Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130177243 | Autoflow in Photobook Development - A method has steps receiving a plurality of digital images at a network-connected computing appliance, sorting the plurality of images by one or more functions of software executing from a non-transitory physical medium on the computing appliance to determine a subset of images that are related according to data associated with individual ones of the digital images, and dedicating the determined subset of images to a single page of a photo album being prepared by the software. | 07-11-2013 |
20130194591 | Method for Determining Effective Core Aspect Ratio for Display of Content Created in an Online Collage-Based Editor - In an online collage-based editor, a method for determining an effective aspect ratio for a selected project orientation that includes a group of two or more available page sizes having different aspect ratios and displaying a project page at a derived aspect ratio in the GUI during editing includes the steps (a) determining for each page size in the group, the viewable area of each page, (b) recording the aspect ratios of the viewable areas of step (a), (c) using a mathematical function, describing a total amount of error present amongst the available aspect ratios of step (b) for a given aspect ratio, (d) using a mathematical program, process, or automated calculation tool, finding the effective aspect ratio that minimizes the function and hence the error value of step (c), and (e) displaying the project page at the selected effective aspect ratio. | 08-01-2013 |
20140092424 | Methods for Real Time Discovery, Selection, and Engagement of Most Economically Feasible Printing Service Vendors among Multiple Known Vendors - A system for routing electronic print orders includes a server connected to the network, the server having access to least one processor and a data repository, the server including a non-transitory physical medium and software running from the non-transitory physical medium, the software providing for acquiring current job capacity capabilities, delivery time estimates, historical production times, and current cost estimates for printing and shipping relative to one or more products resulting from completion of the one or more electronic print orders, scoring the values and comparing the scores to identify more preferable scores, and routing one or more of the electronic print orders according to the results of scoring performed by the second function. | 04-03-2014 |
20140095264 | Methods for Incentivizing Clients Engaged in Pre-Transaction Navigation of an Online Image or Text-Based Project Creation Service - A system for working with image and or text-based projects includes a server having a processor and a data repository, with software running from a non-transitory physical medium, the software providing functions for establishing a client-server connection between the server and a user-operated appliance, maintaining a data session between a user through a graphics user interface (GUI), monitoring and recording working behaviors of the users, determining that a user should be incentivized to purchase a particular product, determining an amount for the incentive based in part on the parameters of the particular product, and providing notification, at a dynamically determined time during the instant active session, or at some time after the session, to individual ones or to the group of users of the availability of and the value of the incentive. | 04-03-2014 |
20140095335 | Method for Dynamic Invoicing of Print Vendors at Real-Time Negotiated or Advertised Pricing for Online Printing Services - A system for locking in a dynamically changing pricing for an electronic print order among a grouping of two or more print vendors over a data network includes a server connected to the network, the server having access to least one processor and a data repository, the server including a non-transitory physical medium, and software running from the non-transitory physical medium, the software providing a first function for recording a current vendor price associated with vendor completion and shipping of the print order, a second function for generating an invoice covering the print order according to the vendor price, and a third function for electronically sending the invoice along with the print order. | 04-03-2014 |
20140095551 | Methods for Optimizing Storage Space and Reducing Redundancy in Data Reproduction for Data Stored for Creating Image-Based Products through an Electronic Interface - A method for optimizing storage space and data reproduction performance for an image-based layout created through an electronic interface has steps: (a) separating to at least a first degree, the content data from the structure data in the image-based layout, (b) during active user session with the image-based layout, determining the nature of the modifications to the data according to the at least the first degree of separation, and (c) writing new data modifications to storage in the form of a new addressed data source mapped to or indexed to the parent data source reflecting either content data changes to the image-based layout, structural data changes to the image-based layout, or both. | 04-03-2014 |
20140095586 | Methods for Dynamic Stylization and Size Editing of Fonts Associated with Images and Theme-Based Graphics Arranged in a Layout Viewed Through an Electronic Interface - A system for working with image and or text-based projects includes a server having access to a processor and a data repository, the server including a non-transitory physical medium and software running from the non-transitory physical medium, the software providing a first function for establishing a client-server connection between the server and at least one user-operated computing appliance connected to the network, a second function for initiating and maintaining an active data session between one or more users involved in working with the image and/or text-based projects through a graphics user interface (GUI), a third function for acquiring and recording current font attributes for text-based items on a page that is to be remixed, and a fourth function for calculating a best unified set of font attributes for the text-based items subject to the remixed page. | 04-03-2014 |
20140095632 | Methods for Coordinating and Presenting Collaborative Communication between Collaborators Working on an Image-Based Project Through an Electronic Interface - An electronic messaging system includes a server connected to the network, the server having access to a processor and a data repository, and including and software running from a non-transitory physical medium, the software providing for linking the electronic messaging system to the image-based project accessible through the electronic interface, facilitating calling the message system from within the image-based project by executing a link resulting from execution of the first function to receive a messaging interface, detecting and monitoring any online collaborators working on the image-based project and any online web visitors allowed to view the image-based project under construction, assigning for each message submitted, at least a collaborator identification stamp, a digital time stamp, and a digital location of the collaborator within the project at the time the message was submitted, and publishing the aggregated messages in one or more live broadcast to relevant online collaborators and project visitors. | 04-03-2014 |
20140095645 | Method for Caching Data on Client Device to Optimize Server Data Persistence in Building of an Image-Based Project - A system for creating image and or text-based projects includes a server connected to a network, the server having access to least one processor and a data repository, the server including a non-transitory physical medium, and software running from the non-transitory physical medium, the software providing a first function for establishing a client server connection between the server and at least one user-operated computing appliance connected to the network, a second function for initiating and maintaining an active data session between one or more users involved in project creation and or in project editing through a graphics user interface (GUI), a third function for establishing a cache memory on the at least one operated computing appliance, the cache dedicated for caching user and server-side data, a fourth function for caching user actions in the cache memory, and a fifth function for persisting the cached data to the server. | 04-03-2014 |
20140096009 | Methods for Searching for Best Digital Color Options for Reproduction of Image-Based Layouts Created through an Electronic Interface - A system for creating and editing image-based projects includes a server connected to a network, the server having access to least one processor and a data repository, the server including a non-transitory physical medium, and software running from the non-transitory physical medium, the software providing for establishing a client server connection between the server and at least one user-operated computing appliance connected to the network, initiating and maintaining an active data session between one or more users involved in project creation and or in project editing through a graphics user interface (GUI);, analyzing in at least three dimensional values, all of the colors of an asset presented in the image-based project, creating a histogram of the asset based on the analysis by the third function, blending the histogram by adding new color contributions to augment the original colors in relevancy, and storing the blended histogram with the asset. | 04-03-2014 |
20140096010 | Methods for Motion Simulation of Digital Assets Presented in an Electronic Interface using Single Point or Multi-Point Inputs - A system for creating and editing image and or text-based projects includes a server connected to a network, the server having access to a processor and a data repository, and software running from a non-transitory physical medium and providing for establishing a client server connection between the server and at least one user-operated computing appliance connected to the network, initiating and maintaining an active data session between one or more users involved in project creation and or in project editing through a graphics user interface (GUI), accessing at least one asset associated with a layout of the image and or text-based project, assigning pre-specified physics properties to the asset, detecting a subsequent interaction with the asset on the layout from the perspective of at least one predetermined aspect of user input control, and applying the motion physics to the asset relative to the defined user input and assigned physics properties. | 04-03-2014 |
20140096011 | Method for Facilitating Asset Contribution to an Image and or Text-Based project created through an Electronic Interface - A system for creating image and or text-based projects includes a server having access to least one processor, a data repository, and a non-transitory physical medium. Software running from the medium provides a first function for establishing a client server connection between the server and the user-operated computing appliance, a second function for initiating an active data session with the user, a third function for provisioning a software mechanism to the computing appliance for facilitating upload of images to an image library associated with the project, a fourth function for detecting when the user is uploading images to the project, and a fifth function for notifying the user of the software mechanism and prompting the user to redistribute the software mechanism to interfaces operated by or otherwise controlled by friends and family of the user for the purpose of inviting them to add assets to the project. | 04-03-2014 |
20140096012 | Methods for Prioritizing Activation of Grid-Based or Object-based Snap Guides for Snapping Digital Graphics to Grids in a Layout in an Electronic Interface - A system for creating and editing image and or text-based projects includes a server connected to a network and having access a processor and a data repository, and software running from a non-transitory physical medium, the software providing for establishing a client-server connection between the server and at least one user-operated computing appliance connected to the network, initiating and maintaining an active data session between one or more users involved in project creation and or in project editing through a graphics user interface (GUI), establishing a layout grid and defining gridlines as snap-to targets, establishing snap guides for specified assets to be placed on a canvass in an image and or text-based project, and establishing a distance threshold representing the distance between an asset and a gridline before snapping occurs, selectively de-activating or deleting gridlines for snap-to functionality with certain assets based on breach of an asset population threshold. | 04-03-2014 |
20140096013 | Methods for Ensuring Adequate Image Resolution for Printing for Images of Higher Quality that Fail Upload to an Image-Based Project created in an Electronic Interface - A system for creating and editing image and or text-based projects includes a server and software running from the non-transitory physical medium, the software providing a first function for establishing a client-server connection between the server and at least one user-operated computing appliance connected to the network, a second function for initiating and maintaining an active data session between one or more users involved in project creation and or in project editing through a graphics user interface (GUI), a third function for reducing the size of a rendered project layout by a pre-specified factor of multiplication, a fourth function for overlaying the layout with a mask containing modifications to mimic higher-resolution, visual print output, and a fifth function for displaying the masked layout for the end device or devices. | 04-03-2014 |
20140096015 | Online Image and Text-Based Project Creation, Editing, and Order Fulfillment Service - A project network service includes a server connected to the network, the server having access to least one processor and at least one data repository, the server including a non-transitory physical medium and software running from the non-transitory physical medium, the software providing a first function establishing a client-server connection between the server and at least one user-operated computing appliance, a second function registering at least one individual to use the service, a third function initiating and maintaining an active data session between one or more users through a graphics user interface (GUI), a fourth function accepting data input and asset contributions from the one or more users, a fifth function recording and applying the input, a sixth function facilitating a transaction for at least one project created through the GUI, and a seventh function orchestrating and managing production and delivery of the project to the one or more users. | 04-03-2014 |
20140096016 | Methods for Mitigating Coordinated Movement of a Digital Image Displayed in an Electonic Interface as a Fractal Image - A system includes a server having access to least one processor and a data repository, the server including a non-transitory physical medium and software running from the non-transitory physical medium, the software providing for establishing a client-server connection between the server and at least one user-operated computing appliance connected to the network, maintaining an active data session between one or more users involved in working with the image and/or text-based projects through a graphics user interface (GUI), facilitating division of an image into a fractal image components for presentation on editable canvas in the GUI using more than one photo slot to present the fractal image components, coordinating the positions of the fractal views together, and translating the positional data resulting from the movement of a fractal image component in one photo slot to all of the other photo slots hosting the fractal image presentation. | 04-03-2014 |
20140096017 | Methods for Dynamic Selection and Unification of Style and Photo Effects Across Multiple Photos Presented in a Theme-Based Template on an Electronic Interface - A system for working with image and or text-based projects includes a server, the server having access to least one processor and a data repository, the server including a non-transitory physical medium, and software running from the non-transitory physical medium, the software providing a first function for establishing a client-server connection between the server and at least one user-operated computing appliance connected to the network, a second function for initiating and maintaining an active data session between one or more users involved in working with the image and/or text-based projects through a graphics user interface (GUI), a third function for tagging project pages and or individual photo slots on those pages with one or more specific photo effects based on context of the project and or based on the most popular stylistic effects learned by the system, and a fourth function for applying the photo effects listed in the tags. | 04-03-2014 |
20140096020 | Method for Tracking Theme-Based Digital Assets for Clients engaged in Image-Based Project Creation through an Electronic Interface - A system rendering theme-based digital assets used in creating and editing image and or text-based projects searchable through a graphics user interface (GUI) includes a server connected to a network, the server having access to least one processor and a data repository, the server including a non-transitory physical medium, and software running from the non-transitory physical medium, the software providing, a first function for tagging each template with multiple tag words relative to template content and function, a second function for forming tag groups from the template tags, a third function for providing a search engine for searching for templates using one or a grouping of the tag words as search input. | 04-03-2014 |
20140096026 | Methods for Establishing Simulated Force Dynamics Between Two or More Digital Assets Displayed in an Electronic Interface - A system includes a server connected to a network, the server having access to a processor and a data repository and software running from a non-transitory physical medium, the software providing for establishing a client-server connection between the server and at least one user-operated computing appliance connected to the network, maintaining an active data session between one or more users involved in working with the image and/or text-based projects through a graphics user interface (GUI), detecting interactive boundaries between items in a collection of items placed on an editable canvas, detecting, upon movement of at least one of the items, the intersection of one or more of the interactive boundaries, and implementing physics assigned to the items upon confirmation of intersection of the interactive boundaries. | 04-03-2014 |
20140096037 | Methods for Dynamic Prioritization of Graphical Digital Assets for Presentation in an Electronic Interface - A system for working with image and or text-based projects includes a server connected to a network, the server having access to least one processor and a data repository, and software running from the non-transitory physical medium, the software providing for establishing a client-server connection between the server and at least one user-operated computing appliance connected to the network, initiating and maintaining an active data session between one or more users involved in working with the image and/or text-based projects through a graphics user interface (GUI), assessing and recording the usage statistics of digital assets used by the overall client base, monitoring and recording the navigation behaviors, usage patterns, and content contributions of all or individual ones of users operating through the at least one GUI or visiting the service domain, and gathering and prioritizing the digital assets for presentation according to analysis of data recorded by the third function. | 04-03-2014 |
20140096040 | Method for Providing Colorable Assets for Project Inclusion - A system for creating and editing image and or text-based projects includes a server connected to a network, the server having access to least one processor and a data repository, the server including a non-transitory physical medium, and software running from the non-transitory physical medium, the software providing a first function for establishing a client server connection between the server and at least one user-operated computing appliance connected to the network, a second function for initiating and maintaining an active data session between one or more users involved in project creation and or in project editing through a graphics user interface (GUI), a third function for assigning colorable regions to system designed assets, a fourth function for storing those assets for service, and a fifth function for serving those assets to at least one user during the active data session. | 04-03-2014 |
20140193047 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GENERATING AUTOFLOW OF CONTENT BASED ON IMAGE AND USER ANALYSIS AS WELL AS USE CASE DATA FOR A MEDIA-BASED PRINTABLE PRODUCT - In some embodiments, a server for creating photo-based projects is disclosed. The server executes a method for establishing a client-server connection between the server and a user-operated computer connected to the network, receiving images from the computer and storing the images in the a data repository, receiving a use-case identifier, performing photo analysis on the images, comprising: identifying similar images, identifying faces in the images, identifying objects in the images, identifying undesirable images and identifying relevant portions of the images, performing use-case specific heuristics on the images, comprising: grouping similar images, grouping images having identical faces, grouping images having identical objects, removing undesirable images, and cropping images to highlight relevant portions of said images, and, generating an ordered project subsequent to execution of the use-case specific heuristics, wherein the ordered project comprises the images placed in a particular order and pre-processed for printing in book form. | 07-10-2014 |
20140195921 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR BACKGROUND UPLOADING OF MEDIA FILES FOR IMPROVED USER EXPERIENCE IN PRODUCTION OF MEDIA-BASED PRODUCTS - Methods and systems for background uploading of media files are presented. Background uploading improves efficiency and user-experience in creating media-based projects online. In one embodiment, a user selects original media files at a user-device for an upload. The user-device at first resizes the original files to resized files and uploads them to a server along with meta-data, and at second the original files start uploading in the background computer process. The user is provided the resized images to create a project. The server converts each resized media file into compressed media files, and provides the compressed files to the user to continue or finish building the project, during which the user-device renders to the user an illusionary impression of a completed upload of the original files when the original files are still uploading. Finally, the user-device completes the upload of the original files to the server. | 07-10-2014 |
20150019273 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CREATING AND MANAGING GROUP ACTIVITIES OVER A DATA NETWORK - Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and apparatus for automatically aggregating a plurality of system users into participants for a group activity having a plurality of assigned spaces, the participants automatically grouped into a plurality of subgroups based on desired attributes of each member of the subgroup. In some embodiments, the method comprises generating a personal profile of each system user; generating one or more preference profiles of a desired participant for a respective group activity; identifying the personal profiles of the system users that meet the one or more preference profiles; comparing information in the personal profiles to determine a strength-of-match between system users populating the group activity; grouping of the participants into the plurality of subgroups according to the strength-of-match between each member of the subgroup; and assigning the participants of the group activity, grouped into the subgroups, to the plurality of spaces in the group activity. | 01-15-2015 |
20150058148 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATICALLY ADJUSTING PRICING FOR GROUP ACTIVITIES OVER A DATA NETWORK - Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and apparatus for updating pricing information for participation in a group activity for a plurality of users. In one embodiment, a method comprises enabling definition of group activities for participation by the users, definition including at least attributes desired of users to participate; creating personal profiles for users of the system, including one or more of personal attributes, data regarding activity preferences, activity participation history, user location, and user calendar of pending activity; determining initial pricing to be enforced for participation in a pending group activity; evaluating information about users scheduled to participate in the pending group activity periodically after the initial pricing is determined; adjusting the pricing for the activity based on results of the periodic evaluation; and publishing an updated pricing accessible to the participating users over the network. | 02-26-2015 |