GB2500224A

GB2500224A - Digital camera with automatic remote backup storage

Info

Publication number: GB2500224A
Application number: GB1204477.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Clayton Wyatt
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-03-14
Filing date: 2012-03-14
Publication date: 2013-09-18
Also published as: GB201204477D0

Abstract

A digital camera 10 with wireless transmission means 13 for automatically transmitting photographs 20 to a pre-programmed remote storage location 30 upon generation of the image file and security means to prevent unauthorised alteration of the remote location address, which may be an internet protocol (IP) address of a website. Data input, such as a security password or PIN number, may be via the camera itself or a computer or other electronic device. A real-time clock may time and date stamp the images during capture and a global positioning system (GPS) may geo-tag the images with location information before transmission. Wireless transmission may comprise Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), Bluetooth or Wi-Fi and data may be transmitted based on a user-initiated signal 114. Secondary security means at the remote location may prevent unauthorised access to the stored data. The camera may comprise integrated photo editing software. Backup cloud storage is useful if the memory card becomes corrupt or if the camera is lost and could be used to trace a thief and identify the location of a stolen camera.

Description

WIRELESSLY CONNECTED DIGITAL CAMERA

The present invention relates to a digital recording device for wirelessly transmitting digital images to a remote location, and particularly but not exclusively to a digital recording device with an anti-theft mechanism effected by the wireless transmission of digital images.

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Digital cameras, whether still cameras or video cameras, traditionally capture digital images and store these images on a memory card. The camera or memory card is then connected to a computer via a USB port or the like, and the digital images are transferred from the memory card to a hard-drive of the computer. The memory card 10 may then be cleared and used for the temporary storage of more digital images.

One problem with storing images on a memory card is that the card may become full whilst the user does not have access to a computer, thereby preventing the user of the camera from capturing any more images if he or she does not wish to 15 permanently delete any of the existing images. Another problem associated with temporary storage on a memory card is that if the camera is lost or stolen then all of the images saved on the memory card but not yet transferred to a computer are lost. Furthermore, if the hard drive of the computer on which the digital images are stored develops a problem, all of the images captured by the user over a prolonged period 20 of time may be lost.

An additional problem with known digital cameras is that such devices are portable and highly valuable and, as such, are susceptible to theft. A traditional digital camera offers no mechanism of tracing a thief or of identifying the location of the camera. It is 25 therefore often the case that a stolen camera is never returned to its legal owner.

I have now developed an improved digital camera that obviates some of the above-mentioned problems.

30 In accordance with the present invention, as seen from a first aspect, there is provided a digital camera arranged for wireless transmission, the camera comprising: photographing means for photographing an image and generating an image data file of the image;

storage means for storing a programmable address of a remote storage 35 location;

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wireless transmission means for transmitting the image data file to the remote location automatically upon generation of the image data file;

security means for preventing unauthorised alteration of the address of the remote location.

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One advantage of the digital camera of the present invention is that any digital image file captured by the digital camera is automatically transmitted to the specified remote location, whereupon it is stored. It will be appreciated that this obviates the problem of the loss of digital image files stored on a memory card but not on an external hard-10 drive or the like in the event that the digital camera is lost or stolen. It will also be appreciated that this obviates the problem associated with the limited storage capacity of a memory card: the remote location can be provided with a substantially larger storage capacity than a camera memory card (due to the lack of constraints in relation to the physical size of the memory chip etc) and thus is unlikely to reach 15 capacity. Accordingly, the problem of being unable to capture new images without deleting existing images is alleviated.

Another advantage of the digital camera of the present invention is that the security means prevents unauthorised alteration of the address of the remote location. In the 20 event that the camera is stolen, a thief will have no information regarding the address of the remote location and no means to set his or her own address. Consequently, the thief will not be able to access the remote storage of the digital image files captured by the camera. It will be appreciated that this arrangement reduces the effective value of the camera to the thief and any possible third party wishing to 25 purchase the camera from the thief. Furthermore, the combination of this feature with the automatic transmission of digital images files to the programmed remote location ensures that any images captured by the thief will be transmitted to the remote location chosen by the legal owner. Accordingly, the legal owner of the camera will be able to access the digital images, which may aid in the identification and/or 30 prosecution of the thief.

Preferably the remote location comprises an Internet Protocol (IP) address of a web page. Advantageously, storage of digital images files on the internet (so-called "cloud storage") prevents the loss of the files in the event of a malfunction of a single hard-35 drive such as the hard-drive of the user's computer; storage is distributed across

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multiple data servers and thus the storage system is much less susceptible to failure. Furthermore, the user may access the digital image files from any location providing he or she has access to the internet. The web page may have additional functions such as the option to sort image files into albums, publicly share an individual image 5 file or an album via a URL link or social media or the like, and/or order physical copies of an image file from a printing company.

Preferably the camera comprises data input means for entering the address of the remote location into the storage means.

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Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the camera is preferably adapted for enabling input of the address of the remote location via a computer or other electronics device. This may be achieved, for example, by providing camera specific software for the computer or other electronics device, and connecting the camera to the computer or 15 other electronics device either wirelessly or via a USB cable or the like.

Preferably the security means comprises a PIN code and/or a password. The PIN code and/or password may be entered via the data input means of the camera, or may be entered via the above-described computer or other electronics device.

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Preferably the digital camera further comprises a real-time clock arranged for electronically tagging the image file with the date and/or time at which the image was captured. This information is preferably appended to the image file and thus transmitted to the remote location therewith. Advantageously, the tagging of digital 25 images with the time and date may aid a user in classifying the images into albums etc. Furthermore, the provision of a time and a date for each image may be beneficial in the event that the image is used as evidence in the prosecution of a thief that has stolen and used the camera.

30 Preferably the digital camera further comprises a global positioning system (GPS) arranged for electronically tagging the image file with the information relating to the location at which the image was captured (so-called "geo-tagging"). This information may be in the form of latitude and longitude coordinates and is preferably appended to the image file and thus transmitted to the remote location therewith. 35 Advantageously, the tagging of images with the location at which the image was

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taken may aid a user in classifying the images into albums etc. Furthermore, knowledge of the location of an image will aid the legal owner of the camera and/or the local authorities in locating a thief that has stolen and used the camera.

5 Preferably the wireless transmission means comprises Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) transmission means as utilised in mobile telephones. Each digital image file may be sent in a separate MMS message to the remote location immediately after the image file has been created. In this preferred embodiment, the remote location comprises MMS receiving means. It is preferable to utilise the mobile 10 telephone network in this way in order to take advantage of the substantial global coverage offered by the network. As such, transmission of the image file via MMS message or the like offers a reliable method of automatically transmitting image data files to a remote location.

15 Alternatively or in addition thereto, the wireless transmission means comprises wireless internet connection means such as a 3G connection. Again, this transmission means offers the advantage of substantial global coverage and thus constitutes a reliable method of automatically transmitting image data files to a remote location.

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Alternatively or in addition thereto, the wireless transmission means comprises a Bluetooth ©transmitter. In this preferred embodiment, the remote location comprises a Bluetooth ® receiver.

25 Preferably the remote location comprises secondary security means for preventing unauthorised access to the transmitted digital image. The secondary security means may comprise a password and/or PIN number that must be entered correctly in order to gain access to the digital image file. Advantageously, the provision of secondary security means protects the privacy of the digital image files transmitted to the 30 remote location and further enhances the security of the digital camera: even if a thief were to discover the address of the remote location, he or she would not be able to access and/or tamper with the digital image files stored therein.

Preferably the digital camera comprises a screen for displaying an image data file 35 such as the last image data file captured by the camera. The digital camera also

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preferably comprises integrated image editing means for editing an image captured by the camera and displaying the edited image on the screen. The image editing means is preferably arranged for transmitting an edited image to the remote location via wireless transmission means in dependence upon a user-initiated signal such as 5 the depression of a button.

In accordance with the present invention, as seen from a second aspect, there is provided a method of saving an image data file generated by a digital camera, the method comprising the steps of 10 a) Programming an address of a remote location;

b) Providing security means for preventing unauthorised alteration of the address of the remote location;

c) Automatically transmitting the image data file to the remote location upon creation of the image data file; and,

15 d) Saving the image data file at the remote location.

Preferably the method further comprises the step of tagging the image data file with the time and/or date and/or location at which the image data file was generated. This step is preferably carried out prior to the step of transmitting the image data file to the 20 remote location. Advantageously, the provision of a time and/or date and/or location at which the image data file was generated may aid the owner of the camera and/or local authorities in locating and prosecuting a thief that has stolen and used the camera.

25 Preferably the method further comprises the step of providing the remote location with secondary security means for preventing unauthorised access to the digital image file saved therein. The secondary security means may comprise a PIN code and/or password.

30 An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1a is a front view of a digital camera in accordance an embodiment of the present invention as seen from the first aspect;

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Figure 1 b is a rear view of the digital camera of Figure 1 a;

Figure 1c is a schematic view of the interior of the digital camera of Figures 1a and 1b;

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Figure 2 is a schematic view of the digital camera of Figure 1 connected to a computer;

Figure 3 is a schematic representation of the digital camera of Figures 1 and 2 in 10 use; and,

Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating a method of saving an image in accordance with the present invention as seen from the second aspect.

15 With reference to Figures 1 to 3 of the drawings, there is shown a digital camera 10 in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention. The digital camera 10 comprises photographing means 11, storage means 12, wireless transmission means 13 and security means 14. The camera 10 optionally comprises a screen 15 such as an LCD display for displaying a preview of an image prior to capturing the 20 image and/or for displaying an image data file 20 such as the last image data file captured by the camera 10. The screen 15 is ideally a touch-sensitive screen for enabling data input into the camera 10. There may also provided a series of buttons 16 for data input and controlling the camera 10.

25 The photographing means 11 is arranged for photographing an image and generating an image data file 20 of said image. It comprises a lens system 111, a shutter (not shown) such as an iris diaphragm for controlling the amount of light passing through the lens system 111, and a semiconductor device 112 such as a charge-coupled device (CCD) for digitally recording an image projected thereupon 30 and generating a digital image file 20. The photographing means 11 may also comprise a flash 113 for illuminating the subject of the photograph and a shutter depression button 114 for initiating the capture of an image and thus the generation of the digital image file 20.

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The storage means 12 is arranged for storing a programmable address of a remote storage location 30. It may also be arranged for locally storing the image data file 20. One advantage of enabling a user to specify the remote location 30 is that the user may program multiple cameras 10 to transmit image data files 20 to the same remote 5 location 30. The storage means 12 may comprise a magnetic storage device such as a hard-disk, or a flash memory, or any other form of memory that is known in the art. The address of the remote location 30 may be entered into the storage means 12 via buttons 16 and/or touch screen 15. Alternatively or additionally, the camera 10 may be adapted for connecting to a computer 40 (either wirelessly or via a USB cable 50 10 or the like) as shown in Figure 2. In this case, dedicated software may be installed on the computer 40 and the address of the remote location 30 may be entered into the storage means 12 using the keyboard 41 and/or mouse 42 of the computer 40.

It is envisaged that the address of the remote location 30 is an IP address. 15 Advantageously, storage of digital images files 20 on the internet (so-called "cloud storage") prevents the loss of the files 20 in the event of a malfunction of a single hard-drive such as the hard-drive of the user's computer 40. Furthermore, the user may access the digital image files 20 from any location providing they have a device such as a computer with internet access. The manufacturer of the camera 10 may 20 provide a host website and allow users to choose a subdomain or subdirectory within this host website, the IP address of the subdomain or subdirectory defining the address of the remote location 30. In this arrangement, the host website may provide users (not shown) with additional functions for managing their digital image files 20, such as the option to sort image files into albums, publicly share an individual image 25 file or an album via a URL link or social media or the like, and/or order physical copies of an image file. Alternatively, the address of the remote location 30 may be a telephone number of a mobile telephone or any address of any other device capable of receiving digital image files 20.

30 The remote location 30 optionally comprises secondary security means (not shown) such as another PIN code or password for preventing unauthorised access to the digital image file 20 that has been transmitted from the camera 10 and saved at the remote location 30. The provision of secondary security means (not shown) protects the privacy of the digital image file 20 transmitted to the remote location 30, ensuring 35 that the digital image file 20 is only visible to selected persons with knowledge of the

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PIN code or password. It will be appreciated that this secondary security means (not shown) offers an additional layer of protection against theft of the camera: even if a thief were to discover the address of the remote location, he or she would not be able to access and/or tamper with the digital image files 20 stored therein.

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The camera 10 optionally comprises a real-time clock 17 for providing time and date information. The time and date is recorded simultaneously with the generation of an image data file 20 and this information is appended to the image data file 20. It will be appreciated that tagging of the digital image file 20 with the time and date may aid 10 the user in classifying the images into albums etc. Furthermore, the provision of date and time information for each image data file 20 may be beneficial if the camera 10 is stolen and the lawful owner and/or local authorities wish to use the image data files 20 captured by the thief as evidence in the prosecution of the thief.

15 Another optional feature of the camera 10 is location determination means such as a Global Positioning System (GPS) 18. The location information may be in the form of latitude and longitude coordinates or in text form such as the name of a town. The location is recorded simultaneously with the generation of an image data file 20 and this information is appended to the image data file 20 (so-called "geo-tagging"). 20 Advantageously, the tagging of image data files 20 with the location at which the image was taken may aid a user in classifying the images into albums etc. Furthermore, knowledge of the location of an image will aid the legal owner of the camera 10 and/or the local authorities in locating a thief that has stolen and used the camera 10.

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The wireless transmission means 13 is arranged for transmitting the image data file 20 to the address of the remote location 30 automatically upon generation of the image data file 20. If the image data file 20 has been tagged with the time and/or date and/or location of the image then this is simultaneously transmitted to the 30 remote location 30. The automatic transmission of the image data file 20 obviates the problem of loss of digital image files 20 stored on a memory card in the event that the digital camera 10 is lost or stolen. Furthermore, the remote location 30 may be provided with a large storage capacity, for example the remote location 30 may comprise a magnetic hard-disk or an online cloud storage facility. This obviates the 35 problems associated with the limited storage capacity of a camera memory card such

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as the problem of being unable to capture new images without the deletion of existing images.

The transmission means 13 may comprise a standard mobile telephone antenna 131 5 for enabling transmission of the image data file 20 via a Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) message. It is envisaged that each digital image file 20 may be sent in a separate MMS message to the remote location immediately after the image file 20 has been created. In such an arrangement, a SIM card 60 may be inserted into a receiving slot 132 of the camera 10 for enabling payment to a telecommunications 10 company for the transmission of an MMS message. Payment may be so-called "pay as you go", whereby the user credits the SIM card 40 with a certain amount of money and the cost of each MMS message is deducted from the remaining credit upon transmission of the MMS message. Alternatively, payment may be via a monthly contract, in which the user pays the telecommunications company a certain amount 15 per month and may transmit set number of MMS messages per month in return. In this embodiment, the remote location 30 must comprise means for receiving an MMS message, such as a mobile telephone antenna (not shown). If, for example, the address of the remote location 30 is a subdomain or subdirectory of a host website maintained by the manufacturer of the camera, then the manufacturer may provide a 20 central server (not shown) with MMS receiving means for processing MMS messages and directing the digital image file 20 contained therein to the appropriate IP address. It is preferable to utilise the mobile telephone network (e.g. via MMS messaging) in order to take advantage of the substantial global coverage offered by the network. As such, transmission of the image file 20 via MMS message or the like 25 offers a reliable method of automatically transmitting image data files 20 to a remote location 30.

In the illustrated embodiments, the wireless transmission means 13 additionally comprises internet connection means 133 for enabling transmission of the image 30 data file 20 via the internet. The internet connection means 133 may comprise 3G connection means, in which case it is envisaged that the user will make a monthly payment to a telecommunications company and receive a set amount of bandwidth to use within that month. Alternatively or additionally, the internet connection means 133 may comprise Wi-Fi connection means for enabling transmission of the image 35 data file 20 when the camera 10 is located in a so-called Wi-Fi hotspot. Both means

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of internet connection offer their own advantages: the 3G connection provides a wide global coverage, whilst the Wi-Fi connection has a limited coverage but is available free of charge.

5 The wireless transmission means 13 further may comprise a Bluetooth ® connection 134, in which case the remote location must also comprise a Bluetooth ® connection (not shown). One advantage of providing a Bluetooth ® connection 134 is that the image data file 20 may be transferred from the camera 10 to the remote storage location 30 without incurring a charge.

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In the illustrated embodiments, the user may elect the preferred form of wireless transmission. This is advantageous in the event that one or more of the forms of wireless transmission are unavailable in vicinity of the user. However, it will be appreciated that the camera 10 may comprise only one of the above-described 15 means of wireless transmission, for example only a mobile telephone antenna 131.

The security means 14 comprises a password and/or PIN code for preventing unauthorised alteration of the address of a remote location 30. The PIN code or password may be set by the user when the camera is used for the first time, or may 20 be pre-set by the manufacturers and provided to the user. It is envisaged that the first time in which an address is specified, the user will not have to enter a PIN code or password. However, once an address of a remote location 30 has been entered, a correct PIN code or password must be provided in order to change this address. In this way, an unauthorised user such as a thief will not be able to alter the address of 25 the remote location 30. Since the thief also has no information relating to the present address of the remote location 30, he or she will not be able to access the remote storage of the digital image files 20 and thus the effective value of the camera 10 to the thief will be significantly reduced relative to the true value of the camera 10. It will be appreciated that this will significantly reduce camera theft since the thief will not 30 be able to use the camera 10 for his or her own benefit and is unlikely to be able to sell the camera 10 to a third party. Furthermore, the combination of this feature with the automatic transmission of digital images files 20 to the selected remote location 30 ensures that any images 20 captured by the thief will be transmitted to the remote location 30 chosen by the legal owner. The legal owner of the camera 10 will

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therefore be able to access the digital image files 20, which may aid in the identification and/or prosecution of the thief.

The digital camera 10 also optionally comprises integrated image editing means (not 5 shown) for editing an image data file 20 and displaying the edited image on the screen 15. The edited image may be transmitted to the remote location 30 via wireless transmission means 13 in dependence upon a user-initiated signal such as the depression of a button 14, 16.

10 Prior to use in photographing mode, the user programs the address of the remote location 30 into the storage means 12 and selects the mode of wireless transmission e.g. MMS message. If the user wishes to change the address of the remote location 30 then the correct PIN code and/or password must be entered into the security means 14 using data input means such as the touch sensitive screen 15 or buttons 15 16.

In use, the user directs the photographing means 11 towards a subject (not shown) and depresses the shutter depression button 114 to generate an image data file 20 of the subject (not shown). The image data file 20 is tagged with time and date 20 information provided by the clock 17 and location information provided by the GPS 18. The tagged image data file 20 is then automatically transmitted to the programmed address of the remote location 30 and saved therein. The user may access the image data file 20 stored in the remote location 30 by entering a password or PIN code. At the remote location 30, the image data file 20 may, for 25 example, be allocated to an album, printed, shared via a URL link etc.

The discussion of the invention thus far has focused on a dedicated digital camera 10. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is equally applicable to a mobile telephone (not shown) or other electronics device with photographing means 11. For 30 example, an application ("app") could be provided for a mobile telephone with integrated photographing means 11, storage means 12 and wireless transmission means 13. The app would be adapted for storing an address of a remote location 30 in the storage means of the mobile telephone and would instruct the mobile telephone to automatically transmit any digital image file 20 captured by the 35 photographing means 11 to the remote location 30. The app would comprise security

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means 14 for preventing unauthorised alteration of the address of the remote location 30.

With particular reference to Figure 4 of the drawings, there is also provided a method of saving an image data file 20 generated by a digital camera 10. The method 5 comprises the steps of:

a) Programming an address of a remote location 30;

b) Providing security means 14 such as PIN code or password for preventing unauthorised alteration of the address of the remote location 30;

c) Automatically transmitting the image data file 20 from the digital camera 10 to 10 the remote location 30 upon creation of the image data file 20; and,

d) Saving the image data file 20 at the remote location 30.

The automatic transmission of step (c) is effected wirelessely via MMS message, wireless internet connection, Bluetooth ® connection or the like.

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The method also optionally comprises the step of tagging the image data file 20 with the time and/or date and/or location at which the image data file 20 was generated. The time and/or date and/or location information is generated simultaneously with the generation of the image data file 20 and is appended thereto. The time and/or date 20 and/or location information is transmitted with the image data file 20 to the remote location 30. As such, the step of tagging the image data file 20 must be carried out before the step of transmitting the image data file 20 to the remote location 30.

The method may also comprise the step of providing the remote location 30 with 25 secondary security means (not shown) for preventing unauthorised access to the digital image file 20 saved therein. The secondary security means (not shown) may comprise a PIN code and/or password that must be entered correctly in order to view the image data files 20 saved at the remote location 30. The PIN and/or password is preferably different to the PIN code and/or password of the security means of step (b) 30 in order to increase the security of the method.

From the foregoing therefore, it is evident that the present invention provides a simple yet effective means of wirelessly saving an image captured by a digital camera.

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Claims

A digital camera comprising photographing means for photographing an image and generating an image data file of the image;

storage means for storing a programmable address of a remote storage location;

wireless transmission means for transmitting the image data file to the remote location automatically upon generation of the image data file;

security means for preventing unauthorised alteration of the address of the remote location.

A digital camera as claimed in claim 1, wherein the address of the remote location comprises an Internet Protocol (IP) address of a web page.

A digital camera as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the camera comprises data input means for entering the address of the remote location into the storage means.

A camera as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the camera is adapted for enabling input of the address of the remote location via a computer or other electronics device.

A camera as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the security means comprises a PIN code and/or a password.

A camera as claimed in claim 5 as appended to claim 3, wherein the PIN code and/or password is entered via the data input means of the camera.

A camera as claimed in claim 5 as appended to claim 4, wherein the PIN code and/or password is entered via the computer or other electronics device.

A camera as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the camera comprises a real-time clock arranged for electronically tagging the image file with the date and/or time at which the image was captured.

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A camera as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the camera comprises a global positioning system (GPS) arranged for electronically tagging the image file with information relating to the location at which the image was captured.

A camera as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the wireless transmission means comprises Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) transmission means.

A camera as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the wireless transmission means comprises a wireless internet connection.

A camera as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the wireless transmission means comprises a Bluetooth ® transmitter.

A camera as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the remote location comprises secondary security means for preventing unauthorised access to the transmitted digital image.

A camera as claimed in claim 13, wherein the secondary security means comprises a password and/or PIN number that must be entered correctly in order to gain access to the digital image file stored therein.

A camera as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the camera comprises a screen for displaying an image data file.

A camera as claimed in claim 15, wherein the camera comprises integrated image editing means for editing an image captured by the camera and displaying the edited image on the screen.

A camera as claimed in claim 16, wherein the image editing means is arranged for transmitting the edited image to the remote location via wireless transmission means in dependence upon a user-initiated signal.

A method of saving an image data file generated by a digital camera, the method comprising the steps of e) Programming an address of a remote location;

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f) Providing security means for preventing unauthorised alteration of the address of the remote location;

g) Automatically transmitting the image data file to the remote location upon creation thereof; and,

h) Saving the image data file at the remote location.

A method as claimed in claim 18, wherein the method further comprises the step of tagging the image data file with the time and/or date and/or location at which the image data file was generated.

A method as claimed in claim 19, wherein the step of tagging the image data file is carried out before the step of transmitting the image data file.

A method as claimed in any of claims 18 to 20, wherein the method further comprises the step of providing the remote location with secondary security means for preventing unauthorised access to the digital image file saved therein.

A method as claimed in claim 21 wherein the secondary security means comprises a PIN code and/or password.