System for annotating non-text electronic documents

• US 6,401,069 B1
• Filed: 03/08/2000
• Issued: 06/04/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 01/26/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Benhov GmbH, LLC (Intellectual Ventures LLC)
• Original Assignee: Central Coast Patent Agency, Inc.
• Inventors: Araiza-Boys, Susan, Boys, Donald R. M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Knepper, David D.
• Application Number:
  US09/520,542
• Publication Number:
  US 20020069070A1
• Time in Patent Office: 818 Days
• Field of Search: 704/270, 704/275, 704/276, 396/213, 348/64, 707/2, 707/104, 345/156
• US Class Current: 704/275
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 23/18 for binocular arrangements focusing binocular pairs G02B7/06; adjusting pupillary distance of binocular pairs G02B7/12
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 7/06 Focusing binocular pairs

Abstract

A trinocular apparatus is provided for sighting and photographing subjects in the field. Images are captured electronically, and the trinocular apparatus includes a system for annotating captured images as well as apparatus for storing and transferring captured images. A text phrase is selected for use in annotating a non-text electronic file. Voice input such as a keyword is associated with a text version of the keyword which is matched to text words in stored text phrases, and the text phrases are then used to annotate the image.

Claims

1. In an imaging device, a system for selecting a text entity for use in annotating an image, comprising:

a removable data storage device for storing predetermined text entities related to the subject matter of an imaging session conducted with the imaging device;

a docking bay for receiving the removable data storage device;

a voice input apparatus for imputing voice input; and

a control system;

characterized in that the control system recognizes the voice input at the voice input apparatus, the voice input associated by match with a text entity stored on the current data storage device plugged into the docking bay, and wherein the control system uses the matched text entity to annotate the electronic file and whereupon during a next imaging session conducted with the imaging device, the imaging session encompassing a different subject matter, the current removable storage device is removed and replaced with an appropriate device containing predetermined text entities appropriate to the new subject matter of the next session.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the image is a digital image.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the removable data storage device is textually programmable by computerized method.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the removable data storage device is rendered human readable through access by a computer method.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the removable data storage device is non-programmable.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein the predetermined text entities describe various aspects about birds likely to be viewed in a bird watching session.

7. The system of claim 6 wherein the type of birds described depends upon the region wherein the session is held.

8. A method for annotating images taken using an imaging device in more than one imaging session, the imaging sessions disparate from each other in subject matter comprising the steps of:

(a) inserting a removable data storage device into a bay on the imaging device, the storage device containing predetermined and stored text entities for annotation, the entities appropriate to the subject matter of the session;

(b) beginning an imaging session by photographing an image;

(c) inputting a voice input to annotate the image;

(d) retrieving a text entity matching the voice input from the removable storage device;

(e) using the matched entity to annotate the image;

(f) ending the current session by removing the current storage device and inserting a new data storage device containing predetermined and stored text entities for annotation, the entities appropriate to the subject matter of the next session;

(g) beginning the next imaging session by photographing an image; and

(h) repeating steps (c)-(g).

9. The method of claim 8 wherein in step (a) the removable data storage device is programmable.

10. The method of claim 8 wherein in step (a) the removable data storage device is human readable through access and display.

11. The method of claim 8 wherein in step (a) the text entities are keywords.

12. The method of claim 8 wherein in step (a) the text entities are phrases.

13. The method of claim 8 wherein in step (a) the subject matter of the session is birds and the session is a bird watching session.

14. The method of claim 8 wherein in step (a) the subject matter of the session is sports and the session is a sporting event.

15. The method of claim 8 wherein in step (a) in view of (f) the subject matter is birds but the difference is in type of bird.

16. The method of claim 8 wherein in step (a) in view of (f) the subject matter is sports but the difference is in type of sport.

17. The method of claim 8 wherein steps (b) through (e) are repeated for as many images defining a session.