Image File Timestamp Correction via Daylight Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Incorrect temporal creation data in image files due to improperly set or reset internal clocks of digital cameras, making it difficult to organize images into accurate timelines or time periods in photo albums or web-based services.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for automatically adjusting initial creation times and dates of image files by analyzing the photo content and metadata, sorting images into creation day groups, determining baseline times or dates based on daytime and nighttime classifications, and calculating offset values to correct inaccuracies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the internal clock of the camera is used to timestamp image files, then the temporal creation data is automatically recorded, but the data becomes incorrect when the clock is not set or is reset
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the image files themselves and their metadata to automatically determine and correct the baseline creation time, without requiring external time sources or user intervention. The algorithm analyzes the collected metadata to infer the correct time, allowing the system to self-correct the timestamping error.
Solution Approach 2:
The system collects multiple pieces of temporal metadata from various image files and uses this feedback to calculate and adjust the baseline creation time. By iteratively analyzing the metadata and comparing temporal information, the system refines its estimate of the correct timestamp.
2Measurement precision
If manual correction of temporal creation data is performed, then accuracy can be improved, but the process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs the correction process by analyzing metadata and calculating the baseline creation time without requiring user intervention. Users simply need to upload their photo collection, and the system handles the entire correction process autonomously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical time-setting operations with an automated computational system. Instead of users manually adjusting timestamps, the system uses algorithmic analysis of metadata to automatically determine and apply corrections.
3Measurement precision
If multiple metadata fields are analyzed to determine baseline creation time, then accuracy improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the temporal metadata into distinct components (creation date, modification date, access date, shutter timestamps) and analyzes each separately. By breaking down the complex metadata structure into manageable segments, the system can process each field independently and combine the results.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to handle multiple types of temporal metadata fields from different camera models and file formats using a universal analysis approach. The same algorithmic framework processes various metadata types, making the system versatile without requiring separate specialized routines for each field.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a method for automatically adjusting temporal creation data for a plurality of images is disclosed. The method may generally include receiving a plurality of image files associated with the plurality of images, wherein each of the plurality of image files includes an initial creation time. In addition, the method may include determining a baseline creation time by analyzing the plurality of image files based on their association with at least one of daytime hours or nighttime hours and adjusting the initial creation time for at least one of the plurality of image files based on the baseline creation time.