Method for providing image goods and/or services to a customer

Abstract

A system and method for obtaining photographic products and/or services and for the sharing of digital images without the need of a computer. In particular a cable set top box and cable communication network is used for communication with third parties, including image service providers.

1 . A method for providing a plurality of digital cameras associated with a service plan and storing digital images captured by the plurality of digital cameras, comprising: 
 selecting a plurality of digital cameras from a plurality of differently configured digital cameras by each of a plurality of users.    selecting a service plan having a designated periodic fee by each of the plurality of users, each selected service plan being associated with each of the user's selected digital cameras;    storing, in a computer database, information identifying each of the plurality of digital cameras and the associated service plan for each of the plurality of users;    storing digital images captured using the plurality of digital cameras in accordance with each associated service plan, wherein the digital images captured by each of the plurality of digital cameras are stored on the same image storage system remote from each of the plurality of digital cameras, the image storage system being accessible over a network; and    billing each of the plurality of users on a periodic basis in accordance with the designated periodic fee for each user's selected service plan.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein storing digital images captured using the plurality of digital cameras further comprises uploading said digital images by said plurality of users to said database over a communication network.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said communication network comprises the internet.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said periodic basis comprises monthly.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said periodic basis comprises yearly.