Digital Camera Patent AbstractThe invention is a method for correlating and assigning digital
camera images to a database file. The method enables a photographer
to keep track of large numbers of subjects and items. The method
uses a timestamp from a bar code reader to synchronize recorded
swipes of bar codes with the digital images created produced by
the camera. The bar code reader is used to swipe identifying bar
code on items or subjects that are to be tracked, such as on a student's
camera card, a police investigation report or a catalogue item.
The time and the bar code serve as a means to cross-reference any
item or subject to the digital images. The photographs and bar code
scans are downloaded into a computer, and then by inspection of
the recorded times of when the scans were made and the pictures
were taken, the images can be assigned to the appropriate file.
The images can then be loaded into the item's or subject's file,
secure in the knowledge that the images are appropriately assigned.
Digital Camera Patent ClaimsWhat is claimed is:
1. A method of generating and matching digital photographic image
data generated by a digital camera to a file loaded in a database,
where the file has a unique identifier (UID) for a subject or an
item, said method comprising: a) providing a digital camera that
records an image timestamp with every digital photographic image
with a camera bar code, at least one digital memory medium with
a media bar code, and an identifying bar code for each subject or
item; b) providing a portable bar code scanner that records the
bar code and a scanner timestamp with each scan; c) scanning the
camera bar code, therein recording the camera bar code and the camera
timestamp; d) scanning the media bar code, therein recording the
media bar code and a media timestamp; e) taking a time synchronizing
picture; f) scanning the identifying bar code, therein recording
the identifying bar code and an identifying timestamp; g) shooting
the digital photographic image that is to be assigned to the subject
or the item; h) repeating step g until sufficient number of images
for the subject are collected, or if memory medium is full, going
to step j; i) repeating steps f through i until all digital photographic
images of all subjects are taken, then proceeding to step j; j)
transferring data recorded by the bar code scanner and the memory
medium to database files creating a bar code timestamp timeline
and a memory media timestamp timeline; and k) correlating data from
the bar code timestamp timeline to the memory media timestamp timeline,
and assigning appropriate digital photographic image to the file
for the subject having the matching UID.
2. A method of generating and matching digital photographic image
data according to claim 1, further comprises using a digital camera
that additionally records audio meta data, wherein the audio meta
data is a second UID associated with the digital photographic image
that can be used as a means of confirming synchronized data.
3. The method of generating and matching digital photographic image
data according to claim 1, wherein the memory media is selected
from the memory devices consisting of: PCMCI cards, floppy discs,
memory sticks, and compact discs.
4. The method of generating and matching digital photographic image
data according to claim 1, wherein the portable bar code reader
is an OzE Wand.
5. A method of generating and matching digital photographic image
data generated by a digital camera to a file loaded in a database,
where the file has a unique identifier (UID) for a subject or an
item, said method comprising: a) providing a digital camera that
records an image timestamp with every digital photographic image,
at least one digital memory medium, and an identifying bar code
for each subject or item; b) providing a portable bar code scanner
that records the bar code and a scanner timestamp with each scan;
c) taking a time synchronizing picture; d) scanning the identifying
bar code, therein recording the identifying bar code and an identifying
timestamp; e) shooting the digital photographic image that is to
be assigned to the subject or the item; f) repeating step e until
sufficient number of images for the subject are collected, or if
memory medium is full, going to step g; g) repeating steps d through
f until all digital photographic images of all subjects are taken,
then proceeding to step i; h) scanning the media bar code of another
digital memory medium, therein recording the unique media bar code
and a media timestamp, and then going to step f; i) transferring
data recorded by the bar code scanner and the memory medium to database
files creating a bar code timestamp timeline and a memory media
timestamp timeline; and j) correlating data from the bar code timestamp
timeline to the memory media timestamp timeline, and assigning appropriate
digital photographic image to the file for the subject having the
matching UID.
6. A method of generating and matching digital photographic image
data according to claim 5, further comprises using a digital camera
that additionally records audio meta data, wherein the audio meta
data is a second UID associated with the digital photographic image
that can be used as a means of confirming synchronized data.
7. The method of generating and matching digital photographic image
data according to claim 5, wherein the memory media is selected
from the memory devices consisting of: PCMCI cards, floppy discs,
memory sticks, and compact discs.
8. The method of generating and matching digital photographic image
data according to claim 5, wherein the portable bar code reader
is an OzE Wand.
9. The method of generating and matching digital photographic image
data according to claim 5, wherein the identifying bar code for
each subject or item is a camera card.
10. The method of generating and matching digital photographic
image data according to claim 1, wherein the identifying bar code
for each subject or item is a camera card.
11. Apparatus for matching digital photographic images as claimed
in claim 1, wherein said wherein the identifying bar code for each
subject or item is a camera card. Digital Camera Patent DescriptionFIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to general digital photography and more particularly
to a method for tracking and storing a digital photographic image
in a database.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Schools and other governmental organizations commonly employ digital
photography to generate photo IDs. Photo IDs are used by the school
to identify which students should be on the school premises, to
help the students with their socialization and adaptation to the
school, to aid in name recognition, and to facilitate a variety
of administrative functions. In another application, the highway
department uses IDs to identify drivers who are approved licensed
drivers of a vehicle. Another example of photo ID use is in companies,
particularly large companies and governmental agencies, to enhance
security, wherein access to the facility is controlled through the
wearing of photo identification.
In the case of schools, student identification cards have to be
generated every year, and preferably with minimum disruption to
the class day. Each student has a database associated with that
student, listing things such as class, home room number, social
security number, birth date, etc. Also, associated with the student
is a photographic image of the student. The conventional way of
generating a photographic image and matching that image with the
student is as follows: the school provides a selected organization
with a database of all the students. The selected organization then
uses this database to create camera cards. Each student has one
camera card. In a photography shoot the photographer has a digital
camera that is electronically tethered to a computer. The computer,
which is usually a laptop, has been previously loaded with the database
information needed to generate camera cards for the students. The
camera cards are distributed to the students who then present their
individual camera cards to the photographer at the beginning of
the shoot. The student gives the card to the photographer who swipes
the camera card. The card has an electromagnetic strip. After reading
the camera card, the computer brings up the student's database file.
The photographer then takes one or more pictures of the student.
As the photos are taken the images are transferred to the LCD screen
of the laptop computer and downloaded onto the database of the computer.
The photographer has an opportunity to view the images, and the
student may also have an opportunity to view the photos. All of
the images are associated with that particular student's file. A
new shoot begins when the next student's camera card is swiped into
the computer, thus beginning the process anew.
This method has several advantages. It generates instant pictures.
The photographer and student are able to view the image. The image
is associated with the student's database file, and there is little
chance that the image will be associated with the wrong individual,
as the student can quickly see that the pictures are associated
with his name. There are some serious negatives to this process,
and many of these negatives are a consequence of the fact that a
laptop computer is required for each camera. Laptop computers are
expensive. Like the camera, they are battery powered and subject
to failure. The photographer not only has to be proficient in photography,
but also must be proficient in operating the computer. On a practical
level, in judging the amount of disruption caused by the photographic
session, the fact that the student can view the photos tends to
slow the entire process. Disruption and delays are contrary to the
wishes of the school administration, and are to be minimized, even
at the expense of the student's desire to have "just one more
picture taken".
Schools and other organizations are seeking a method that is very
similar to what they are used to doing, that is, shooting the pictures
and developing them offsite. What is needed is a method for matching
photographic images created by the digital camera to the subject
(or item), where the matching process is independent of the laptop.
Another advantage of maintaining autonomy of the digital camera
from the laptop or any computer is that the software on computers
is regularly changing, and maintaining compatibility between the
digital cameras and the software running on the laptop is an ongoing
issue.
What is needed is a method for matching digital photographic images
to the database, wherein there is no necessity for a laptop, or
other computer, to be tethered to the digital camera during the
shoot.
The prior art teaches has several methods of organizing and tracking
digital images. Walter Boyne, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,941,125 discloses
a method for imputing images from a digital camera into a computer,
where the data is indexed for easy retrieval at a later date. The
patent is principally concerned with archiving documents. The method
utilizes optical character recognition software to convert the images
into text, and then generate an index of descriptive terms to index
the images. Boyne does not teach the utility of a method, wherein
the camera is not tethered to a computer.
In U.S. Pat. No. 6,466,934, Seese et al. use bar code readers,
which are generally referred to as "external systems",
to provide an interface without the need of an in-depth understanding
of the database model. A first external system and a second external
system provide for responding to an event, the event being related
to communication with at least one of the first or the second external
systems, and receiving a message, the message comprising a metadata
event key and a session identifier, the session identifier identifying
a workset database for use with the message, the workset database
having a workset database structure dependent upon metadata; and
processing an action series dependent upon the metadata event key.
In other words, Seese '934 teaches that bar code readers can be
used to trigger a second external system. Seese '934 does not teach
that the bar code reader can be used to organize data.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
The principal object of the present invention is to provide an
improved method of correlating digital photographic images to a
preloaded database without requiring the use of a computer.
A second object of the invention is to obviate the need for a computer,
such as a notebook or laptop computer, to be tethered to the camera
during the photography session.
A third object of the invention is to create an environment during
the photography session that is expeditious and not disruptive to
a school environment.
A fourth object of the invention is that the method enables a photographer
to keep track of digital images for a large numbers of subjects
or items.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention is a method for matching digital camera images to
a unique entry in a database, where a unique entry would be, for
instance, a social security number, a name, a bar code, etc., for
a student or an individual. Furthermore, the invention is a method
for correlating data in the form of a digital photographic image
to a unique identifier (UID) in a database. The method enables a
photographer to keep track of large numbers of images. The method
uses a timestamp of a bar code scanner to synchronize and record
events/digital images with the database. Before describing the method
in detail a little background on digital camera images and bar code
scanners is required. Bar code scanners, such as the OzE Wand, record
the bar code and the time at which the bar code was read. The OzE
Wand bar code scanner is portable. The collected data can be downloaded
into the computer at a later time. Digital cameras create a timestamp
that is associated with each digital image. The timestamp is simply
the time, usually recorded with an accuracy within one second.
The invention is a method of matching digital image data generated
by a digital camera to a file in a database. About or just prior
to the time when a collection of digital pictures is to be taken
a bar code scanner is used to swipe a bar code, therein recording
the bar code and a bar code timestamp, and the digital camera is
used to take an initializing image therein recording an image having
an image timestamp. The bar code is a unique identifier that is
associated (or is to become associated) with a collection of images
stored in a database. The camera images and the bar code data are
loaded into a database, wherein the image timestamp and the bar
code timestamp serve in effect as a primary reference index that
enables a collection of image data associated with subjects or items
to be synchronized with a particular bar code data.
In an example of an application of the method, a police evidence
log containing a column of bar codes, each of which has one or more
rows of comments or observations, the method can be used to keep
track of pictures shot at a crime scene. Each of the bar codes and
the associated rows are stored in a database. The picture(s) are
to be associated with a bar code. The bar codes can be associated
with one or more investigations. The photographer at the scene will
swipe the bar code with the bar code reader at about the time he
is going to being taking pictures. There can be one bar code for
each picture or several pictures. To assure the chain of evidence
is properly choreographed and recorded, typically the photographer
would swipe the bar code for each picture. The digital camera images
and the bar code data are loaded into a database, wherein the image
timestamp and the bar code timestamp serve in effect as a primary
reference index that enables the image data to be synchronized with
a particular bar code data.
In second example, the same method can be adapted to keep track
of digital images for items that are to be in a catalogue. The items,
which have an identifying bar code, are photographed and swiped,
and then the bar code data and the image data are then loaded into
a database. The bar code timestamp and image timestamp are compared
and the images are matched to the bar codes.
To illustrate the utility and the diversity of the method, a third
example illustrates how the method can be employed to keep track
of large numbers of images for subjects, as can be the case with
school photographic shoots. The school provides the selected photography
organization with the database of the students. The selected organization
then generates an identifying bar code for each subject, where the
subject is a student and the bar code is imprinted on a camera card
for each student. The bar code on the camera card is a unique identifier
of the student. The digital media is usually a PCMCI card, memory
stick, or compact disc. The digital media stores digital images
and timestamps each digital camera image at the time the picture
is taken. As with the laptop system, the student having received
his disbursed camera card presents the camera card to the photographer,
who then wands the bar code on the camera card. The photographer
takes as many photographs as required to complete the work. The
digital camera is equipped with an LCD, which allows the photographer
to quickly determine the quality of the photograph. However, in
contrast to the laptop, the image will not be observable to the
individual being photographed, unless so desired by the photographer.
The next shoot begins with the presentation of the next camera card,
which is swiped by the wand, records the bar code and the timestamp
of the swipe. As before, the photographer takes as many pictures
as required to complete the photography session for the subject.
The process continues until the photography session is completed.
Each of the photos will be associated with just one camera card.
The method can be slightly modified to create additional tracking
and control elements. In setting up for the photography shoot, the
photographer can assign/create a bar code for the digital media
and for the digital camera. At the beginning of the shoot the photographer
wands the digital camera bar code and wands the digital memory media.
The digital memory media is quickly loaded into the camera and a
time synchronizing picture is taken, which establishes the beginning
time of the shoot. The process continues as previously described
until the digital memory medium is filled. At this point, the next
digital memory card, having its own unique bar code, is wanded and
loaded into the camera. The process continues until the photography
session is completed. The photographer now has a record of not only
which images were shot, but also with what camera and which memory
media, so that if a problem develops, the photographer can easily
identify the source of the problem.
Following the session, the photographer or selected photography
organization uploads the digital memory media containing the digital
image files and bar code data from the bar code scanner, such as
OzE Wand, into a computer. The timestamp of the metadata of a given
digital image file is compared and matched with the timestamp for
a given UID. Based on the results of the query the image file is
affiliated with the UID of the student presenting the camera card,
and the image file for the student can subsequently be added to
the student's database record.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic illustration showing the timeline for
the bar code scanner data and the memory media data.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing how the information gathered
by the bar code scanner and the media is stored in the computer
and then analyzed.
FIG. 3 illustrates a bar code scanner and a digital camera, camera
cards and memory media, wherein each are fitted with bar codes.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A method of generating and matching digital photographic image
data generated by a digital camera to a file loaded in a database,
where the file has a unique identifier (UID) for a subject, said
method comprising: a) providing a digital camera that records an
image timestamp with every digital photographic image with a camera
bar code, at least one digital memory medium with a media bar code,
and a unique camera card with a card bar code for each subject;
b) providing a portable bar code scanner that records the bar code
and a scanner timestamp with each scan; c) scanning the camera bar
code, therein recording the camera bar code and the camera timestamp;
d) scanning the media bar code, therein recording the media bar
code and a media timestamp; e) taking a time synchronizing picture;
f) scanning the card bar code, therein recording the card bar code
and a card timestamp; g) shooting the digital photographic image
that is to be assigned to the subject; h) repeating step g until
sufficient number of images for the subject are collected, or if
memory medium is full, going to step j; i) repeating steps f through
i until all digital photographic images of all subjects are taken,
then proceeding to step k; j) scanning the media bar code of another
digital memory medium, therein recording the unique media bar code
and a media timestamp, and then going to step f; k) transferring
data recorded by the bar code scanner and the memory medium to database
files creating a bar code timestamp timeline and a memory media
timestamp timeline; and l) correlating data from the recorded bar
code timestamp timeline to the recorded memory media timestamp timeline,
and assigning appropriate digital photographic image to the file
for the subject having the matching UID.
Referring to FIG. 3, the digital camera 25 is labeled with a bar
code 22, that uniquely identifies the camera. Each of PCMCI cards,
memory media 35, are also labeled with a bar code 52 that uniquely
identifies the PCMCI card. Camera cards 55 are prepared from the
database, such that each camera card has a unique bar code 14.
FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic illustration showing the timeline for
the bar code scanner data and the memory media data. The timeline
for bar code reader 20 begins at 12, which is at time zero, and
ends at 20, which is the end of the session. The largest line on
the bar code scanner timestamp timeline is 22. Line 22 represents
the bar code information gathered when the bar code on the camera
is read. This is the first event on the bar code timeline as is
shown by its relative position on the line. The next event on the
bar code timeline is indicated by 16, which represents when the
bar code on the memory media is scanned. The reader is reminded
that the media bar code is scanned just prior to shooting the first
picture. Turning our attention to the media timestamp timeline 14,
this line schematically illustrates the data stored in the memory
media for that first picture. Notice that 14 and 16 occur at very
close to a the same time. The bar code scanner and the media timeline
can be synchronized according to the relative positions of 16 and
14, so that both occur at a relative position time zero, where time
zero is designated 12 for the bar code reader and 28 for the media
timeline. The individual pictures of the student/subject are represented
by 26 on the media timeline.
Now turning our attention to tick mark 52 on the bar code scanner
timeline 20, tick mark 52 represents the data collected by the bar
code reader. The data includes a bar code unique to that particular
camera card and the timestamp of when the camera card is wanded.
Moving across to the media timestamp line, the reader can see that
there are four ticks 56, 57, 58 and 59 on the timestamp line before
the next large line 19 on the bar code scanner timeline. These four
ticks 56, 57, 58 and 59 correspond to four pictures taken of the
individual bearing camera card 52.
FIG. 2 is schematic diagram showing how the information gathered
by the bar code scanner and the media is stored in the computer
and then analyzed. The bar code scanner and the memory media data
have been downloaded into the computer in their individual folders.
The database file on the right shows five boxes, but there could
be many more. Each box schematically represents a packet of data
in the database file. The first box 50 is a unique number for the
student/subject having a camera card 52, who in this case was a
student. In many cases the unique number or ID (UID) is probably
the student's social security number. Box 52 indicates the bar code
that was generated by the previous operation for preparing an identifying
bar code mark on the camera card. Box 54 is the student's name.
Box 56 is the data for the first photo, box 57 is the data for the
second photo, box 58 is the data for the third photo, and box 59
is the data for the fourth photo. Now, looking over at the media
folder timeline there are four ticks, 56, 57, 58 and 59 before we
reach another tick on the bar code folder timeline. This means that
four pictures were taken for the student presenting camera card
52, which has been previously identified as associated with the
student name 54 having UID 50.
In applicant's invention, the imaging method software searches
through the raw data in the bar code folder and the media folder
until it finds a corresponding data image associated with camera
card 52. The timeline uses a time synchronizing picture to correlate
the memory media timeline to the bar code scanner timeline, and
then brackets, using the range of time, the camera card associated
with a student. Similarly, the photos assigned to that camera card
are marked by time, and/or the timestamping of another camera card.
It is anticipated that many digital cameras meta data, and the
meta data can contain audio data generated by a microphone on the
camera. A second unique identifier (UID) such as an audio version
of the subject's name or social security number could be generated
when the digital photographic image is taken by audio recording
the second UID. The audio UID would act to augment the method described
above. The meta data could be used as an independent confirmation
that cross-references the images to additional data preloaded in
the database.
SUMMARY OF THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THE OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
From the foregoing, it is readily apparent that I have invented
an improved method of matching digital photographic images to subjects
in a preloaded database without requiring the use of a computer,
where said method is simpler, faster and more economical than heretofore
has been possible.
It is to be understood that the foregoing description and specific
embodiments are merely illustrative of the best mode of the invention
and the principles thereof, and that various modifications and additions
may be made to the apparatus by those skilled in the art, without
departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. |