JP5705920B2 - Method and apparatus for wireless digital content management - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for managing wireless digital content, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a method and apparatus using a wireless medium that enables the device to communicate wirelessly.

  Many portable electronic devices, such as digital cameras, digital camcorders, digital audio recorders, digital diaries, personal digital assistants, digital organizers, digital media players, MP3 players, etc., host computers to allow digital content download and upload Must be physically and electrically connected to Digital content can be, for example, images, video images, merchandise, music content, and the like. Applications that manage and control uploads and downloads exist in the host computer. This is not always convenient.

  This is because electronic devices have processors that cannot independently send digital data captured by the device. A portable device requires a connection with the host computer so that the host computer can accept the digital data captured by the device and the host computer can send the digital data from the host computer to the electronic device. For all related functions, the host computer controls the process. For example, a digital camera (still or video) usually requires a connection to a host computer so that digital data captured by the digital camera is uploaded to the computer. Instead, the digital camera's memory card or similar non-volatile memory is removed and inserted into the host computer so that the digital data stored on the memory card is uploaded to the host computer. Once stored in the memory of the host computer, the digital data can be uploaded to a website. For example, there are many websites that allow the storage of personal photos, “FaceBook” and U-Tube are two of many examples, which access the host computer for uploading This is not always convenient.

  According to exemplary features, a memory card is provided for use in a device having a built-in processor that cannot independently send the digital data of the device to the outside, the digital data being captured by the device, the memory card being removed from the device. A central processor configured to control the transmission of data, a storage module operatively connected to the central processor and configured to store data to be transmitted, and to transmit digital data from the storage module And a wireless module operatively connected to one of the central processor and the memory.

  The memory card is physically and operatively coupled to and related to the device and can be configured to operably connect to the embedded processor, the operative connection being the same way as a normal memory card, Treats the memory card as a normal memory card. At least one control button of the device can be used to control the central processor when the memory card physically and operatively associated with and associated with the device is in a predefined mode. The transmission of digital data can only take place when the device is in a predefined mode. When the device is in a predefined mode, the central processor can be configured to send the first index image file to the embedded processor for displaying the first index image file on the screen of the device. The first image index file includes a plurality of first menu items, and each of the plurality of first menu items includes an image. The first menu item selected determines whether the embedded processor is used to process digital data, or whether the processor and wireless module are used to transmit digital data wirelessly from the memory card. it can. The digital data can be selected from image data, audio data, image and audio data, video data, audio and video data. The memory card can include at least one address to which the processor and wireless interface transmit digital data. The device can be selected from a digital camera, a digital video camera, a digital audio recorder, a digital diary.

According to another exemplary feature, there is provided a method for sending data from a device having an internal processor that cannot independently send the digital data of the device to the outside, the method comprising:
Select a predetermined mode of the device;
A first index image file is transmitted to the device from a memory card installed and operatively connected to the device, the memory card having a central processor, a storage module, and a wireless module, and the first index image file The file includes a plurality of first menu items, each of the first menu items includes an image, and the storage module has digital data stored therein,
Selecting a menu item from the first menu item using a control button of the device;
The selected one menu item is used by the embedded processor to process the digital data, or for the central processor and the wireless module to transmit the digital data wirelessly from the memory card. It includes the step of determining what will be used.

According to yet another exemplary feature, there is provided a method of sending data from a device having a built-in processor that cannot send the device data independently to the outside, the method comprising:
Capturing digital data using the device and storing the digital data in a memory card installed and operatively connected to the device, the memory card having a central processor, a memory module, a wireless module;
Select a predefined mode of the device;
The central processor transmits a first index image file from the memory card to the device, the first index image file including a plurality of first menu items;
Using a control button of the device to select a menu item from the plurality of first menu items;
When the appropriate menu item is selected, the central processor and wireless module include the step of wirelessly transmitting digital data from the memory card.

  When the appropriate menu item is selected, the central processor and wireless module can wirelessly transmit digital data from the memory card. The memory card can be physically and operatively coupled to and associated with the device, and the memory card is operatively connected to the internal processor in the same manner as a normal memory card, and the internal processor makes the memory card a normal memory card. deal with. The device control buttons can be used to control the central processor only when the device is in a predefined mode. The transmission of digital data can only take place when the device is in a predefined mode. The first index image file is displayed on the device screen. The digital data can be selected from image data, audio data, image and audio data, video data, audio and video data. The digital data can be sent to at least one internet address stored in memory. The device can be selected from a digital camera, a digital video camera, a digital audio recorder, a digital diary. When the control button is used to select one menu item of the first menu item, the embedded processor can send an instruction to the central processor, and the instruction includes an identifier for the one menu item. When the device is in a predetermined mode and one menu item is involved in the wireless transmission of digital data on the memory card, the central processor can treat the instruction as “select”. The instruction can be “deleted”.

1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary system of a wireless medium connectable to a host device so that data captured from the host device can be wirelessly transferred to a server. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the exemplary system of FIG. It is a figure which shows the wireless medium of FIG. It is a figure which shows the processor of the host apparatus of FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the operation of the exemplary embodiment of FIGS.

In order that the present invention may be more fully understood and readily implemented, only exemplary embodiments will be described by way of non-limiting examples and will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
An exemplary embodiment is a method and apparatus for managing digital content of portable device 100 over a wireless medium. The portable device 100 may be a digital camera, digital video camera, digital audio recorder, or digital diary. Shown is a digital camera. The digital camera 100 has a slot 102 into which a memory card 200 is inserted in a normal manner.

  A memory card 200 is shown in FIG. 3 and includes a central processor 202, a wireless module 204 operably connected to the central processor 202, and a storage module 206 operably connected to the central processor 202. doing. The central processor 202 has a card interface 208 and a wireless interface 210. The wireless module 204 also has an antenna 212.

  The digital camera 100 has a built-in processor 104 with a card interface 106 for interfacing with the memory card 200 when inserted into the slot 102. The embedded processor 104 also has a display interface 108 for controlling the display screen 110 of the camera 100. Further, the embedded processor 104 has a control interface 112 to allow camera control buttons 114 etc. to be used to control the operation of the camera 100. The built-in processor 104 cannot independently send the digital data of the camera 100 to the outside. Independent transmission means that the processor 104 requires a camera 100 that is operatively connected to an intelligent host, such as a computer, that has associated operational software that enables the transmission of data from the camera to the computer. And sending means being under the control of a computer. Normal operation of the camera 100 is under the control of the built-in processor 104.

  Whenever the memory card 200 is coupled to the slot 102 of the camera 100 by the card interface 208 (500), the card interface 106 treats the memory card 200 as a normal memory card, and images and images are transferred from the embedded processor 104 to the memory card 200. And / or interface with the audio data in the usual way to transfer (501). If the card 200 is not in a category recognized by the camera 100, an error message is displayed in the normal manner and the process ends (502).

Once the initial connection between the built-in processor 104 and the card 200 is made, camera control is pre-configured, such as “observation” (or an equivalent mode such as “playback” or “display” or “data transfer”). When set to a predetermined mode (503), the embedded processor 104 downloads a first image file to be displayed on the display 110 from the card 200 in accordance with normal operation. The central processor 202 then sends an index image file containing the first menu to the display interface 108 (504), and the navigation control of the control 114 can be used in the usual way to control the menu displayed. it can. The first menu includes a series of first items for determining the future performance of the camera 100. Each item in the first menu is a separate image in the index image file. The first menu item is, for example,
1. Transfer data,
2. Wireless detection,
3. An observation image can be included.

  In step 503, if the camera 100 is not set to a predetermined mode, ie, “observation” or its equivalent mode, the memory card 200 and the built-in processor 104 operate under the operation of the built-in processor 104 in the usual known manner. (505).

  If the camera 100 is set to a predetermined mode, one of the displayed items is then selected (506). Since each item in the menu is a separate image, the selection of one item in the menu list is a selection of separate images. Thus, the control 114 used allows the processor 104 to send instructions to the control processor 202. In the observation mode, there are usually two such commands: “next” (send the next image) and “delete” (delete this image). The “delete” function is used because “next” is required in subsequent operations. However, if the camera 100 is in “observation” mode and “data transfer” or “wireless detection” is selected from the first menu item described above, the central processor 202 interprets “delete” as “selection”. . If a “send first image” command is sent by the processor 104 and received by the memory card control processor 202 (504), the central processor 202 is the only time that such a command is received. Recognize that the camera 100 is in the “observation” mode.

  Since each first menu item is a separate image, the use of “delete” is not only an instruction sent from the processor 104 to the central processor 202, but the instruction allows the central processor 202 to know the image to be deleted. Contains the identifier of the image to be made.

  After the central processor 202 receives the instruction and confirms that the predetermined mode has been selected and that the selected image is (1) or (2) from the image index file, the central processor 202 Treats the “delete” command as “select”.

  The central processor 202 then takes the necessary action according to whether the first menu item 1 or the first menu item 2 is selected.

  An inquiry is made to determine if the selected first menu item is for wireless transfer (509). If no, then item 3 is no different. If item 3 is selected in the normal way using control 114 (507), central processor 202 handles the instructions in the normal way and sends the first image file from storage module 206 (508); The camera 100 and the memory card 200 continue to operate in the normal manner (505). At 509, if the selected first menu item is a wireless transfer, this may be item 1 or item 2. Therefore, a second query is made to determine whether item 1 or item 2 has been selected (510).

  At 510, when item 2 is selected, the central processor 202 activates the wireless module 204 (511) and a search is made for potential wireless networks to which the card 200 can be connected (512). This is the usual method. Once all potential wireless networks have been detected (513), they are displayed on display 110 (514) and control 114 is used to select the desired wireless network (515). Once the desired wireless network is selected, a second index image file is downloaded from central processor 202 to display 110 (516). The second index image file includes a second menu list (517). The second index image file may be the same as or different from the first index image file. Each second menu list is also a separate image and has its unique identifier.

The second menu list may be the same as or different from the first menu list. For example, the second menu list is:
1. Transfer data,
2. Wireless detection,
3. Items such as observation images can be included.

  If 510, item 1 is selected from the first menu list, central processor 202 determines whether a wireless network has already been selected (521). If no, return to item 2 (510) and begin searching for potential wireless networks as described above. If a wireless network has already been selected, the central processor 202 sequentially acquires (522) the image data of the various image files and uses the wireless module 204 to select the image data from the selected predetermined web. Upload to the site (523). When the upload is complete, a “complete” message is displayed on the display 110 (524) and the process ends (525).

  If item 1 is selected from the second menu list (518), and when a predetermined website is known and the network is just selected, the central processor 202 downloads all image files from the storage module 206. Then, they are transferred to the wireless module 204 and the operation of uploading the image data wirelessly to a predetermined website is started. If there are two or more predetermined websites, the central processor 202 sends a list of predetermined websites for display on the display 110 and after one is selected in the usual way, Use a selected predetermined website where the image data is transmitted. The predetermined list of websites may be by their URL or by the abbreviated name entered earlier and may include email accounts at the website.

  The predetermined website entry is by operatively connecting the memory card 200 to a computer (not shown). The computer uploads the necessary interfaces from the central processor 202, and the computer is used to enter the URL of the desired website or websites or email account, which is stored in the storage module 206 of the memory card 200. Yes.

  In this way, when the camera 100 is used to capture an image stored in the storage module 206 of the memory card 200 in a normal manner, the camera controller 114 is in a predetermined mode such as viewing. When set to, the above procedure is started. When the camera 100 is in a predetermined mode, the central processor 202 and the wireless module 204 are operative to transmit image data to the selected predetermined website via the interface 300, whereby the image is stored on the server / PC. Alternatively, it can be stored in the storage device 402 of another computer 400. This can be done at a convenient time such as when the camera 100 is not normally used, such as at night.

  If desired or required, when all image data uploads are complete, the central processor 202 can compress or reduce the image data as it is stored in the storage module 206. The compression may be by any known or appropriate compression application. The reduction may be, for example, reducing the image to a thumb size. Compression and / or reduction is used to reduce the amount of memory in the storage module 206 required to store image data. Any compressed and / or reduced images are annotated and retransmitted to a preselected website. Furthermore, any image sent to a preselected website can be flagged as sent and will not be retransmitted in the future. However, the central processor can send a prompt to the display asking whether the old image is sent again or only the new unsent image is sent. After the selection is made in the normal way, the central processor 202 takes the appropriate action.

  As will be appreciated, the memory card 200 can be connected to the host device 100 without any driver installation or modification of software running on the host device 100 and is therefore “plug and play”.

  The memory card 200 can include a digital rights management module for copyright protection of content downloaded to the storage module 206 of the memory card 200.

Although the foregoing description has described exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes in design, structure and / or details of operation may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Will do.
The invention described in the scope of claims at the time of filing the present application will be appended.
[1] In a memory card for use in a device having a built-in processor that cannot independently send the digital data of the device to the outside, the digital data is captured by the device, and the memory card stores the data from the device A central processor configured to control transmission, a storage module operatively connected to the central processor and configured to store data to be transmitted, and to transmit the digital data from the storage module A memory card comprising a central processor and a wireless module operably connected to one of the memories.
[2] The memory card is physically and operatively coupled to and associated with the device, and is configured to operably connect to the embedded processor, the operative connection being in the same manner as a normal memory card; The memory card according to [1], wherein the built-in processor treats the memory card as a normal memory card.
[3] At least one control button of the device is used to control the central processor when the memory card physically and operatively associated with and associated with the device is in a predefined mode. The memory card described in [1] or [2].
[4] The memory card according to [3], wherein the transmission of the digital data can be performed only when the device is in a predetermined mode.
[5] When the device is in a pre-defined mode, the central processor sends the first index image file to the internal processor for displaying the first index image file on the screen of the device. The memory card according to [3] or [4], wherein the first image index file includes a plurality of first menu items, and each of the plurality of first menu items includes an image. .
[6] The first menu item selected is used by the built-in processor to process the digital data, or for the processor and the wireless module to transmit the digital data from the memory card wirelessly. The memory card according to [5], wherein the memory card is used to determine whether to be used.
[7] The memory card according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the digital data is selected from the group consisting of image data, audio data, image and audio data, video data, audio and video data. .
[8] The memory card according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the memory card includes at least one address to which the processor and the wireless interface transmit the digital data.
[9] The memory card according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein the device is selected from the group consisting of a digital camera, a digital video camera, a digital audio recorder, and a digital diary.
[10] In a method of sending data from a device having a built-in processor that cannot independently send device data to the outside,
Select a predetermined mode of the device;
A first index image file is transmitted to the device from a memory card that is installed and operatively connected to the device, the memory card having a central processor, a storage module, and a wireless module, the first index The image file includes a plurality of first menu items, each of the first menu items includes an image, and the storage module has digital data stored therein;
Using a control button of the device to select one menu item from the first menu item;
The selected one menu item is used by the embedded processor to process the digital data or used by the central processor and the wireless module to transmit the digital data wirelessly from the memory card. A method comprising the step of determining what to do.
[11] In a method of sending data from a device having a built-in processor that cannot independently send device data to the outside,
Capture digital data using the device and store the digital data in a memory card installed and operatively connected in the device, the memory card comprising a central processor, a memory module, and a wireless module. Have
Select a predetermined mode of the device;
The central processor transmits a first index image file from the memory card to a device, the first index image file including a plurality of first menu items;
Using a control button of the device to select a menu item from the plurality of first menu items;
A method comprising the step of wirelessly transmitting the digital data from the memory card by the central processor and the wireless module when an appropriate menu item is selected.
[12] The method according to [10], wherein the central processor and the wireless module wirelessly transmit the digital data from the memory card when an appropriate menu item is selected.
[13] The memory card is physically and operatively coupled to and associated with the device, the memory card is operatively connected to the built-in processor in the same manner as a normal memory card, and the built-in processor The method according to any one of [10] to [12], wherein the memory card is handled as a normal memory card.
[14] The control button of the device may be used to control the central processor only when the device is in a predetermined mode. The method described in 1.
[15] The method according to any one of [10] to [14], wherein the transmission of the digital data can be performed only when the device is in the predetermined mode.
[16] The method according to any one of [10] to [15], wherein the first index image file is displayed on a screen of the device.
[17] The digital data according to any one of [10] to [16], wherein the digital data is selected from the group consisting of image data, audio data, image and audio data, video data, audio and video data. Method.
[18] The method according to any one of [10] to [17], wherein the digital data is transmitted to at least one Internet address stored in the memory.
[19] The method according to any one of [10] to [18], wherein the device is selected from the group consisting of a digital camera, a digital video camera, a digital audio recorder, and a digital diary.
[20] When the control button is used to select one menu item of the first menu item, the embedded processor sends an instruction to the central processor, the instruction being sent to the one menu item. The method according to any one of [10] to [19], including an identifier.
[21] When the device is in the predetermined mode and the one menu item is related to the wireless transmission of the digital data of the memory card, the central processor treats the instruction as “select” The method according to [20] above, wherein
[22] The method according to [21], wherein the command is “delete”.

Claims (18)

A memory card configured for use in an electronic device,
The electronic device has a built-in processor that cannot independently send the digital data of the electronic device to the outside wirelessly,
The digital data is captured by the electronic device;
The memory card is
A storage module for storing the digital data captured by the electronic device;
A wireless module for wirelessly transmitting the stored digital data to a location on a wireless network;
A central processor configured to control delivery of the digital data from the electronic device;
Comprising
The central processor is configured to transmit the first index image file to the embedded processor for displaying the first index image file on the screen of the electronic device;
The first index image file includes a first menu;
The first menu includes a plurality of images,
Each of the plurality of images represents a first menu item selected by the user;
Each of the plurality of images is a different image in the first index image file;
A first menu item of the plurality of first menu items controls the embedded processor of the electronic device and is stored when selected using a control button of the electronic device. Instructing the central processor of the memory card to wirelessly transmit existing digital data to the location of the wireless network through the wireless module;
When one of the plurality of first menu items is selected using a control button of the electronic device, the first menu item controls the embedded processor of the electronic device, and the memory card Instructions to the central processor of the memory card to activate the wireless module to retrieve the potential wireless network selected by the user And
The memory card can connect to the electronic device and provide the plurality of first menu items without installing a driver or changing software executed on the electronic device. Memory card.   The memory card according to claim 1, wherein when one of the plurality of first menu items is selected, the built-in processor processes the digital data.   3. The memory card of claim 1, wherein the memory card is physically and operably coupled to and associated with the electronic device.   The central processor is configured to transmit the first index image file to the embedded processor only when the electronic device is in a predefined mode. The memory card described.   5. The memory card according to claim 1, wherein the digital data is selected from the group consisting of image data, audio data, image and audio data, video data, and audio and video data. . The location address of the wireless network is stored in the storage module;
The memory card according to claim 1, wherein the position of the wireless network is a website.   The memory card according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is selected from the group consisting of a digital camera, a digital video camera, a digital audio recorder, and a digital diary. A method of sending digital data from an electronic device,
The electronic device has a built-in processor that cannot independently send the digital data of the electronic device to the outside wirelessly,
The method
Transmitting a first index image file from a memory card installed in the electronic device and operatively connected to the previous electronic recording device;
Here, the memory card has a central processor, a storage module storing digital data, and a wireless module,
The first index image file includes a first menu;
The first menu includes a plurality of images,
Each of the plurality of images represents a first menu item selected by the user;
Each of the plurality of images is a different image in the first index image file;
Using the control button of the electronic device, select one first menu item of the plurality of first menu items, control the built-in processor of the electronic device, and connect the memory card Activating the wireless module to search for a potential wireless network capable of being selected by the user;
The control button of the electronic device is used to select a first menu item of the plurality of first menu items, to control the embedded processor of the electronic device, and to store the stored digital Instructing the central processor of the memory card to transmit data wirelessly through the wireless module to a location of the wireless network;
Including
The memory card can connect to the electronic device and provide the plurality of first menu items without installing a driver or changing software executed on the electronic device. ,Method. Capturing digital data using the electronic device;
Storing the digital data in the memory card;
The method of claim 8, further comprising: The memory card is physically and operatively coupled to and associated with the electronic device;
The memory card is operatively connected to the embedded processor in the same manner as a normal memory card;
The method according to claim 8, wherein the built-in processor treats the memory card as a normal memory card. The method according to Izu Re one of claims 8 to 10 further comprising the step, a selecting a predetermined mode of the electronic device.   12. The method of claim 11, wherein the control button on the electronic device can be used to control the central processor only when the electronic device is in the predetermined mode.   13. A method according to any one of claims 11 or 12, wherein the digital data can be sent only when the electronic device is in the predetermined mode.   14. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the first index image file is displayed on a screen of the electronic device. 15. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 14, wherein the digital data is selected from the group consisting of image data, audio data, image and audio data, video data, and audio and video data. The location address of the wireless network is stored in the storage module;
The method according to any one of claims 8 to 15, wherein the location of the wireless network is a website.   17. A method according to any one of claims 8 to 16, wherein the electronic device is selected from the group consisting of a digital camera, a digital video camera, a digital audio recorder, and a digital diary. When the control button is used to select a first menu item of one of the plurality of first menu items, the embedded processor sends an instruction to the central processor;
18. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 17, wherein the instructions include an identifier of a first menu item of one of the plurality of first menu items.

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