Digital Image File Structure for Metadata Association
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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 converting metadata between digital and printed forms is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A digital image file structure that includes both an image portion and an information portion, where the information portion encodes metadata as a machine-readable optical code, allowing for efficient storage and retrieval of metadata with the image, and conversion between digital and printed forms using a processor to read and output the image and code.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metadata is stored separately from printed images in electronic storage systems, then the metadata can be stored and retrieved, but the association between the printed image and metadata can be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the metadata and image into a single digital image file structure, where the metadata is embedded within the file rather than stored separately. This merging ensures that the metadata and image remain associated throughout storage and retrieval processes, eliminating the risk of association loss while simplifying the storage system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The metadata is nested within the digital image file structure, similar to a nested doll where one object is contained within another. The file structure includes both the image data and metadata portions, with the metadata embedded in a way that maintains association while allowing for organized storage and retrieval.
2Reliability
If metadata is printed with an image on a substrate medium, then the metadata can be associated with the image, but retrieving and interpreting the printed information is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical code (such as a barcode or QR code) that encodes the metadata. This optical code serves as a mediator between the printed image and the digital metadata, allowing easy retrieval through scanning while maintaining the association. The optical code can be printed with the image on the same substrate, combining the benefits of both approaches.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional methods are used to convert metadata between digital and printed forms, then the conversion can be performed, but the process is tedious and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual or mechanical conversion processes with automated digital encoding and decoding systems. The metadata is digitally encoded into an optical code format that can be automatically scanned and interpreted, eliminating tedious manual conversion steps and significantly improving productivity while maintaining format adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of forming a visual output of a digital image file that has an image portion with a first digital image and an information portion with a second digital image of a digital code, and wherein the digital code encodes information associated with or derived from the first digital image and when made visible becomes a machine-readable optical code, includes using a processor to read the digital image file from a storage medium, and using an output device to produce a visual output of the first digital image in spatial association with the second digital image, the second digital image being a machine-readable optical code.