Corbis Corporation

Stephen David Land

Debra L Linker

William Radcliffe

Jeffrey Vincent Gelfuso

Roland C Lindsey

Curtis M Stratmeyer

Michael D Craig

The invention provides a method, system and computer-readable medium for storing images with related information in a relational database and using the information to order available products for a selected image over a network. A unique identifier is generated for each image, allowing different types of searches of the relational database to be performed including product-based and image-based searches. A selection of a returned image causes a cut-down version of the image and all available products to be displayed on a page. If a product is selected, a server enables a transaction for a user to order the selected product. A HTTP Cookie may be employed to store a user identifier, allowing use of user profiles for customization of particular options and displayed products.

Method and system for automatically displaying an image and a product in a page based on contextual interaction and metadata

A method and system for using indicated text to automatically query a search engine for a database and return images that are relevant to the indicated text. At least five integrated components are employed by a client program to get, view and use a returned image. A user interface component provides for automatically creating search criteria for a query from the indicated text and inserting a thumbnail or higher quality image into an open document. A metadata results component provides for managing the storing, parsing and displaying of the metadata results returned from a query of the database of images. A navigation component provides for managing user interface navigation elements that are employed to control the display of the results (thumbnail images) of the query, e.g., play, stop, back and next controls. An image binary data component provides for managing the display of returned images and managing the storage of the binary image data for the thumbnail and higher quality images. Also, a network component provides for detecting the presence of a network and its settings and managing the transfer of data across the network such as the Internet and an intranet. Additionally, a qualification engine may be used to determine the context of the indicated text. An electronic commerce service may be used to purchase higher quality versions (improved resolution and/or color) of the thumbnail images.

Method and system for obtaining images from a database having images that are relevant to indicated text

The invention provides a method, system and computer-readable medium for storing images with related information in a relational database and using the information to order available products for a selected image over a network. Tag and business information may be associated with an image in the database and a unique image identifier is generated for each image. Different types of searches of the relational database may be performed including product based and image based. Affirmative results from searches are returned as images and/or products that are displayed in pages. The returned images also include information indicating available products. The selection of a returned image causes a cut-down version of the image and all of the available products to be displayed in the same page. When an available product is selected, a server enables a transaction for a user to order the selected product. A Hyper Text Transport Protocol (HTTP) Cookie is employed to store a copy of a client identifier at a client. Information associated with the client's behavior for each session is stored in a profile that is used to customize the particular options and products that are displayed to the user. A combination of user information, product information, image information and contextual interaction information is used to determine the display of the images and the products.

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Seattle, WA, United States of America

Stephen David Land