Digital Image File With Machine-Readable Optical Code Metadata
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for associating image metadata with printed images are tedious and difficult to store and retrieve, as the association between the printed image and metadata can be lost, and retrieving printed metadata is challenging.
Innovation Solution
A digital image file structure that includes both an image portion and an information portion, where the information portion is encoded as a machine-readable optical code, allowing for efficient storage and retrieval of metadata in both digital and printed forms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metadata is printed with the image, then the association between image and metadata is maintained, but retrieving and interpreting the printed information is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the metadata from its printed form and encodes it as a machine-readable optical code (such as a QR code) that can be easily scanned and interpreted by digital devices. This allows the metadata to be separated from the visual presentation while maintaining the association through the code-linkage to the image file.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a machine-readable optical code as an intermediary between the printed image and the metadata. This intermediary element enables automatic retrieval and interpretation of metadata through digital scanning, bridging the gap between physical print and digital information processing.
2Ease of operation
If metadata is stored separately from the printed image, then retrieval is easier, but the association between the printed image and metadata can be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the metadata storage with the image file structure by embedding the machine-readable code directly into the image portion or information portion of the digital image file. This ensures that the metadata remains associated with its corresponding image while allowing separate retrieval through code scanning.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional printed metadata is used, then no special equipment is needed for storage, but retrieving printed metadata is challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of manually reading and interpreting printed text with an optical scanning system. The machine-readable optical code can be automatically detected and decoded by digital cameras and scanning devices, substituting manual retrieval with automated optical processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A digital image file includes an image portion including a first digital image, an information portion including a second digital image of a digital code encoding information associated with or derived from the first digital image. When rendered visible the second digital image is a machine-readable optical code.