identity associated with the stored digital data whose presence has been determined at step108) can be provided to the mother to determine if she will accept transmission of the stored digital data. For this example, if the first party's identity is that of her youngest child, the mother would accept transmission. If the first party's identity is not that of her youngest child, the mother could postpone, delay, or refuse transmission. (System10 could be configured to still allow the mother to accept transmission.) Alternatively, whenrequest20 is transmitted by the mother, request20 can include information associated with the youngest child, such as first identifier ID1 associated with the youngest child. Wherebystorage device14 would search for image data only having associated therewith the transmitted first identifier ID1 (that is, the identifier associated with the youngest child) and second identifier ID2 associated with the mother.
• The method shown in FIG. 2 can further include the step of sending a notice to the first party indicating successful transmission of[0053]digital data16 to the second party. Alternatively, the notice can be delivered to the first party the next time the first party connects to the digital data facilitator. This step provides the first party with a confirmation. Such a confirmation may be desired in particular situations when several attempts need to be made to transmitdigital data16 to the second party, or when follow-up by means of a synchronous communications tool such as a telephone is desired after receipt of the transmission by the second party.
• Similarly, the method shown in FIG. 2 can further include the step of sending a message to[0054]digital data facilitator12 indicating thatdisplay device22 is not ready or able to receivedigital data16. Such a situation can occur ifdisplay device22 does not have sufficient memory or capacity to receive the digital data orcommunication network18 is unable to transmitdigital data16.
• Typically request[0055]20 reviewed at step104 is a request for the transmission of the digital data stored atstep102. As such,facilitator12 transmitsdigital data16 to a digital display device of the second party overcommunication network18. If the mother's digital display device is configured as a computer, the mother can direct the transmission ofdigital data16 to her computer whereby the images can be viewed. Alternatively, if the mother does not have a digital display device configured as a computer, the mother can direct the transmission of the images by means of her telephone line to another digital display device disposed at the mother's location.
• [0056]Request20 can be a request other than a request for transmission of digital image data. For example, audio files or text files converted from audio can be sent. Also, the digital image data can comprise video images.
• Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown as exemplary[0057]digital display device22 including a non-image area24 (shown in FIG. 3 as a frame24) and animage area26 adapted to display at least one digital image. A preferreddigital display device22 comprises a memory device adapted to store a plurality of images, whereby the plurality of images can be accessed, viewed, and/or stored. It is recognized that the number of images which can be stored on the display device is dependent on the resolution of the image transmitted and the memory device.Display device22 can include one or more selection members/buttons28 for providing instructions or operating various modes ofdisplay device22. For example, selection member can include an ON/OFF mode. Further,selection member28 can initiate a “slide show”, that is, a continuous viewing of the images transmitted-to displaydevice22. Still further, selection menu can operate a menu viewable onimage area26 listing the various modes of operation fordisplay device22. As such, it may be preferred to haveimage area26 ofdisplay device22 configured as a touchscreen. Yet further,selection member28 might be a “check now” button which automatically initiates the transmission ofrequest20. That is, connection todigital data facilitator12 is accomplished by pressing a button. Other selection members or modes may be known to those skilled in the art.
• Fee Based. There might be a fee or cost associated with the method of the present invention. For example, there might be a fee associated with (1) use of[0058]communication network18 to transmitdigital data16 to digital data facilitator12 (step100); (2) storage ofdigital data16 on storage device14 (step102); (3) use ofcommunication network18 to transmitrequest20; and/or (4) use of communication network to transmitdigital data16 fromstorage device14 to the second party (step110).
• Therefore,[0059]digital data facilitator12 includestransaction facilitator19 for monitoring the transmission ofdigital data16 to/fromdigital data facilitator12, as well as monitoring the length of storage ofdigital data16 onstorage device14. That is,transaction facilitator19 is adapted to monitor the transmission of the digital data for a purpose of determining a transaction fee, which fees can be associated with the transmission and/or storage ofdigital data16.Transaction facilitator19 can include a billing application to prepare a billing statement. For example, the second party might arrange to pay all associated fees in order to receive images from the first party (e.g., a mother wanting to see photos from her only child away at college). Alternatively, the first party might arrange to pay all associated fees in order to send image to the second party (e.g., a child wanting to send photos to his mother located in a senior retirement center located in a warm climate). Still further, the fees could be divided by some arrangement between the first and second party. The fees collected could be divided by a predetermined arrangement between a telecommunication provider providingcommunication network18 and a service provider providing the service ofdigital data facilitator12. Fees could also be charged for storage ofdigital data16 onstorage device14. For example, either party can request that the digital data be available for a predetermined length of time to ensure that the second party receives the digital data.
• This fee-based arrangement of[0060]system10 is suitable for both the frequent and infrequent user since the user pays only for the services used. The cost to the users is minimized. The infrequent user benefits from this arrangement since no monthly fee is charged. The party can be billed using an existing telephone account. By such a billing arrangement, the providers (telecommunication provider and/or service provider) can obtain the fees in a routine manner and in a reasonable timeframe.
• Second Embodiment. In a second embodiment of the present invention, an automated service informs the second party when digital data is available for receipt. Accordingly, referring to FIG. 4,[0061]system10 further includes acommunication device30 for sending acommunication32 to the second party overcommunication network18. That is,communication32 is sent to the second party when digital data intended for the second party is received bydigital data facilitator12.
• A diagram of a second[0062]method employing system10 of FIG. 4 is shown in FIG. 5. The method relates to facilitating asynchronous transmission of digital data between a first and second party over a communication network. Atstep200,digital data16 is transmitted overcommunication network18 from the first party todigital data facilitator12 havingdigital storage device14.Digital data16 has associated therewith first identifier ID1 associated with an electronic identifier of the first party, and second identifier ID2 associated with a telephone number of the second party. Atstep202,digital data16 is stored ondigital storage device14. Then,digital data facilitator12 is employed to identify the first party and the second party. Once the second party is identified,communication32 is to the second party over communication network18 (step206) by means ofcommunication device30.Communication32 can occur at predefined times that are acceptable to the second party as determined by a setup routine run ondisplay device22, or by means of parameters included in the data provided by the first party. In a preferred embodiment, the first party is identified incommunication32 so that the second party can determine whether to receiveimage data16. If the second party desires to receiveimage data16, the second party sendsrequest20. Atstep208,request20, transmitted from the second party to the digital data facilitator in response tocommunication32, is reviewed. Atstep210,digital data16 is transmitted to the second party in response to receivingrequest20 from the second party. If the second party is unable to receive the data at the time of initial contact, transmission may be delayed to another time.
• The communication sent to the second party may take many forms. In one embodiment, the second party receives a voice message via the telephone. This voice message informs the second party that there is data waiting, and describes the sender. This description may be the ID of the first party, the name of the first party or a playback of a recorded voice message by the first party. For example, the second party can hear the message, “If you would like to receive images from 585-555-8243, press 5 and hang up”. In another example, the second party can hear the message, “If you would like to receive images from the party who has left the following message, press 5 and hang up” whereafter the following message is delivered, “Hi Grandma, here is a picture of my new bike.”[0063]
• In accordance with the present invention, an automated service determines when the digital data is available for receipt and the second party automatically receives the digital data if sent from[0064]digital data facilitator12. More particularly, if the second party is receivingdigital data16 by means of a telephone line, the second party's telephone line can be configured, using an identification system, to automatically receivedigital data16 ifdigital data facilitator12 is the caller. Such an identification system can be the telephonic system generally referred to as “caller-id”. Caller-id is well known in the telecommunication industry, and can be employed here to determine whendigital data facilitator12 is the caller. As such, the second party automatically receivesdigital data16 from digital data facilitator. In a preferred embodiment, the second party configures the receiving device with caller-id to receivedigital data16 only from selected senders. That is, the second party pre-identifies the parties from whom he/she will receive digital data. This “prescreening” of the senders of the digital data ensures that the second party is not “spammed” by unwanted/unsolicited digital data from unknown third parties.
• Third Embodiment. In a third embodiment, referring now to FIG. 6,[0065]system10 further comprises anidentification system34 for verifying the sender (i.e., the first party) of the digital data.Identification system34 can verify that the sender isdigital data facilitator12. If the second party is receivingdigital data16 by means of a telephone line, thenidentification system34 can be a callerid system.
• The identification system can be located proximate the digital data facilitator. For example, if[0066]digital data facilitator12 andidentification system34 are both provided/operated by the same communications company, they may be disposed at the same location. Alternatively,identification system34 can be disposed remotely fromdigital data facilitator12. For example, the second party may have an in-home device, which serves as an identification system. Such an inhome device might be a component of the second party's telephone or telephone answering machine.
• More particularly,[0067]system10 shown in FIG. 6 includesdigital data facilitator12 havingdigital storage device14. A first and second identifier is associated with the digital data. The second identifier is associated with the second party (the recipient).Digital data facilitator12 includes an associatedfacilitator identifier36 associated withdigital data facilitator12. In a preferred embodiment,facilitator identifier36 is a telephone number.System10 further includesidentification system34, which as indicated above, can be proximate or remote fromdigital data facilitator12, for detectingfacilitator identifier26.Transaction facilitator19 can be employed to monitordigital data16 being transmitted over the communication network between the parties.
• It is recognized that for this particular embodiment employing a caller-id, that caller-id may not be able to recognize an email address. That is, for this particular embodiment, if the identification of the first party is an email address, this embodiment might not prevent the transmission of undesired digital data.[0068]
• A diagram of a third[0069]method employing system10 of FIG. 6 is shown in FIG. 7. Atstep300,digital data16 is transmitted overcommunication network18 from the first party todigital data facilitator12 havingdigital storage device14. First identifier ID1 and second identifier ID2 are associated withdigital data16, with second identifier ID2 being associated with the second party. In addition,facilitator identifier36 is associated withdigital data facilitator12. In a preferred embodiment,facilitator36 is a telephone number associated withdigital data facilitator12. At step302,digital data16 is stored ondigital storage device14. Then,digital data facilitator12 is employed to identify the second party associated with the transmitted digital data (step304). At step306,digital data16 is transmitted to the second party, with the transmitted digital data includingfacilitator identifier36. Atstep308,identification system34, located remotely fromdigital data facilitator12, is employed to determine iffacilitator identifier36 transmitted with the transmitted digital data is correctly associated withdigital data facilitator12. If correctly associated, the transmitted digital data is received by the second party (step310).
• In a preferred embodiment, to reduce/eliminate the second party's receipt of unsolicited digital data,[0070]identification system34 is pre-programmed with a list of first parties (i.e., first identifiers) from which the second party will accept receipt of digital data. Such a pre-programming can be accomplished by manually inputting telephone numbers intoidentification system34. This adds a level of security to the system.
• With the automatic transmission of[0071]digital data16, a notification orindicator38 can be provided to the second party to provide notice that digital data has been received. Such an indicator can be a visual indicator displayed onimage area26 ofdisplay device22. FIG. 8 shows one example of avisual indicator38 wherein a message of “YOU HAVE PICTURES!” is displayed when digital data is transmitted. Another example of a visual indicator is a button on the frame which lights up or flashes when digital data is transmitted.
• Alternatively,[0072]indicator38 can be an audio indicator, for example, referring to FIG. 9, an audio message of “YOU HAVE PICTURES” emanates fromdisplay device22. Still further, rather than hearing a dial tone from the telephone when the telephone receiver is picked up, a message of “YOU HAVE PICTURES” can be heard.
• In a particular arrangement, caller ID means may be employed at[0073]digital data facilitator12 to ensure receipt of data by only specified parties.Digital data facilitator12 can use caller ID to determine the identity of the first party when the data is initially transmitted. The identity of the first party is associated with the data file. The identity of the desired recipient second party is included with the transmission of the data from the first party todigital data facilitator12. When the second party ordisplay device22 callsdigital data facilitator12, the second party is identified by the caller ID means. Additionally, the second party ordisplay device22 provides a listing of the identities of first parties from which the second party wishes to receive data. If the identity of the first party as determined by the caller ID means is on the list provided by the second party, and the identity of the second party as determined by the caller ID means matches the identity of the desired recipient second party included with the transmission of the data from the first party todigital data facilitator12, the data will be transmitted to the second party.
• Stated alternatively, the first party transmits a digital data file to[0074]digital data facilitator12. The digital data in the file specifies the identity (phone number) of the second party. The identity of the first party is determined by the caller-id means. The identity of the first party is associated with the data file. When the second party contactsdigital data facilitator12,digital data facilitator12 determines the identity of the second party by the caller-id means.Digital data facilitator12 also receives a list of identities (i.e., first parties) from which the second party is willing to accept digital data. If the ids of the first party and the second party match,digital data facilitator12 transmits the digital data to the second party.
• [0075]Display device22 may also be enabled to provide an audio message to the provider of the digital data (the first party). Upon selecting the “return message” function, the second party can record a voice message to the first party. This message is returned to the first party viadigital data facilitator12.
• Fourth Embodiment. Referring now to FIG. 11, in a fourth embodiment in accordance with the present invention, an image-bearing[0076]product40 is produced. In this fourth embodiment,digital data16 cannot be transmitted to the second party. Such a situation can occur for a plurality of reasons, for example, if the second party does not have a telephone,display device22, a computer, or other digital display device adapted to receive digital data. Accordingly, in accordance with the fourth embodiment, image-bearingproduct40 is automatically produced and delivered to the second party, and the first party's telephone number is billed.
• As shown in FIG. 11,[0077]system10 in accordance with the fourth embodiment includesdigital data facilitator12 havingdigital storage device14 for storing digital data transmitted overcommunication network18 from a first party.Digital data16 has an associated first and second identifier, with the second identifier being associated with a delivery address of the second party, and the first identifier being associated with a telephone number of the first party.
• [0078]Communication network18 permits the transmission ofdigital data16 to aservice provider42 for generating the image-bearing product in accordance with the request. Delivery means are provided for deliveringimage bearing product40 to the second party at the second party address. In addition,transaction facilitator19 monitors the transmission of the digital data and generation of the image bearing product whereby a bill for the transmission and generation is sent to the telephone number of the first party.
• It is recognized that[0079]image bearing product40 can be any product comprising the digital data. Typically,product40 is a hard copy print, such as an 4×6 or 8×10, but can include a compact disc, puzzle, poster, tee shirt, mug, or the like as known to those skilled in the art.
• A diagram of a fourth[0080]method employing system10 of FIG. 11 is shown in FIG. 12 for generatingimage bearing product40. At step400,digital data16 is transmitted overcommunication network18 from a first party to digital data facilitator1 havingdigital storage device14. Associated withdigital data16 is a first and second identifier, wherein the second identifier is associated with a delivery address of the second party, and the first identifier is associated with a telephone number of the first party. Atstep402,digital data16 is stored ondigital storage device14. A request forimage bearing product40 is transmitted by the first party, wherein the request and the product are with regard todigital data16.
• At[0081]step404,digital data facilitator12 reviews the request, and then transmitsdigital data16 toservice provider42 to generateimage bearing product40 in accordance with the request (step406).Product40 is delivered to the second party at the second party address (step408). A fee is charged for the product atstep410. More particularly, the telephone number of the first party is billed for the generation ofimage bearing product40.
• At[0082]step406, the digital data may not be available onstorage device14 for transmission toservice provider42. That is, ifdigital data16 is stored onstorage device14 for a predetermined period of time, the predetermined period of time might have elapsed wherebydigital data16 is no longer available onstorage device14 for the generation of the image bearing product. Alternatively,digital data16 stored onstorage device14 may be of a lower resolution than desired to generate image-bearingproduct40. Accordingly, a request can be transmitted to the first party to re-transmit the digital data todigital data facilitator12 so that image-bearingproduct40 can be generated.
• Such a re-transmittal of the digital data may be needed for the other embodiments described above. That is, for any of the embodiments described above, if an image bearing product is to be generated and[0083]digital data16 does not reside ondigital data facilitator12, a data request can be transmitted to the first party to re-transmit the digital data so that the image bearing product can be generated. Alternatively, if higher resolution digital data is desired for the generation of the image-bearing product, a data request can be transmitted to the first party to transmit the higher resolution digital data. This request may occur the next time the first party contacts the digital data facilitator.
• Accordingly, if the digital data is not residing on[0084]digital data facilitator12, a method of generating an image bearing product would include the steps of storing the originally transmitted digital data on the digital storage device for a predetermined period of time, and then receiving a product request from the second party for the image bearing product after the elapse of the predetermined period of time. Thereafter, a data request is transmitted to the first party for the digital data, and the digital data is received in response to the data request. After which, the digital data is transmitted to a service provider to generate the image bearing product in accordance with the request and the image bearing product is delivered to the second party at the second party address. In a preferred arrangement, the telephone number of the first party is billed for the generation of the image bearing product.
• Fifth Embodiment. In another embodiment, the second party may desire a print of a particular image. If a print is selected and there is no printing means connected to display[0085]device22, a request is made todigital data facilitator12 for a print. It is likely that the data for the print is not resident onstorage device14, or is of improper resolution for printing. Accordingly, a communication is made fromdigital data facilitator12 to the first party by directly contacting the first party or by waiting until the next opportunity when the first party contacts the digital data facilitator. In this communication, a request is made of the first party to provide the data at adequate resolution for a print. If the high resolution print data is locally available, the data is transmitted todigital data facilitator12. If not, the first party is instructed to provide the data. The high resolution print data at the digital data facilitator is transmitted toservice provider42 so that a print may be produced.
• More than one recipient. It is recognized that the digital data can be shared with a plurality of recipients. That is, the first party can upload[0086]digital data16 todigital data facilitator12 and share this uploaded digital data with a plurality of second parties.
• No Digital Data Facilitator. An alternative method, wherein no[0087]digital data facilitator12 is employed, comprises the transmittal of a message to the second party from the first party instructing the second party to placedisplay device22 in the appropriate mode to receivedigital data16. The instructions can be accomplished audibly, and the second party may have options. For example, the first party's device may instruct the second party to “press 1” to delay the transmission or “press 2” to leave a message.
• Preferred Embodiments. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown in FIG. 13, the first party employs a digital device of a digital camera[0088]50. The images captured by digital camera50 can be uploaded/transmitted todigital data facilitator12 for sharing with a second party. A modem can be employed. The transmission can be automatically accomplished if a digitalcamera docking station52 is employed, an example of which is the EasyShare available from Eastman Kodak Company. The EasyShare dock connects directly to the computer. A modification is proposed that allows the dock to connect directly totelephone line54.
• In a preferred arrangement, a direct connection is provided to[0089]digital data facilitator12 from digital camera/docking station50,52 using a communication network of atelephone line54. A local network can be employed so that only local telephone connections are necessary. Further, the transmission can occur in the evening or early morning to minimize the cost of the telephone line and for convenience. Digital camera50 includes a microphone so that audio can be captured, for example, audio explaining the subject/content of the captured image.
• The second party can employ[0090]display device22 configured as a digital camera, shown in FIG. 13 as adigital camera56. As with digital camera50 of the first party,digital camera56 of the second party can use adocking station58 to automate features of the digital camera. For example,digital camera56 can be configured to regularly querydigital data facilitator12. More particularly,digital camera56 can be configured to querydigital data facilitator12 at4am. If no digital data is available for the second party, the modem disconnects as quickly as possible to reduce usage of the telephone line. If digital data is available, the digital data will be transmitted and fees will be charged for the telephone line usage. Alternatively, the second party can check for digital data at any time using the “check now” selection member28 (best shown in FIG. 4). As more images (i.e., digital data) are transmitted, the longer the connection time, the higher the fee. These fees can be divided between the telecommunication company providing the connection and the company/service providing the service ofdigital data facilitator12. The parties are billed directly through their telephone account(s).
• [0091]Image area26 ofdisplay device22 can display the images to the second party as they are being transmitted. Ifdisplay device22 is configured as a digital camera,image area26 is preferably positioned withindocking station58 so as to be facing the second party so that the images can be viewed as they are being transmitted.
• [0092]Digital data16 is of an appropriate resolution for the second party's digital display device (i.e.,digital camera56 for FIG. 13). For example, for FIG. 13, if the first party transmits images, the images transmitted to the second party are of a resolution appropriate fordigital camera56.Digital data facilitator12 can maintain a database of thedisplay device22 of the second party. Alternatively, the request transmitted by the second party todigital data facilitator12 can include a reference identifying the second party's display device to whichdigital data16 will be transmitted. If the display device of the second party has a resolution higher than the resolution of the digital data transmitted todigital data facilitator12 from the first party, then a request for higher resolution data may be returned to the first party viadigital data facilitator12.
• In a preferred embodiment, high (or full) resolution images need not be transmitted by the first party to[0093]digital data facilitator12 until and unless an image bearing product is desired. That is, a lower resolution image can be transmitted, then, if it is determined that the high resolution image is needed, a request can be transmitted fromdigital data facilitator12 to the first party requesting the high resolution image (“please load the image into your digital camera for transmittal”).
• [0094]Digital data facilitator12 can be configured to storedigital data16 for a predetermined period of time. After the predetermined time period, the digital data can be transferred off-line or deleted. Similarly, once the digital data has been accessed, the digital data can be transferred off-line or deleted.
• The service provider can include a service of automatically generating a compact disc or other transportable/removable digital media after a predetermined time period comprising the digital data of the first and/or second party for delivery to the first and/or second party.[0095]
• Digital Camera. It has been disclosed that[0096]display device22 can be configured as a digital camera. FIG. 14 generally illustrates a digital camera60 comprising ahousing61 which is adapted to capture images in electronic form. Digital camera60 captures digital images, which are stored on a removable memory device such as a removable memory stick orcard62.Removable memory cards62 are known to those skilled in the art. For example,removable memory card12 can include memory cards adapted to the PCMCIA card interface standard and theCompactFlash Specification Version1.4, published by the CompactFlash Association, Palo Alto, Calif., 1998-1999. Other types of digital memory devices, such as magnetic hard drives, magnetic tape, CD, floppy disks, optical disks, or the like can alternatively be used to store the digital images.
• FIG. 15 shows a block diagram of a typical digital camera[0097]60 suitable for use with the method of the present invention. Digital camera60 may include a zoom lens64 having a zoom and focusmotor66 and an adjustable aperture and shutter (not shown). When an image is being captured using digital camera60, zoom lens64 focuses light from a scene being captured (not shown) onto animage sensor68.Image sensor68 may be, for example, a single-chip color charged couple device (CCD) image sensor, and may employ the well known Bayer color filter pattern.Image sensor68 is controlled by a clock driver(s)70. Zoom and focusmotors66 andclock driver70 are controlled by control signals supplied by a control processor andtiming generator72. Control processor andtiming generator72 receives inputs from an autofocus andautoexposure detector74 and controls a flash76. An analog output signal from theimage sensor68 is amplified and converted to digital data by an analog signal processing (ASP) and analog-to-digital (A/D)converter78. Digital data received fromconverter78 is stored in aDRAM buffer memory80 and subsequently processed by animage processor82.Image processor82 is controlled by firmware stored in a firmware memory84, which can be, for example, flash EPROM memory.
• [0098]Image processor82 will process the image captured in accordance with instructions stored in firmware memory84. Image processor84 performs color interpolation followed by color and tone correction, in order to produce rendered sRGB image data. The rendered sRGB image data can then be compressed, for example using the well-known JPEG format. Usingmemory card interface86, the compressed image data is then stored as an image file onremovable memory card62.Image processor82 preferably creates an image that is stored inRAM memory88 and supplied to a display90, for example a color LCD display, which displays the captured image for the user to review.
• Digital camera[0099]60 is controlled byuser controls92, such as a series of user buttons including an actuation/capture button (e.g., shutter release) (not shown) which initiates an image capturing operation. A graphical user interface displayed on the color LCD image display90 is controlled by a user interface portion of firmware stored in firmware memory84.
• The image captured by digital camera[0100]60 can be transferred to a personal computer by removingremovable memory card62 from image capture device60 and insertingremovable memory card62 in a card reader (not shown) in acomputer94, such as a home personal computer. Alternatively, an interface cable96 can be used to connect between ahost interface98 in image capture device60 and a CPU motherboard (not shown) incomputer94. Interface cable96 can conform to, for example, the well-known universal serial bus (USB) interface specification. Digital camera60 can comprise a cellular processor99 adapted to initiate a cellular phone call by means of a cellular modem101.
• It is recognized that[0101]processor82 can also create a “thumbnail” size image that is stored inRAM memory88 and supplied to the color LCD image display90, which displays the captured image for the user to review. This lowresolution “thumbnail” size image, can be created as described in commonlyassigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,164,831 (Kuchta). The thumbnail image has 160×120 pixels, and can be stored within an Exif image file along with the full resolution image. The Exif image files, containing the JPEG compressed main image, thumbnail image, and the image metadata, can be stored onremovable memory card62 using a directory structure conforming to the “DCF” rules. The file format known as Digital Printer Order Format (DPOF) can be employed by the service provider when an image bearing product is generated.
• A computer program product may include one or more storage medium, for example; magnetic storage media such as magnetic disk (such as a floppy disk) or magnetic tape; optical storage media such as optical disk, optical tape, or machine readable bar code; solid-state electronic storage devices such as random access memory (RAM), or read-only memory (ROM); or any other physical device or media employed to store a computer program having instructions for controlling one or more computers to practice the method according to the present invention.[0102]
• The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to a presently preferred embodiment, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents thereof are intended to be embraced therein.[0103]
PARTS LIST
• [0104]10 system
• [0105]12 digital data facilitator
• [0106]14 digital storage device
• [0107]16 digital data
• [0108]18 communication network
• [0109]19 transaction facilitator; monitor
• [0110]20 request
• [0111]22 display device
• [0112]24 non-image area
• [0113]26 image area
• [0114]28 selection members
• [0115]30 communication device
• [0116]32 communication
• [0117]34 identification system
• [0118]36 facilitator identifier
• [0119]38 indicator
• [0120]40 image bearing product
• [0121]42 service provider
• [0122]50 digital camera; first party
• [0123]52 docking station; first party
• [0124]54 telephone line
• [0125]56 digital camera; second party
• [0126]58 docking station; second party
• [0127]60 digital camera
• [0128]61 housing; digital camera
• [0129]62 removable memory device
• [0130]64 zoom lens
• [0131]66 zoom and focus motor
• [0132]68 image sensor
• [0133]70 clock drivers
• [0134]72 control processing and timing generator
• [0135]74 detectors
• [0136]76 flash
• [0137]78 converters
• [0138]80 DRAM memory
• [0139]82 image processor
• [0140]84 firmware memory
• [0141]86 memory card interface
• [0142]88 RAM memory
• [0143]90 image display
• [0144]92 user controls
• [0145]94 computer
• [0146]96 communication network
• [0147]98 host interface
• [0148]99 cellular processor
• [0149]101 cellular modem

Claims (76)

What is claimed is:

1. A system for facilitating asynchronous transmission of digital data between at least two parties over a communication network, comprising:

a digital data facilitator having a digital storage device for storing digital data transmitted over the communication network from a first party, the digital data facilitator having the ability to review a request transmitted from a second party, the digital data having an associated first and second identifier, the second identifier being associated with the second party, the second identifier being associated with a telephone number, the first identifier being associated with an electronic identifier of the first party.

2. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the first identifier is an email or IP address.

3. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising a monitor for monitoring the transmission of the digital data.

4. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the digital data facilitator is adapted to initiate the transmission of the digital data to the second party after reviewing the request.

5. The system ofclaim 4, further comprising a monitor for monitoring a length of storage of the digital data on the storage device.

6. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising a transaction facilitator adapted to monitor the transmission of the digital data for a purpose of determining a transaction fee.

7. The system ofclaim 6, further comprising a billing application for preparing a billing statement comprising the transaction fee.

8. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising a display device having a communications link programmed to communicate only with the digital data facilitator.

9. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising a display device having means for selecting the identity of the first party from whom the digital data will be accepted.

10. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising means for directing fees for system usage to the first party.

11. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising means for directing fees for system usage to the second party.

12. A method for facilitating asynchronous transmission of digital data between a first and second party over a communication network, the method comprising the steps of:

transmitting the digital data over the communication network from the first party to a digital data facilitator having a digital storage device, the digital data having an associated first and second identifier, the first identifier being associated with an electronic identifier of the first party, the second identifier being associated with a telephone number of the second party;

storing the digital data on the digital storage device;

reviewing a request transmitted from the second party to the digital data facilitator;

employing the digital data facilitator to identify the first party and the second party;

determining the absence or presence of the digital data stored on the digital storage device having the associated first and second identifier associated with the first and second party, respectively; and

fulfilling the request if the digital data is present.

13. The method ofclaim 12, further comprising the step of, prior to fulfilling the request, determining if the second party will accept transmission of the digital data from the digital data facilitator to the second party.

14. The method ofclaim 12, wherein the step of fulfilling comprises the step of transmitting the digital data to the second party.

15. The method ofclaim 12, wherein the electronic identifier of the first party is a telephone number of the first party.

16. The method ofclaim 12, further comprising the step of monitoring the digital data being transmitted.

17. The method ofclaim 12, further comprising the steps of:

monitoring the transmission of the digital data over the communication network to the digital data facilitator; and

billing the first or second party for the transmission of the digital data over the communication network to the digital data facilitator.

18. The method ofclaim 12, further comprising the steps of:

generating an image bearing product comprising the digital data;

delivering the image bearing product to the second party at the second party address; and

billing the first or second party for the generation of the image bearing product.

19. The method ofclaim 12, further comprising the step of:

monitoring the storage of the digital data on the storage device; and

billing the first or second party for the storage of the digital data on the storage device.

20. A method for facilitating asynchronous transmission of digital data between a first and second party over a communication network, the method comprising the steps of:

transmitting the digital data over the communication network from the first party to a digital data facilitator having a digital storage device, the digital data having an associated first and second identifier, the first identifier being associated with an electronic identifier of the first party, the second identifier being associated with a telephone number of the second party;

storing the digital data on the digital storage device;

reviewing a request transmitted from the second party to the digital data facilitator, the request comprising the first identifier;

accessing the first identifier from the request;

accessing the second identifier of the second party transmitting the request;

accessing the digital data stored on the digital storage device having the associated first and second identifier; and

fulfilling the request.

21. The method ofclaim 20, wherein the step of fulfilling comprises the step of transmitting the digital data to the second party.

22. A system for facilitating asynchronous transmission of digital data between a first and second party over a communication network, comprising:

a digital data facilitator having a digital storage device for storing the digital data transmitted over the communication network from the first party, the digital data facilitator having the ability to transmit the digital data to the second party in response to a request transmitted to the digital data facilitator from the second party subsequent to a communication sent to the second party from the digital data facilitator, a first identifier and a second identifier being associated with the digital data, the first identifier being associated with the first party, the second identifier being associated with a telephone number of the second party;

a communication device for sending the communication to the second party over the communication network; and

a transaction facilitator adapted to monitor the digital data being transmitted over the communication network.

23. The system ofclaim 22, wherein the transaction facilitator is further adapted to monitor a length of storage of the digital data on the storage device.

24. The system ofclaim 22, wherein the transaction facilitator is further adapted to determine a transaction fee in accordance with the monitoring of the digital data.

25. The system ofclaim 24, further comprising a billing application for preparing a billing statement comprising the transaction fee.

26. The system ofclaim 22, further comprising a display device having a communications link programmed to communicate solely with the digital data facilitator.

27. The system ofclaim 22, further comprising a display device having means for selecting the identity of the first party from whom the digital data will be accepted.

28. The system ofclaim 22, further comprising a means for directing fees for system usage to the first party.

29. The system ofclaim 22, further comprising a means for directing fees for system usage to the second party.

30. A method for facilitating asynchronous transmission of digital data between a first and second party over a communication network, the method comprising the steps of:

transmitting the digital data over the communication network from the first party to a digital data facilitator having a digital storage device, the digital data having an associated first and second identifier, the first identifier being associated with an electronic identifier of the first party, the second identifier being associated with a telephone number of the second party;

storing the digital data on the digital storage device;

employing the digital data facilitator to identify the first party and the second party;

sending a communication to the second party over the communication network;

reviewing a request transmitted from the second party to the digital data facilitator in response to the communication sent to the second party; and

transmitting the digital data to the second party in response to receiving the request from the second party.

31. The method ofclaim 30, wherein the communication sent to the second party comprises a telephone call.

32. The method ofclaim 30, further comprising the step of monitoring the digital data being transmitted.

33. The method ofclaim 30, further comprising the steps of:

monitoring the transmission of the digital data over the communication network to the digital data facilitator; and

billing the first or second party for the transmission of the digital data over the communication network to the digital data facilitator.

34. The method ofclaim 30, further comprising the steps of:

generating an image bearing product comprising the digital data;

delivering the image bearing product to the second party at the second party address; and

billing the first or second party for the generation of the image bearing product.

35. The method ofclaim 30, further comprising the step of:

monitoring the storage of the digital data on the storage device; and

billing the first or second party for the storage of the digital data on the storage device.

36. The method ofclaim 30, further comprising the step of specifying to the digital data facilitator the display capabilities of a display device.

37. A method for facilitating asynchronous transmission of digital data between a first and second party over a communication network, the method comprising the steps of:

transmitting the digital data over the communication network from the first party to a digital data facilitator having a digital storage device, the digital data having an associated first and second identifier, the first identifier being associated with an electronic identifier of the first party, the second identifier being associated with a telephone number of the second party;

storing the digital data on the digital storage device;

employing the digital data facilitator to identify the first party and the second party associated with the digital data;

receiving a request transmitted from the second party to the digital data facilitator over the communication network;

reviewing the request transmitted from the second party; and

transmitting the stored digital data to the second party in response to receiving the request from the second party after determining that the second identifier is associated with the stored digital data.

38. The method ofclaim 37, wherein the request transmitted to the digital data facilitator comprises a telephone call.

39. The method ofclaim 38, further comprising the step of billing the telephone number of the second party for the transmission of the digital data.

40. The method ofclaim 37, further comprising the step of monitoring the digital data being transmitted.

41. The method ofclaim 37, further comprising the steps of:

monitoring the transmission of the digital data over the communication network to the digital data facilitator; and

billing the first or second party for the transmission of the digital data over the communication network to the digital data facilitator.

42. The method ofclaim 37, further comprising the step of:

monitoring the storage of the digital data on the storage device; and

billing the first or second party for the storage of the digital data on the storage device.

43. The method ofclaim 37, further comprising the step of specifying to the digital data facilitator the display capabilities of a display device.

44. A system for facilitating asynchronous transmission of digital data between at least two parties over a communication network, comprising:

a digital data facilitator having a digital storage device for storing the digital data transmitted over the communication network from a sender, a recipient identifier and a sender identifier being associated with the digital data, the digital data facilitator having the ability to transmit the digital data to a recipient, the recipient identifier being associated with the recipient, the digital data facilitator having an associated facilitator identifier associated with the digital data facilitator; and

an identification system for detecting the facilitator identifier.

45. The system ofclaim 44, wherein the identification system is disposed proximate the digital data facilitator.

46. The system ofclaim 44, wherein the identification system is disposed remotely from the digital data facilitator

47. The system ofclaim 44, further comprising a transaction facilitator monitoring the digital data being transmitted over the communication network.

48. The system ofclaim 44, wherein the identification system is a caller-id telephonic system.

49. The system ofclaim 44, further comprising an audio massaging device adapted to indicate to the recipient the availability of the digital data.

50. The system ofclaim 44, further comprising a visual massaging device adapted to indicate to the recipient the availability of the digital data.

51. The system ofclaim 44, further comprising a display device having a communications link programmed to communicate solely with the digital data facilitator.

52. The system ofclaim 44, further comprising a display device having means for selecting the identity of the first party from whom the digital data will be accepted.

53. The system ofclaim 44, further comprising a means for directing fees for system usage to the first party.

54. The system ofclaim 44, further comprising a means for directing fees for system usage to the second party.

55. A method for facilitating asynchronous transmission of digital data between a first and second party over a communication network, the method comprising the steps of:

transmitting the digital data over the communication network from the first party to a digital data facilitator having a digital storage device, a first identifier and a second identifier being associated with the digital data, the second identifier being associated with the second party, a facilitator identifier being associated with the digital data facilitator;

storing the digital data on the digital storage device;

employing the digital data facilitator to identify the second party associated with the transmitted digital data;

transmitting the digital data to the second party, the digital data including the facilitator identifier;

employing an identification system, located remotely from the digital data facilitator, to determine if the facilitator identifier transmitted with the transmitted digital data is associated with the digital data facilitator; and

receiving the transmitted digital data if the facilitator identifier transmitted with the transmitted digital data is determined to be associated with the digital data facilitator.

56. The method ofclaim 55, further comprising the step of employing the identification system at the digital data facilitator to determine the identity of the first party and the second party.

57. The method ofclaim 56, further comprising the step of assigning the determined identity of the first party to the digital data.

58. The method ofclaim 57, further comprising the step of transmitting the digital data to the second party as determined by the identification system matching the identity for the second party associated with the digital data.

59. The method ofclaim 57, further comprising the step of transmitting the digital data to the second party only if the identity of the first party determined by the identification system matches the identity for the first party specified by the second party.

60. The method ofclaim 55, further comprising the step of transmitting an audio message to the second party indicating availability of the digital data.

61. The method ofclaim 55, further comprising the step of transmitting a visual message to the second party indicating availability of the digital data.

62. The method ofclaim 55, further comprising the step of employing a digital camera for transmitting the digital data to the digital data facilitator.

63. The method ofclaim 55, further comprising the step of monitoring the digital data being transmitted.

64. The method ofclaim 55, further comprising the steps of:

monitoring the transmission of the digital data over the communication network to the digital data facilitator; and

billing the first or second party for the transmission of the digital data over the communication network to the digital data facilitator.

65. The method ofclaim 55, further comprising the steps of:

generating an image bearing product comprising the digital data;

delivering the image bearing product to the second party at the second party address; and

billing the first or second party for the generation of the image bearing product.

66. The method ofclaim 55, further comprising the step of:

monitoring the storage of the digital data on the storage device; and

billing the first or second party for the storage of the digital data on the storage device.

67. The method ofclaim 55, further comprising the step of specifying to the digital data facilitator the display capabilities of a display device.

68. A system for generating an image bearing product,

comprising:

a digital data facilitator having a digital storage device for storing digital data transmitted from a first party, the digital data facilitator having the ability to review a request for the image bearing product transmitted by the first party with regard to the digital data, the digital data having an associated first and second identifier, the second identifier being associated with a delivery address of the second party, the first identifier being associated with a telephone number of the first party;

a communication network for transmitting the digital data from the first part to the digital data facilitator and for transmitting the digital data to a service provider for generating the image bearing product in accordance with the request;

delivery means for delivering the image bearing product to the second party at the second party address; and

a transaction facilitator for monitoring the transmission of the digital data and generation of the image bearing product and transmitting a bill to the telephone number of the first party.

69. A method for generating an image bearing product, the method comprising the steps of:

transmitting digital data over a communication network from the first party to a digital data facilitator having a digital storage device, the digital data having an associated first and second identifier, the second identifier being associated with a delivery address of the second party, the first identifier being associated with a telephone number of the first party;

storing the digital data on the digital storage device;

the digital data facilitator reviewing a request for an image bearing product with regard to the digital data;

transmitting the digital data to a service provider to generate the image bearing product in accordance with the request;

delivering the image bearing product to the second party at the second party address; and

billing the telephone number of the first party for the generation of the image bearing product.

70. The method ofclaim 69, further comprising the step of specifying to the digital data facilitator the display capabilities of a display device.

71. The method ofclaim 55, prior to transmitting the digital data to the service provider, further comprising the step of transmitting a second request to the first party to re-transmit the digital data.

72. A method for generating an image bearing product, the method comprising the steps of:

transmitting digital data over a communication network from the first party to a digital data facilitator having a digital storage device, the digital data having an associated first and second identifier, the second identifier being associated with a telephone number of the second party, the first identifier being associated with a telephone number of the first party;

storing the digital data on the digital storage device for a predetermined period of time;

receiving a product request from the second party for the image bearing product after the elapse of the predetermined period of time;

transmitting a data request to the first party for the digital data;

receiving the digital data in response to the data request;

transmitting the digital data to a service provider to generate the image bearing product in accordance with the request;

delivering the image bearing product to the second party at the second party address; and

billing the telephone number of the first party for the generation of the image bearing product.

73. A computer storage product having at least one computer storage medium having instructions stored therein causing one or more computers to perform the method ofclaim 12.

74. A computer storage product having at least one computer storage medium having instructions stored therein causing one or more computers to perform the method ofclaim 20.

75. A computer storage product having at least one computer storage medium having instructions stored therein causing one or more computers to perform the method ofclaim 30.

76. A computer storage product having at least one computer storage medium having instructions stored therein causing one or more computers to perform the method ofclaim 37.

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