Wireless Memory Card for Automatic Image Location Tagging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Devices without GPS logging functions, such as cameras, burden users with the manual task of associating location information with image data, leading to a lack of location information in image files.
Innovation Solution
A wireless storage device with nonvolatile memory and a controller that wirelessly transmits time stamps to a host device with GPS logging function, receives location information, and embeds it into image files using NFC communication, enabling automatic association of location data with image files.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a device without GPS logging function is used to capture images, then the device structure can be simplified, but location information cannot be automatically associated with image data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a memory card as an intermediary device that bridges the camera (without GPS) and the smartphone (with GPS). The memory card stores image data and enables wireless transmission of location information from the smartphone to the memory card, allowing automatic association of location data with images without requiring the camera itself to have GPS functionality.
2Device complexity
If manual association of location information with image data is required, then devices without GPS functions can be used, but user burden increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing the smartphone to automatically obtain location information and transmit it to the memory card without requiring user intervention. The memory card automatically receives and associates the location information with the corresponding image data, eliminating the need for users to manually perform association tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory card acts as an intermediary that automates the location association process. It receives image data from the camera, obtains location information wirelessly from the smartphone, and automatically associates them together, freeing users from the burdensome manual association task.
3Extent of automation
If location information is automatically obtained and associated, then image file management based on location becomes possible, but additional wireless communication functions are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns the wireless communication function to the memory card rather than the camera. The memory card with NFC capability serves as an intermediary that can wirelessly communicate with the smartphone to receive location information, while the camera itself remains simple without requiring complex wireless communication functions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Automates the association of location information with image files, reducing user burden and ensuring that image files from non-GPS devices include location data for management purposes.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless communication unit configured to wirelessly transmit the first time stamp and the second time stamp to the host device, receive the location information corresponding to at least one of a plurality of time stamps
Data Source
AI summary
A method of linking location information to image data in a storage device includes: generating image files, each including image data of a captured image and a time stamp of when the image was captured; determining an first time stamp and a second time stamp within a group of the image files; wirelessly transmitting the first time stamp and the second time stamp to a device having a location logging function and, in response to the wirelessly transmitting, receiving location information corresponding to at least one of a plurality of time stamps including the first time stamp, the second time stamp, and a third time stamp that is between the first time stamp and the second time stamp; and embedding location information in each image file based on the time stamp included therein and the location information received from the device.