FR2848311A1 - Digital image transfer system uses memory key to identify user at local computer, enabling uploading of images from local memory card - Google Patents

Abstract

The system provides remote loading of images from a digital camera memory card (5), fitting into a camera (1), into a distant memory (432). The user (40) is identified by a local computer (42) serving as a relay between the memory card (5) and the remote memory. The system provides a procedure for remotely loading digital data contained in a camera memory card (5), fitting into a camera (1), into a distant memory (432). The user (40) is identified by a local computer (42) serving as a relay between the memory card (5) and the remote memory. The local computer has a card reader (423), a processor (342) and a modem (424) providing connection to the distant memory (432). The local computer also has a USB port accepting a portable memory key (41) which is specific to the user. The system allows secure loading of the image data from the camera memory to the distant memory, when the user has been authorized by use of the personal memory key (41).

Description

I

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR

  DOWNLOADING DIGITAL DATA TO A REMOTE MEMORY.

GENERAL TECHNICAL AREA.

  The present invention relates to the downloading of digital data from a portable device to a remote memory.

  More specifically, it relates to a method and a device for downloading digital data to a remote memory through a telecommunications network.

STATE OF THE ART.

  The field of IT and telecommunications is booming.

  There are more and more portable devices, such as mobile phones, cameras or personal digital assistants (or Personnal Digital Assistant (PDA) according to the English terminology generally used by a person skilled in the art) which manipulate data. digital. The size of digital files increases considerably with the information to be acquired and transmitted, and the storage of this information on portable devices becomes a problem.

  For example, in the particular application of digital photography, manufacturers are increasing the number of offers for cameras whose resolution and sensor performance are increasing. Thus, the size of the resulting files also increases.

  It is therefore necessary to have supports whose associated storage space is also increasing.

  Furthermore, it is necessary to be able to save the information on a memory space distinct from the storage medium 30 included in the portable device, in order to avoid the congestion of the memory of the portable device.

  Several technical solutions have been envisaged, either by manufacturers of portable devices, for example digital cameras, or by equipment manufacturers and manufacturers of storage peripherals.

  FIG. 1 represents a solution proposed by the manufacturers of portable cameras, in particular the manufacturers of digital cameras.

  According to FIG. 1, a portable device 1 downloads a certain number of digital files recorded in its memory to a memory space of another portable device 2, of the microcomputer type. The link 3 between the portable device 1 and the microcomputer 2 is produced by a serial link 10 or a USB bus (Universal Serial Bus according to the terminology used by a person skilled in the art). Once connected by the serial link 3 to the microcomputer 2, the device 1 behaves like any peripheral, in the same way as a scanner or a printer.

  Generally, the portable camera 1 is of the camera type.

  Once the digital files have been saved on the memory space of the microcomputer 2, a user can perform manipulations and send these digital files via a telecommunications network 44, for example of the Internet type, to a space 20 memory 432 hosted by a service provider, or an ISP (Internet Service Provider) according to the Anglo-Saxon terminology used by a person skilled in the art. By sending the files to a remote memory space, the memory of the device 1 and the microcomputer 2 can be avoided.

  FIG. 2 schematically represents a technical solution proposed by the equipment manufacturers and the manufacturers of storage peripherals. According to this solution, the storage medium 5 of the portable appliance 1 can be removed from the portable appliance 1 and inserted into a multi-support peripheral 4. The assembly 4, 5 as well as means 20 forming universal reader / recorder means capable of receiving the assembly 4, 5 allow the content of the memory cards 5 to be transferred to the microcomputer 2 through a USB link 3 between the means 20 and the microcomputer.

  As before, once the digital data has been recorded on a memory space of the microcomputer 2, a user 5 can carry out manipulations and send them to a memory space 432 at a service provider 43 through a telecommunications network 44, for example the telecommunications network of the Internet type. These solutions make it possible to store in a location chosen by the user the digital data initially contained in the storage media included in the portable device, and thus to solve the problem of the cost of the megabyte of the storage medium, which remains prohibitive.

  However, these technical solutions are not entirely satisfactory. Indeed, in a situation of mobility, a user needs to transfer digital data recorded on his storage medium to a larger and distant memory space, in order to be able to recycle his storage medium and record new digital data. This is only possible if the user takes a portable microcomputer with him. It is not possible to send digital data from a portable device to a remote memory without using a microcomputer.

  Even if the microcomputer is of the portable type, it is still bulky and hinders the user in his movements.

  Finally, the user must perform file operations and manipulations to transfer the digital data included on the storage medium of his portable device 1 to the remote memory 432.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION.

  The invention proposes to overcome these drawbacks.

  One of the aims of the invention is to propose a method and a device for saving on a remote memory space which does not require the use of a device of the portable microcomputer type.

  Another object of the invention is to propose a method and a device for automatically downloading digital data from a portable device to a remote memory.

  Another object of the invention is to propose a method and a device 5 for downloading digital data allowing a user to download the content of his data medium in a privileged space of his choice from a service provider present on a telecommunications network.

  To this end, the invention proposes a method for downloading 10 digital data contained in memory means adaptable to a device to a remote memory, characterized in that it comprises the steps according to which: - a user of the device s 'identifies and authenticates with means forming a relay between the device and the remote memory; The relay means collect information, carried by a user-specific access key, allowing the downloading of the data to a location specific to the user on the remote memory; the relay means load digital data contained in the memory means of the device, the loading being carried out locally on memory forming means of the relay means; the relay means automatically and securely download the digital data of the user to the specific location of the remote memory.

  The invention is advantageously supplemented by the following characteristics, taken alone or in any of their technically possible combinations: - the relay means identify and authenticate the user by comparing the information carried by the access key with confidential information entered by the user at the request of the relay means; the relay means create on their memory means a temporary profile grouping together all of the information allowing the downloading of the data to the location specific to the user on the remote memory; - the relay means create a temporary directory on their memory means in which they load the digital data; - the remote memory is located at a service provider with which the user has previously subscribed; - the download to the remote memory is carried out in directories classified according to the date of download; - the download to the remote memory is carried out via the Internet; and - the user then retrieves the data on the location by connecting via the telecommunications network to his provider.

  The invention also relates to a device allowing the implementation of the method according to the invention.

PRESENTATION OF THE FIGURES.

  Other characteristics, aims and advantages of the invention will emerge from the description which follows, which is purely illustrative and not limiting, and which should be read with reference to the appended drawings in which: - Figures 1 and 2, already commented on, represent embodiments according to the prior art of device for downloading digital data from a portable device to a remote memory space; - Figure 3 shows schematically the succession of steps of a method of downloading digital data according to the invention; - Figure 4 shows schematically the architecture of a device allowing the implementation of a method according to the invention, the main steps of the downloading process also being shown in the figure; - Figure 5 shows in more detail the main steps of the kinematics of an access key as well as a storage means of the portable device to be performed by a user during a first phase of the download; - Figure 6 shows schematically the main steps of the last phases of the download; and - Figure 7 schematically shows a more detailed view of the last step shown in Figure 6.

  DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION.

  This description refers to Figures 3 to 7. Figure 3 5 schematically shows the succession of different steps of a possible download method according to the invention, the other figures schematically representing a more detailed presentation of certain steps and / or the device for implementing the method according to the invention. With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, during an initial step 30, a user 40, having a portable device 1 capable of acquiring and storing digital data on a storage medium 5, subscribes to a service provider 43 to a digital data download service in accordance with the invention.

  The provider 43 then sends the user 40 a personalized access key 41. The access key 41 is in the form of any information medium containing all the information necessary for managing the connection between the portable device 1 and a remote memory space 432 20 hosted at the provider 43 on a telecommunications network 44.

  Thus the access key 41 can be for example a card or a device comprising memory means, of the magnetic or other type, with a possible connection to the outside, the connection being of the infrared type, serial link, USB link, link by insertion into a reader, etc. The information necessary for managing the connection is by

example:

  a telephone number from the provider 43 to the user 40, such as for example a mobile telephone number; an identification number of the user 40 as a client of the service provider 43; - a password for accessing the download service allowing authentication of the user 40; - information relating to the recipients of the digital data; as well as information relating to the access paths to the memory space 432 reserved on the remote server of the Internet type.

  The access key 41 can also contain information as to possible encryption of the digital files transmitted from the portable device 1 to the memory space 432, if a security need proves necessary.

  During a step 301, which follows step 30, the user 40 uses his device 1 and acquires digital data. The digital data 10 is stored on the storage medium 5.

  When the storage medium 5 is filled with digital data, and the user wants to download it in order to be able to recycle the storage medium 5, we then enter step 31, which follows step 301.

  During step 31, the user presents himself to means 15 forming relays 42 capable of downloading the digital data contained on the storage medium 5 to the remote memory space 432 at the provider 43.

  A plurality of means are available to the user 40, and are organized in the form of a network. The relay means 42 are located in 20 different places, and in particular in secure public environments, such as for example a tourist office, a hotel hall, in shops or photography shops for example, or agencies located in the airports, train and sea stations.

  The relay means 42 are autonomous and require only an electrical connection for the supply of the means included in the relay means, and a conventional telephone socket in order to be able to be connected to a telecommunication means 44 in order to be in contact with the provider. 43.

  The means 42 comprise a central unit 424 capable of managing all of the information flows between the user 40 and the provider 43.

  The means 42 comprise means 422 forming an interface between the means 42 and the user 40. The means 422 comprise for example a screen for displaying dialog boxes, as well as means for entering information or access codes , like an alphanumeric keyboard by

example.

  The means 42 furthermore comprise a modem 428 allowing a connection, via a conventional telephone socket, to the provider 43. 5 Preferably, the modem 428 is of the fast link type, of the ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) type or line d asymmetric digital subscriber in French.

  They also include a universal reader / writer 423 compatible with the main storage media 5 available on the market.

  The means 42 also include means 421 forming USB bus compatible connectors for reading the access key 41 of the user 40 and transferring the digital data.

  Finally, the means 42 include a memory space 425 capable of storing local and temporary digital data.

  With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, when during step 31 the user arrives with his device 1 near the relay means 42, he inserts the access key 41 into the means 421 provided for this purpose on the means 42.

  As mentioned above, the key can be in any form. It can thus be connected to the means 42 by a wire connection, but it is not necessarily necessary to physically insert it into the means 42. An infrared link or using other waves, electromagnetic for example, can be envisaged.

  The key 41, carrying information on the provider 43 and the user 25 40, is recognized by the system through the central unit 424.

  Indeed, the key 41 behaves like a USB device. The means 424 then launch an application for downloading digital data according to the invention.

  During a next step 32, the launched application reads the content of the key 41. It then requests, by means of interface means 422, the user 40 to enter a client identifier. Information on customer identification is in key 41. In addition, the application requests the entry of a password, to verify (authentication phase) that the owner of key 41 is indeed the customer who has registered with the service provider 43. The client identifier and password are coded in the key 41 using a security algorithm.

  As a variant, provision may be made for the reading of the customer identifier, stored on the support 41, to be automatic, to avoid a tedious operation for the user. However, entering the password must remain manual because it is what authenticates the user.

  During a step 33, after verification and acceptance of the username and password of the user, the application requests the client to remove the storage medium 5 from the device 1 and to insert it into the means 423 forming a universal reader / writer. Of course, the means 5 can remain in the device, and the connection with the means 42 can be carried out by any means. One can for example connect the memory 5 to the means 42 by a wired link (serial or USB), or an infrared link.

  The next step 34 is the downloading step proper.

  It consists of three major successive phases referenced by 341, 342 and 343.

  During the first phase 341, the application comes to read the information relating to the connection parameters recorded in the access key 41 of the client 40. FIG. 5 thus shows that after the verification of the username and password of the user, step 341 also allows the creation of a temporary connection profile associated with the client 40 which currently uses the means 42. This temporary profile of the subscriber client 40 is referenced by 427 in FIG. 5 and is stored in the means memory 25 425 of means 42.

  According to a variant of the method, steps 33 and 341 can be carried out simultaneously.

  During a second phase referenced by 342, the application makes a local copy on the memory means 425 of the content of the support 5. During this copy, the system checks the integrity of the digital data contained on the support 5, and if necessary warns the customer 40 of the impossibility of access to certain information.

  In an advantageous variant, the user selects the data he wants to see downloaded.

  The digital data is copied to a local directory 426 located on the means 425. The local directory 426 is related to the temporary profile 427.

  Once the local copy has been made, the application invites the client 40 to remove its key 41 and its support 5 from the means 42.

  Thanks to the information contained in the temporary profile 427 and in the local directory 426, the final download to the memory means 10 432 will be carried out offline and without the presence of the user 40 on the means 42.

  The client can leave, the means 42 will automatically download through the network 44 to the provider 43. The client 40 again has its support 5 and can erase the content in order to take data acquisition digital on his device 1.

  FIG. 6 shows that during a third phase referenced by 343, the application uses the connection profile 427 to get in touch with the server 431 hosted at the provider 43. The connection is made through the modem 428 and the telecommunications network 44, which will preferably be the Internet, but may also be a mobile telecommunications network allowing the transmission of data at high speed. The downloading of digital data from the directory 426 uses the protocol of the file transfer protocol or FTP type (File Transfer 25 Protocol according to the English terminology generally used by those skilled in the art), this protocol being reliable and known to the skilled in the art. The FTP protocol can guarantee the transmission of digital data, in particular by virtue of a possibility of resumption of the transmission during an interruption on the network 44, in particular by verifying the integrity of the data transferred.

  The downloaded content is recorded in the memory space 432 on the server 431 in a disk space 433 specifically reserved for the client and in a directory indexed by the date on which the transaction was carried out. FIG. 7 more specifically shows that the disk space 433 of the client referenced by "Dupont" comprises three directories referenced by 5 434, 435, 436 and which correspond to three successive transmission dates. On the remote server 431, if the user repeats a download during the same day, the directory creation system will preferentially automatically discriminate successive downloads.

  With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, during a step 35, the user 40 connects via the network 44 to the server of his provider 43 and can thus recover his digital data. During this step 35, the content of the directory 433 will only be accessible by the user 40, the user having to identify and authenticate to recover these files on their personal computer.

  The present description applies to any portable device 1 capable of acquiring and recording digital data on a storage medium, but advantageously applies to portable devices of the digital camera type.

  It is recalled that the relay means can easily be installed in cyberspace offering a connection to the Internet from terminals having a PSTN (Switched Telephone Network) or xDSL (Digital Subscriber Line) connection.

  The relay means but can also be applied to the 25 mobile terminals, for example of the digital personal assistant type with the universal telecommunication system protocol with mobile phones or the Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) according to English terminology.

  The application is therefore not limited to Internet service providers only, but also applies to third generation mobile operators, which means that the means 42 can be mobile.

Claims (14)

CLAIMS.   1. Method for downloading digital data contained in memory means (5) adaptable to an appliance (1) to a remote memory (432), characterized in that it comprises the steps according to which: - a user (40) of the device (1) identifies itself with means (42) forming a relay between the device and the remote memory; the relay means collect information, carried by a user-specific access key (41), allowing the downloading of the data to a location specific to the user on the remote memory; the relay means load digital data contained in the memory means of the apparatus, the loading being carried out locally on memory forming means (425) of the relay means; - the relay means automatically and securely download the digital data of the user to the specific location of the remote memory (432). 20 2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the relay means identify and authenticate the user (40) by comparing the information carried by the access key (41) to confidential information entered by the user on request means (42) 25 relays.   3. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that the relay means create on their memory means (425) a temporary profile (427) grouping together all the information allowing the downloading of the data to the location (433) specific to the user on the remote memory (432).   4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the relay means create a temporary directory (426) on their memory means in which they load the digital data.   5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the remote memory is located at a service provider (43) with which the user has previously subscribed.   6. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the download to the remote memory is carried out in directories (434, 435, 436) classified according to the date of download. 7. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the download to the remote memory is carried out deferred.   8. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the user then retrieves the data on the location by connecting via the telecommunications network to his provider.   9. Assembly (42) for downloading digital data contained in memory means (5) adaptable to an apparatus (1) to a remote memory (432), characterized in that it comprises: - means (421, 422 ) able to allow a user of the device to identify and authenticate with means (42) forming a relay between the device (1) and the remote memory (432); - Means (421) able to allow the relay means (42) to collect information, carried by a key (41) specific to the user, allowing the downloading of data to a location specific to the user on the remote memory (432); - Means (422) capable of loading digital data contained in the memory means of the device, the loading being carried out locally on means (425) forming memory of the relay means; means capable of automatically and securely downloading the digital data of the user saved locally to the specific location of the remote memory. 10. The assembly of claim 9, characterized in that the relay means (42) further comprise means adapted to allow their electrical supply, means forming a central unit (424) capable of managing all of the information flows between the user (40) and the remote memory, means (428) forming a modem 15 allowing, between the relay means and the remote memory, means (423) forming a universal reader / writer capable of receiving or reading the memory means (5 ) of the device.   11. Assembly according to one of claims 9 to 10, characterized in that the means (428) forming a modem are of the broadband link type.   12. Assembly according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the means (422) of identification and authentication of the user comprise a screen and an input keyboard. 25 13. Assembly according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the means (421) for reading the access key (41) comprise a connector compatible with a universal serial bus.   14. Assembly according to one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the camera (1) is a digital camera.