RFID Tag Context Data Association for Image Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods fail to effectively convey and retain context information for images and videos, leading to confusion about their subjects, locations, and purposes, especially as large collections accumulate over time.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a readable tag, such as an RFID tag, with context data that can be associated with the image content, allowing authorized access and enhancing the viewing experience through proximity sensing and security features, and potentially using virtual reality and wearable sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If physical writing or file metadata is used to store context information, then the method is simple and widely compatible, but the context information is easily lost or forgotten as collections grow large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontext information retentionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent embeds RFID tags within or alongside physical photo albums and picture frames, creating a nested structure where the tag is contained within the album/frame itself. This allows context information to be stored in close proximity to the images, ensuring retention without requiring complex external systems. The RFID tag is essentially nested within the photo album structure, making the context information travel with the physical collection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a digital copy of context information by storing it in RFID tags, which can be read and accessed multiple times without degradation. This digital copying approach replaces the fragile physical writing method while maintaining simplicity through wireless communication. The context data is copied into the RFID tag's memory, preserving it against loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If RFID tags with security features are used to store context data, then information security and authorized access are improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation securityVSAvoidtag system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements security features and authorization protocols in advance during the RFID tag configuration stage. Access control lists, encryption keys, and authorization levels are pre-configured before the tags are deployed with photo collections. This preliminary setup ensures security without adding operational complexity when users interact with their albums later.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs the RFID tag system to perform multiple functions: storing context information, providing security authentication, enabling wireless communication, and potentially tracking location or usage. By making the RFID tags multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate security devices or systems, thereby managing complexity while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If context data is embedded with every image, then access to context information becomes seamless and enhanced, but the quantity of data and storage requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontext access easeVSAvoiddata volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts context information from individual image files and consolidates it into separate RFID tags associated with photo albums or collections. This extraction approach allows the actual image files to remain lightweight while the context data is stored separately in the RFID tag memory. Users access context by reading the tag, not by processing large amounts of embedded data within each image.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The RFID tag acts as an intermediary between the physical photo collection and the digital context information. Instead of embedding context directly in images or requiring complex file associations, the tag serves as a mediator that wirelessly transmits context data when brought near the album. This intermediary approach simplifies access while managing data volume efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10474889B2Context data associated with image content
Publication Date: 2019.11.12 MOTOROLA MOBILITY LLC
  • US10474889B2 patent drawing
  • US10474889B2 patent drawing
  • US10474889B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Context data associated with image content is described herein. In some implementations, image content is received from an imager. Context data associated with the received image content is gathered. The image content is printed to provide a printed image, and a readable tag embodying the context data is physically associated with the printed image.