Image Upload Module Memory Management via Remote Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Handheld wireless communication devices with limited memory struggle to store new images due to full storage, and users face carrier network bandwidth restrictions when trying to share images, while also wanting to easily add descriptive and location information.

Innovation Solution

An image upload module is integrated into handheld mobile communication devices, allowing users to automatically initiate image uploads to an Image Repository, with preselected default settings, account authorization, and options for adding descriptive information and location tags, thereby managing memory and sharing images efficiently across networks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If images are stored in the communication device memory, then images can be viewed and shared, but the limited memory capacity causes existing images to be deleted when new images are captured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage capture capabilityVSAvoidstored image quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary server as a mediator between the communication device and image storage. The server receives images from the device, stores them remotely, and returns confirmation signals. This resolves the memory capacity limitation by moving the storage function from the device to the network, allowing continuous image capture without deleting existing images.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions image storage from a local two-dimensional memory constraint to a three-dimensional networked storage architecture. By utilizing network infrastructure and remote servers, the system expands storage capacity beyond the physical limitations of device memory, enabling unlimited image capture and storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If images are transmitted through carrier networks, then images can be shared with other users, but bandwidth restrictions limit transmission capability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage sharing capabilityVSAvoidnetwork transmission complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service through automatic image upload functionality. When images are captured, the system automatically initiates upload sequences to the server without requiring manual user intervention for each image. The device autonomously manages the transmission process, handling network connectivity and data transfer automatically, which simplifies the user experience despite network constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of information

If descriptive information and location data are added to images, then image metadata is enriched, but the process becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage information completenessVSAvoidimage processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by automatically capturing and attaching metadata (location data, timestamp, device information) at the moment of image capture before the user needs to share or process the image. The system pre-processes and prepares this information automatically, so when images are uploaded or viewed, the metadata is already ready, eliminating the need for manual information gathering and reducing user time requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2611133B1System and method for sharing images using an image upload module
Publication Date: 2019.07.10 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2611133B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2611133B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2611133B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

There is disclosed a system and method for uploading an image file to an image repository from a mobile handheld communications device having an integrated camera. In an embodiment, the method comprises: upon determining capture of an image using the integrated camera, automatically initiating an image upload module; configuring the image upload module to display an image upload user interface having user selectable image upload settings; and upon receiving user instructions, uploading the image file to the image repository with the selected image upload settings. The upload settings may be preselected and the device may be preauthorized to access an account on the image repository.