HEIF File Metadata Linking Images to External Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing HEIF file formats do not efficiently allow association of images stored within the file with external data outside the file.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves generating and reproducing an association-type HEIF file format that stores images in compliance with HEIF, along with specific information specifying external data to be associated with the images, by using association information to link internal data with external data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If images are stored in HEIF file format, then storage efficiency is improved, but the ability to associate images with external data deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage efficiencyVSAvoidassociation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent embeds external data references within the HEIF file structure by nesting URIs and association information inside metadata boxes. This allows the compact HEIF format to contain pointers to external resources without breaking its efficient storage structure, effectively putting a reference system inside the file container.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces metadata as an intermediary layer between the image data and external data. This metadata contains URIs that mediate the association, allowing the HEIF file to link to external resources without directly embedding them, thus maintaining storage efficiency while enabling association capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If association information is added to HEIF files, then adaptability is improved, but file complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassociation capabilityVSAvoidfile structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses existing HEIF metadata structures for multiple purposes - both traditional image metadata and new external data associations. By making the metadata system universal, the patent avoids creating entirely new complex structures and instead extends existing ones to handle association information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies existing metadata parameters to include association information. By changing the content and structure of metadata boxes to accommodate URIs and association data, the patent enables external data linking without fundamentally redesigning the entire file format, thus limiting complexity increase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3952275B1File generation device, file generation method, file reproduction device, file reproduction method and program

Publication Date: 2025.11.12 SONY GROUP CORP

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AI summary

The present technology relates to a file generation device, a file generation method, a file reproduction device, a file reproduction method, and a program capable of associating an image stored in a file with external data outside the file. A file control unit generates an association-type high efficiency image file format (HEIF) file in which an image in an HEIF file compliant with HEIF and specific information that specifies external data outside the HEIF file, the external data to be associated with the image, are stored in association with each other. Furthermore, the file control unit reproduces the association-type HEIF file. The present technology can be applied to a case where an HEIF file is generated or a case where the HEIF file is reproduced.