System and method for controlling and organizing metadata associated with on-line content

A system and method are disclosed for controlling metadata associated with content on an electronic device that includes displaying interface screens for user entry of metadata control instructions, accepting user instructions, modifying metadata of applicable content, and associating the modified metadata with the applicable content. The system can export and/or store the applicable content along with modified metadata. The system can automatically modify metadata according to one or more profiles. Relevant profiles can be determined based on the export mechanism, destination or type of content. The system can add watermarks to indicate metadata modification. The system can display metadata for user modification. The content can include photos, videos or other content. The system can display metadata and geolocation indicators for each content item that indicate whether that item has associated metadata and geolocation information. The user can selectively modify metadata of selected content.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

Smart phones are required to support global positioning system (GPS) capability by September of 2012. Other mobile devices and televisions are required to support GPS capability by 2018. Many mobile devices, for example mobile phones, associate metadata with content generated or captured by the mobile device, for example photos. For a photo taken by a mobile device, this metadata can include GPS data showing the location where the photo was taken, a date showing when the photo was taken, the name of the owner of the mobile device, and other data such as comments or the names of the people in the photo. Typically this associated metadata stays with the photo and can be retrieved by recipients/viewers of the photo, including unintended recipients/viewers of the photo. Users have limited control of this metadata, especially after the content is sent to other users or shared through social networking, photo sharing or other Internet sites.

Privacy issues due to metadata associated with on-line content is a growing concern. Electronic device makers and service providers, and many Internet sites provide varying capabilities to users to control metadata. Many electronic devices record and save metadata associated with content generated or stored on the device. Some device makers and service providers allow a user to view all or part of this stored metadata, while others do not even allow the user to view the associated metadata. Some device makers and service providers allow limited editing of this stored metadata, for example associating a name or other comment with content on the device. Social networking and photo sharing sites have different rules regarding metadata associated with uploaded or generated content. These sites maintain the metadata associated with content, some of these sites allow users to show metadata associated with content, and some allow users to edit some of the metadata associated with content.

The present system and method can be used to manage, control and organize metadata associated with content on various types of electronic devices. These electronic devices can include but are not limited to mobile devices, smart phones, digital cameras, computers, and consumer electronic devices. The system can be part of the device operating system software, a stand-alone application, or part of an integrated component embedded in a GPS-capable device, a camera, a baseband or a system-on-chip (SoC). The system can be used with various types of content including but not limited to digital images and digital videos. Many devices do not allow users to control personal information which is recorded as metadata and stored in content. GPS data, also known as geolocation data or a geotag, dates and name tags are examples of this metadata. Current image capture devices, like mobile phones and digital cameras allow users to turn off geotagging/GPS for their cameras but this method is not ideal for users who want to keep this metadata in their original photos but not include it when sharing their photos on the internet, text or email. The present system enables users to have control over this metadata which is recorded and associated with digital content, so they can remove personal information before sharing them on social networks, email, text and the internet, but let them keep this metadata in their personal copies of the content.

A method is disclosed for controlling metadata associated with content on an electronic device. The method includes displaying interface screens on a display of the electronic device for user entry of instructions regarding metadata control, accepting user instructions regarding metadata control through an input mechanism, modifying metadata of applicable content in accordance with the user instructions, and associating the modified metadata with the applicable content. Associating the modified metadata with the applicable content can include making an electronic copy of original content, associating the modified metadata with the electronic copy, the electronic copy being the applicable content, and not modifying the metadata associated with the original content. Accepting user instructions regarding metadata control can include accepting a profile describing modifications to be made to the metadata. Modifying the metadata of applicable content can include automatically making the modifications described in the profile before exporting the applicable content along with the modified metadata.

The method can also include exporting the applicable content along with the modified metadata from the electronic device. Exporting the applicable content can include electronically mailing the applicable content over a network, uploading the applicable content to a website over a network, or sharing the applicable content with a third party.

The method can also include storing the applicable content along with the modified metadata in memory on the electronic device, and marking the applicable content to indicate that the associated metadata has been modified. Marking the applicable content can include adding a watermark to the applicable content.

The method can include exporting the applicable content along with the modified metadata from the electronic device; and accepting user instructions regarding metadata control can include accepting a plurality of profiles describing modifications to be made to the metadata; and modifying the metadata of applicable content can include determining any relevant profiles of the plurality of profiles, and automatically making the modifications described in the relevant profiles before exporting the applicable content along with the modified metadata. Determining any relevant profiles can include determining a user-selected mechanism for exporting the applicable content, or determining a user-selected destination for exporting the applicable content, or determining a type of content for the applicable content. Modifying the metadata of applicable content can include, when no relevant profiles are found, notifying the user that no relevant profiles were found, and enabling the user to manually modify the metadata of the applicable content before exporting the applicable content.

The method can also include displaying a plurality of content items on the display of the electronic device, and enabling user selection of the applicable content by selecting one or more content items of the plurality of content items. Displaying a plurality of content items can include displaying a watermark to indicate modified content items of the plurality of content items, the metadata associated with the modified content items having already been modified by the system. The plurality of content items can include photos and/or videos stored on the electronic device. Displaying a plurality of content items can include displaying a metadata indicator for each content item that indicates whether that content item has associated metadata information, and/or displaying a geolocation indicator for each content item that indicates whether that content item has associated geolocation metadata information. The method can also include displaying metadata information associated with the applicable content on the display of the electronic device. The method can also include enabling user modification of the displayed metadata information associated with the applicable content, and associating the modified metadata information with the applicable content. The user interface screens can display a map with a pin indicating a desired location, and modifying the metadata of applicable content can include modifying the location information in the metadata of the applicable content to be the desired location.

The interface screens can include an include author selection and an author entry field, and modifying the metadata of applicable content can include: deleting author information from the metadata of the applicable content when the include author selection is not selected, overwriting the author information in the metadata of the applicable content with the entry from the author entry field when the include author selection is selected and the author entry field has an entry, and not modifying the author information in the metadata of the applicable content when the include author selection is selected and the author entry field has no entry. The interface screens can include a watermark selection, and modifying the metadata of applicable content can include adding a watermark to the applicable content when associating the modified metadata with the applicable content. The interface screens can include a filename field; and modifying the metadata of applicable content can include changing the filename in the metadata of the applicable content to include the entry in the filename field when the filename field has an entry, and not modifying the filename in the metadata of the applicable content when the filename field has no entry. The interface screens can include a remove date/time selection; and modifying the metadata of applicable content can include removing the date/time information from the metadata of the applicable content when the remove date/time selection is selected, and not modifying the date/time information in the metadata of the applicable content when the remove date/time selection is not selected. The interface screens can include a remove location selection; and modifying the metadata of applicable content can include removing the location information from the metadata of the applicable content when the remove location selection is selected, and not modifying the location information in the metadata of the applicable content when the remove location selection is not selected. The interface screens can include a remove all selection; and modifying the metadata of applicable content can include removing all of the identifying information from the metadata of the applicable content when the remove all selection is selected, and not removing all of the identifying information from the metadata of the applicable content when the remove all location selection is not selected.

A system is disclosed for controlling metadata associated with content on an electronic device. The system includes a user interface with screens for display on the electronic device for entry of instructions regarding metadata control; an input mechanism accepting the instructions through the user interface; a metadata modification component modifying metadata associated with applicable content in accordance with the instructions; and a metadata association component associating the modified metadata with the applicable content. The metadata association component can make an electronic copy of original content, associate the modified metadata with the electronic copy, and not modify the metadata associated with the original content, the electronic copy being the applicable content. The system can also include a sharing component that prepares the applicable content along with the modified metadata for export from the electronic device. The sharing component can prepare the applicable content and the modified metadata for electronic mailing over a network, for uploading to a website over a network, or for electronic sharing with a third party. The system can also include a memory that stores the applicable content along with the modified metadata, and a marking component that marks the applicable content to indicate that the associated metadata has been modified. The marking component can add a watermark to the applicable content.

The user interface can include screens for entry of a profile including instructions regarding metadata control, and the input mechanism can accept the profile. The system can also include a sharing component that prepares the applicable content along with the modified metadata for export from the electronic device, and the metadata modification component can automatically make the modifications described in the profile before providing the applicable content and the modified metadata to the sharing component.

The system can include a sharing component that prepares the applicable content along with the modified metadata for export from the electronic device, and the input mechanism can accept a plurality of profiles describing modifications to be made to the metadata, and the metadata modification component can determine any relevant profiles of the plurality of profiles, and automatically make the modifications described in the relevant profiles of the plurality of profiles before providing the applicable content and the modified metadata to the sharing component. The metadata modification component can determine relevant profiles based on a user-selected mechanism for exporting the applicable content, or a user-selected destination for exporting the applicable content, or a type of content for the applicable content. When no relevant profiles are found the metadata modification component can notify the user that no relevant profiles were found, and enables the user to manually modify the metadata of the applicable content before providing the applicable content to the sharing component.

The system can include a display component that displays a plurality of content items on the screen of the electronic device, and the input mechanism can accept user selection of the applicable content by selecting one or more content items of the plurality of content items. The system can also include a marking component that marks content to indicate that the associated metadata has been modified, and the display component can display a watermark to indicate modified content items of the plurality of content items, the metadata associated with the modified content items having already been modified by the system. The content items can include photos and/or videos stored on the electronic device. The display component can display a metadata indicator for each content item that indicates whether that content item has associated metadata information. The display component can display a geolocation indicator for each content item that indicates whether that content item has associated metadata information that includes geolocation information. The system can also include a metadata display component that displays metadata information associated with the applicable content on the display of the electronic device. The metadata modification component can enable user editing of displayed metadata information associated with the applicable content, and associate the edited metadata information with the applicable content. The user interface can include a map with a pin indicating a desired location, and the metadata modification component can modify the metadata location information of the applicable content to be the desired location.

The user interface can include an include author selection and an author entry field; and the metadata modification component can delete the author information from the metadata of the applicable content when the include author selection is not selected, overwrite the author information in the metadata of the applicable content with the entry from the author entry field when the include author selection is selected and the author entry field has an entry, and not modify the author information in the metadata of the applicable content when the include author selection is selected and the author entry field has no entry. The system can include a marking component for marking content to indicate that the associated metadata has been modified, and the user interface can include a watermark selection field, where the marking component adds a watermark to the applicable content when the watermark selection field is selected and the metadata of the applicable content is modified, and does not add a watermark to the applicable content when the watermark selection field is not selected. The user interface can include a filename field; and the metadata modification component can change the filename in the metadata of the applicable content to include the entry in the filename field when the filename field has an entry, and not change the filename in the metadata of the applicable content when the filename field has no entry. The user interface can include a remove date/time selection; and the metadata modification component can remove the date/time information from the metadata of the applicable content when the remove date/time selection is selected, and not modify the date/time information in the metadata of the applicable content when the remove date/time selection is not selected. The user interface can include a remove location selection; and the metadata modification component can remove the location information from the metadata of the applicable content when the remove location selection is selected, and not modify the location information in the metadata of the applicable content when the remove location selection is not selected. The user interface can include a remove all selection; and the metadata modification component can remove all of the identifying information from the metadata of the applicable content when the remove all selection is selected, and not remove all of the identifying information from the metadata of the applicable content when the remove all selection is not selected.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present system can be used to manage, control and/or organize metadata associated with content on various types of electronic devices. These electronic devices can include but are not limited to mobile devices, smart phones, digital cameras, computers (including pad, laptop and desktop computers running various operating systems), and consumer electronic devices. The system can be embedded as part of the device operating system, a stand-alone application, or in an integrated circuit (IC) chip that is part of a GPS-capable device, a camera, a baseband or a system-on-chip (SoC). The system can be used with various types of content including but not limited to digital images and digital video in compressed or uncompressed formats.

Many devices do not allow users to control personal information which is recorded as metadata and stored in content, for example photos. GPS data, also known as geolocation data or a geotag, dates and name tags are examples of this metadata. Current image capture devices, like mobile phones and digital cameras allow users to turn off geotagging/GPS for their cameras but this method is not ideal for users who want to keep this metadata in their original photos but not include it when sharing their photos on the internet, text or email. The present system enables users to have control over this metadata which is recorded and associated with digital content, so they can remove or modify personal information before sharing the content on social networks, email, text and the internet, but let them keep this metadata in their personal copies of the content.

The system can provide the capability to perform some or all of the following functions on various types of electronic devices. The system can enable metadata removal, editing and viewing with the purpose of sharing or exporting content with which the metadata is associated, for example through social networks, email, text, blogs, photo websites and etail (eBay, Craigslist, etc). The system can enable watermarking via an overlay on the content, or a mark on a bottom corner or other location of the content, for example a photo. The watermark can signify that the metadata associated with the content has been removed/edited. The system can save content to a designated folder or overwrite the original content for export to other applications. The system can be set to remove all metadata on sharing of content which will allow users to automatically remove metadata when sharing content on-line, for example photos/videos. The system can be an embedded feature for a smartphone OS (for example, Apple iOS, Google Android, Microsoft Win7, Java, Blackberry, Symbian, etc.). The system can be an embedded application in chip components (ICs) for integrating into consumer electronics devices as embedded controls (for example, digital cameras, hard drives, connected consumer electronics devices, smart TVs, etc.)

Exemplary embodiments of the system implementing some of the above functionality are described below. These embodiments are directed to a smart phone implementation, but cam also be implemented on computers or other electronic devices. The content discussed with these embodiments is generally photos, but other types of content having associated metadata can be managed by the system. Exemplary user interface screens for these exemplary embodiments are shown and the associated functionality is described. The system can be used by various types of users including mothers with children, photographers, people that use singles sites and social networking sites, and people that use or provide content to social networking, news (eye on), or blogger sites, etc. The system can be used for photos, videos and other content that is captured or stored by the electronic device, or content received from other devices or persons and forwarded. The system can be used to view, edit and/or add metadata. The system can also be used to prepare content by removing or editing metadata before exporting, emailing or uploading to another user, or to a website.

The system can overwrite original content or create a folder for edited content, content with the metadata removed or edited as desired by the user. The system can include free-versions and paid-versions. A free-version can enable a limited number of photos to be processed, and then periodically ask the user, through pop-up windows or other methods, to upgrade based on a timer or the number of photos processed by the system. The free version can disable some of the user-controlled features, for example content watermarking. A paid version can unlock more or all features and allow the user to have more control over the system settings. The system can store anonymous usage data in a server database. This usage data can include number of application downloads, number of application starts, amount of time the application is open, number of application failures, number of photos added, number of photos processed, amount of hidden data removed, amount of GPS data removed, number of thumbnails removed, number of dates removed, number of titles changed, number of times taken by data is changed, number of photos shared through email, number of photos shared through various social networking and photo sharing sites (for example, Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, Picasa, Photobucket, WordPress etc.), or other data of interest. This usage data can be sent to a metrics database created on a system server when an internet connection is detected, and otherwise stored locally until an internet connection is detected. Data reporting frequency can be set to a certain time period or usage amount or other parameter and can be changed through the system server or otherwise.

FIG. 1shows an exemplary initial entry screen100for the system before the user has loaded any content into the system. The initial entry screen100includes a system logo, an information icon102, a take picture button104, and an add photo button106. The information icon102can bring up an information screen providing information about the system, including for example, a short description of the system, a system version identifier, a link to a website regarding the system, and some usage information for the user device, for example, number of photos modified, number of photos shared, etc. The free version of the information screen can also include advertisement space on the information screen. The take picture link104can bring up a camera interface1200to take pictures to be managed by the system. The add photo link106can bring up an add photos interface300to add photos to be managed by the system.

FIG. 2shows an exemplary active system entry interface200for the system after the user has loaded content into the system. The active entry screen200includes a parameter bar202, a content section204, an advertisement section206and a command bar208. The parameter bar202includes one or more parameters of potential interest to the user, for example the number of photos currently managed by the system. The content section204includes photos or other content currently managed by the system. The advertisement section206can be eliminated on a paid version of the system, which provides more screen space for the content section204and/or the command bar208. The command bar208includes icons for one or more commands that can be selected by the user.

In this embodiment, the content section204shows an array of cells240where each cell240contains a thumbnail of a photo or other content managed by the system. The content can be organized and displayed in various other arrangements as would be obvious to those of skill in the art. A check box242in a cell240indicates that the user has selected the content in that cell240. A system icon244in a cell240indicates that the content in that cell240has already been modified by the system. The system icon244can indicate content that has been modified in the current session, or can indicate content that has been modified by the system whether in the current or prior sessions.

In this embodiment, the command bar208provides a modify content icon282, a share content icon284, a launch camera icon286, an add content icon288and a trash or delete content icon290. The modify content icon282can bring up a modify content interface800to modify the content selected in the content section204as indicated by the check box242in the cell240. The share content icon284can bring up a content sharing interface1100to share the content selected in the content section204as indicated by the check box242in the cell240. The launch camera icon286can bring up a camera interface1200to take pictures to be managed by the system. The add content icon288can bring up an add content interface300to add content to be managed by the system. The delete content icon290can delete the content selected in the content section204as indicated by the check box242in the cell240so that that content is no longer managed by the system. The delete content icon290only affects the copies of the selected content being managed by the system, but does not affect the original or other copies of the content that may be stored elsewhere by the user. A confirm window can be brought up when the delete content icon290is selected asking for the user to select “yes” or “no” before actually deleting the copies of the selected content being managed by the system.

The exemplary screens100,200also include device status indicators and controls that are commonly found on a smart phone. These device status indicators and controls may differ based on smart phone manufacturer, operating system, service provider or other factors. Equivalent device status indicators and controls can be implemented in computers and other consumer electronic devices using tool bars, drop down menus, and other interface means know to those of skill in the art. The screens100,200include a status indicators bar210, and device controls that include a home icon212, a menu icon214, a back icon216and a search icon218. The status indicators bar210can include status information for the device, for example active applications, signal level, etc. In general the device controls have the following functions, though they can be programmed to perform different functions depending on the conditions. The home icon212can take the user out of the system application and to a home screen for the device. The menu icon214can bring up an overlay window with commands relevant to the current screen of the system application, for example a settings icon to go to a settings interface (seeFIG. 5) and an information icon to bring up information about the system. The back icon216can take the user back to the prior screen without executing any further actions on the current screen. The search icon218can bring up a search interface relevant to the current application.

FIG. 3shows an exemplary add content interface300that can be reached by selecting the add photos link106on the initial entry screen100or the add content icon288on the active entry screen200. When the add content interface300is displayed, the back icon216can be selected to go back to the initial entry screen100or the active entry screen200depending upon which was the prior screen. The add content interface300includes a content folders or photo albums section302and a command bar304. In a free version of the system, the add content interface300can also include an advertisement section. The photo albums section302includes one or more default and user-defined photo albums. In this instance, the photo albums section302includes a Camera Shots album link322with 230 photos, an All Photos album link324with 14 photos and a My Web Safe Photos album link326. The photo albums section302also includes an album creation link328. By selecting the album creation link328, the user can enter a title for the new album and then control is passed to a select photos interface400where the user can add photos to the new album. The command bar304includes a launch camera icon330that can bring up a camera interface1200to take pictures to be managed by the system.

FIG. 4shows an exemplary select photos or select content interface400that can be reached by selecting one of the photo albums in the photo albums section302of the content interface300. When the photos interface400is displayed, the back icon216can be selected to go back to the add content interface300. The select photos interface400includes a parameter bar402, a photo section404, and a command bar406. In a free version of the system, the select photos interface400can also include an advertisement section. The parameter bar402includes one or more parameters of potential interest to the user, for example the number of photos currently selected by the user. The photo section404includes photos that are managed by the system. The command bar406includes icons for one or more commands that can be selected by the user.

In this embodiment, the photo section404shows an array of cells440where each cell440contains a thumbnail of a photo managed by the system. The photos can be organized and displayed in various other arrangements as would be obvious to those of skill in the art. A check box442in a cell440indicates that the user has selected the photo in that cell440. The number of photos selected in the parameter bar402can be increased or decreased as the user selects or deselects cells440in the photo section404. An unselected cell440can be selected by clicking-on the unselected cell440with a pointing device or tapping on the unselected cell440with a touch screen. A selected cell440can be deselected by clicking-on the selected cell440with a pointing device or tapping on the selected cell440with a touch screen.

The command bar406of the select photos interface400includes an add button420and a cancel button422. When the add button420is selected, the photos selected by the user in the photo section404can be added to the photo album previously selected in the photo albums section302of the add content interface300. When the cancel button422is selected, all of the photos in the photo section404can be deselected and the user can start over selecting photos to add to the photo album previously selected in the photo albums section302of the add photos interface300. Alternatively, when the cancel button422is selected, the system can exit the select photos interface400without adding selected photos to a photo album and return to the add content interface300.

FIG. 5shows an exemplary view photo or view content interface500that can be reached by double tapping a photo in the select photos interface400. The view photo interface500includes a filename502for the photo being displayed and a photo viewer section504where the photo is displayed. The photo viewer section504can include photo viewing functionality, such as zoom and pan. With a touch screen, the next or previous photo in a photo album or photo file can be displayed by touching the photo viewer section504of the screen and swiping left for next photo or right for previous photo. In alternative embodiments, arrows or directional indicators can be placed on the right and left side of the photo viewer section504and the next or previous photo in a photo album or file can be displayed by selecting the appropriate directional indicator. Alternative methods of looking at the next or previous photos or other content will also be known to those of skill in the art.

By selecting the menu icon214, a menu of commands510can be overlaid on the view photo interface500. In this embodiment, the menu of commands510includes a modify photo icon512, a share photo icon514, a photo details icon516, a settings icon518, a delete photo icon520and an info icon522. The modify photo icon512can bring up a modify photo interface800to modify the photo displayed in the photo viewer504. The share photo icon514can bring up a photo sharing interface1100to share the photo displayed in the photo viewer504. The details icon516can display the metadata associated with the photo displayed in the photo viewer504. An exemplary listing of metadata is shown inFIG. 7. The settings icon518can bring up a settings interface600for the system. The delete photo icon520can delete the photo displayed in the photo viewer504. The info icon522can bring up an information screen providing information about the system, including for example, a short description of the system, a system version identifier, a link to a website regarding the system, and some usage information for the user device, for example, number of photos modified, number of photos shared, etc.

FIG. 6shows an exemplary settings interface600that can be reached by selecting the settings icon518of the view photo interface500, or the settings icon displayed when the menu control214is selected on many other screens of the system. The settings interface600includes an Include Author checkbox602, a Taken By field604, a Watermark checkbox606and a manage accounts section608. When the Include Author checkbox602is checked and an entry is made in the Taken By field604, then the entry in the Taken By field604can overwrite the author/artist metadata associated with the content when it is modified by the system. When the Include Author checkbox602is checked and no entry is made in the Taken By field604, then the author/artist metadata associated with the content can be left unmodified by the system. When the Include Author checkbox602is not checked, then the author/artist metadata associated with a photo can be removed from the metadata when it is modified by the system. If the Watermark checkbox606is checked, then a system watermark is included on a photo modified by the system to show that the photo has been modified by the system. If the Watermark checkbox606is not checked, then no system watermark is included on a photo modified by the system. In a free version of the system, the settings interface600can be modified to not display the Watermark checkbox606and to put a system watermark on all photos modified by the free version of the system.

The manage accounts section608of the settings interface600can include a listing of social network and photo sharing websites. This listing of social network and photo sharing websites can be those selected by the user or a default list with functionality to add or remove sites. When a particular site from the manage accounts section608is selected, a social networking/photo sharing interface for that particular site can be displayed. The social networking/photo sharing interface can include an application programming interface for the selected site and a back button (for example the device control216) to return to the settings interface600.

FIG. 7shows an exemplary metadata listing that can be displayed by selecting the details icon516from the menu of commands on the view photo interface500. The metadata listing can include information about a device that took the photo or created the content, the filename of the content, the name of the device that created the content, the date and time the content was created, the GPS data of the location where the content was created, image or file parameters for the content, and additional information associated with the content, or with the device, or with the user creating the content or using the device.

FIG. 8shows an exemplary modify photo interface800that can be reached by selecting a modify photo icon including the modify photo icon282of the active system interface200or the modify photo icon512of the menu of commands510of the view photo interface500. Selecting the back device control216can return the user from the modify photo interface800to the previous screen without executing further commands in the modify photo interface800. The modify photo interface800includes a parameter bar802, a photo section804, an advertisement section806and a command bar808. The parameter bar802includes one or more parameters of potential interest to the user, for example the number of photos currently selected for modification by the user. The photo section804includes photos that are currently managed by the system. The advertisement section806can be eliminated on a paid version of the system, which provides more screen space for the photo section804and/or the command bar808. The command bar808includes icons for one or more commands that can be selected by the user.

In this embodiment, the photo section804shows an array of cells840where each cell840contains a thumbnail of a photo managed by the system or photos in the currently selected photo album. The photos can be organized and displayed in various other arrangements as would be obvious to those of skill in the art. A check box842in a cell840indicates that the user has selected the photo in that cell840for modification. A system icon844in a cell840indicates that the photo in that cell840has already been modified by the system. The system icon844can indicate photos that have been modified in the current session, or can indicate photos that have been modified by the system whether in the current or prior sessions. In this embodiment, the command bar808provides an edit icon882, an all icon884and a delete or remove icon886.

The user can select individual photos for modification by selecting individual cells840, indicated by the check boxes842. Alternatively, the user can select the all icon884to select all of the photos in the photo section804. If all of the photos in the photo section804are currently selected, then selecting the all icon884can deselect all of the photos in the photo section804. The edit icon882can bring up a photo metadata modification interface900to modify the photos that are selected in the photo section804as indicated by the check boxes842in the cells840. The remove icon886can remove the photos that are selected in the photo section804as indicated by the check boxes842in the cells840so that those photos are no longer subject to modification in this session of the modify photo interface800. A confirm window can be brought up when the remove photo icon886is selected asking for the user to select “yes” or “cancel” before actually removing the selected photos. If the user selects “yes” then the photos can be removed and the user returned to the previous screen, and if the user selects “cancel” then the photos can not be removed and the user returned to the previous screen.

FIG. 9shows an exemplary photo metadata modification interface900that can be reached by selecting the edit icon882of the modify photo interface800. The metadata modification interface900includes metadata selection section902and a command bar904. The metadata selection section902includes a Filename field920, an Author field922, a remove date/time checkbox924, a remove location checkbox926and a remove all checkbox928. The command bar904includes an OK button942and a Cancel button944. No actual changes are made to the metadata for the photos selected on the modify photo interface800until the OK button942is selected. When the OK button942is selected then the metadata for the selected photos is modified as determined by the fields and checkboxes in the metadata selection section902. A confirmation window can appear indicating that the metadata was successfully modified for the selected photos, and then the user can be returned to the modify photo interface800with system icons844added to the photos that were modified. When the Cancel button944is selected then the metadata for the selected photos is not modified and the user is returned to the modify photo interface800.

The user can enter a filename in the Filename field920to be associated with all of the photos selected in the photo section804of the modify photo interface800. If only one photo is selected then that photo receives the name entered in the Filename field920. If multiple photos are selected then a numerical suffix can be added to the filenames for each of the photos, for example Vacation—001, Vacation—002, etc. If the Filename field920is left blank, then no change is made to the filename in the metadata. The user can enter an author name in the Author field922to be associated with all of the photos selected in the photo section804of the modify photo interface800. If on the settings screen600, the Include Author checkbox602is checked and an author name was entered in the Taken By field604, then that author name can appear in the Author field922. If the remove date/time checkbox924is checked then the date/time fields are blanked out in the metadata for the selected photos, otherwise no change is made to the date/time in the metadata. If the remove location checkbox926is checked then the location and GPS fields are blanked out in the metadata for the selected photos, otherwise no change is made to the location and GPS fields in the metadata. If the remove all checkbox928is checked then all of the fields are blanked out in the metadata for the selected photos, otherwise no additional fields are changed in the metadata.

FIG. 10shows an exemplary photo sharing or export interface1000that includes a parameter bar1002, a photo section1004and a command bar1008. A free version of the system can also include an advertisement section. The parameter bar1002includes one or more parameters of potential interest to the user, for example the number of photos currently selected for sharing or export. The photo section1004includes photos that are currently managed by the system. The command bar1008includes icons for one or more commands that can be selected by the user.

In this embodiment, the photo section1004shows an array of cells1040where each cell1040contains a thumbnail of a photo managed by the system or photos in the currently selected photo album. The photos can be organized and displayed in various other arrangements as would be obvious to those of skill in the art. A check box1042in a cell1040indicates that the user has selected the photo in that cell1040for modification. A system icon1044in a cell1040indicates that the photo in that cell1040has already been modified by the system. The system icon1044can indicate photos that have been modified in the current session, or can indicate photos that have been modified by the system whether in the current or prior sessions. In this embodiment, the command bar1008provides a share icon1082, an all icon1084and a remove icon1086.

The user can select individual photos for sharing by selecting individual cells1040, indicated by the check boxes1042. Alternatively, the user can select the all icon1084to select all of the photos in the photo section1004. If all of the photos in the photo section1004are currently selected, then selecting the all icon1084can deselect all of the photos in the photo section1004. The share icon1082can bring up a sharing selection interface1100to select the methods for sharing the photos selected in the photo section1004. The remove icon1086can remove the photos that are selected in the photo section1004as indicated by the check boxes1042in the cells1040so that those photos are no longer subject to sharing in this session of the photo sharing interface1000. A confirm window can be brought up when the remove photo icon1086is selected asking for the user to select “yes” or “cancel” before actually removing the selected photos. If the user selects “yes” then the photos are removed and the user is returned to the photo sharing interface1000, and if the user selects “cancel” then the photos are not removed and the user is returned to the photo sharing interface1000.

FIG. 11shows an exemplary sharing selection interface1100for user selection of methods for sharing selected photos. The sharing selection interface1100can be reached in various ways including by selecting the share icon284of the active system entry interface200, selecting the share icon514of the command menu510, or selecting the share icon1082of the photo sharing interface1000. Selecting the back device control216can return the user from the sharing selection interface1100to the photo sharing interface1000. The sharing selection interface1100includes options for the user to select in sharing selected photos. In this embodiment, the options include electronic mail (Email) option1102, multimedia messaging service (MMS) option1104, various social networking and photo sharing website options1106(Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, Picasa, Photobucket, etc.) and other options1108where the user can enter additional social networking and photo sharing websites. The options listed in the sharing selection interface1100can be tailored for a particular device so that unavailable options are not listed. The user can be prompted to select photo file size before sharing, for example small, medium or large.

If the user selects the Email option1102, then the system can open the appropriate electronic mail client on the device, attach the photos and allow the user to enter the e-mail addresses of the intended recipients. If the user selects the MMS option1104, then the system can open the appropriate messaging client on the device, attach the photos and allow the user to enter the phone numbers of the intended recipients. When sending photos using the MMS option1104, the system can automatically reduce the photos to small file size. If the user selects one of the various social networking, photo sharing or other website options1106,1108, then the system can open an Internet browser on the device accessing the user's home page on the selected site and upload the selected photos. The system can include user selectable default profiles to be applied to content based on the method selected for exporting/sharing of the content. After exporting/sending/uploading the selected photos using the selected sharing options, the user can be returned to the sharing selection interface1100. Alternatively, if the device or photo sharing client exits the user from the system, then when the user returns to the system, the system can return to the photo sharing interface1000with the same photos selected for sharing.

FIG. 12shows an exemplary camera interface1200for taking photos. The camera interface1200can be reached in various ways including by selecting the camera icon286of the active system entry interface200, or selecting the camera icon330of the add photos interface300. The camera interface1200includes a photo preview area1202, a pull-down controls menu1204, a zoom function1206and a system return button1208. When the camera takes a photo, it can record exchangeable image file format (EXIF) metadata including location (GPS) data and store with the photos by default. The photo preview area1202can show what the device sees in the lens before taking a photo. The pull-down controls menu1204can pull down controls for the camera, for example exposure, brightness, effects, settings, etc. The zoom function1206can zoom in and out on the subject and this can be shown by the change in the photo preview area1202. The system return button1208or the device back control216can return the user to the system interface screen where the camera was activated adding the captured photo or photos taken while in the camera interface1200.

FIGS. 13-15show another exemplary embodiment of a system and method for controlling and organizing metadata that includes many of the features described above. The system can be designed to integrate within the device operating system settings, content viewer, web browser or stand-alone application for automatically or manually editing metadata in content that is to be shared from the device.

FIG. 13shows a content selection screen1300with options for recording new image and video content. The content selection screen1300includes an array of one or more types of content items including image content items1302, video content items1304and other types of content items1306which can include textual or other types of content. The content items can be selected individually or as a batch. New image content can be created and added to the system by selecting the camera icon1310and new video content can be created and added to the system by selecting the video icon1312.

FIG. 14shows an individual content item1400with selectable overlay indicators1410,1420showing when metadata information is contained or associated with the content item. The first overlay indicator1410can indicate whether the content item1400includes metadata information. The metadata information can include, for example, Exchangeable Image File Format (EXIF), International Press Telecommunications Council (IPTC) and/or Extensible Metadata Platform (XMP) format metadata information. The second overlay indicator1420can indicate whether geolocation metadata is associated with the content item1400. By selecting the overlay indicators1410,1420when they indicate that metadata information is associated with the content item1400, the metadata information of various formats can be displayed for viewing and/or modification by the user. Selecting the second overlay indicator1420when it indicates geolocation metadata is associated with the content item1400can display a map showing the location indicated by the metadata with street address, latitude/longitude/altitude or other geolocation information. When the metadata is displayed by selecting the overlay indicators1410,1420, the system can enable the user to modify fields of the displayed metadata.

Before sharing/exporting selected content, the user can elect to modify or remove the metadata information associated with a content item manually or by using predetermined profiles or both. Manual modification of the metadata information for an individual content item1400can be done when the metadata information is displayed for that content item using the overlay indicators1410,1420. Users can also create any number of customized profiles for metadata modification. These customized metadata profiles can include, for example, a custom location for all shared content, preset taken by information, comments, website address, copyright and other metadata information available in EXIF, IPTC, XMP or other metadata fields. The geolocation, directional and altitude data can also be modified or added manually or by using customized profiles.

FIG. 15illustrates an individual content item1500and its associated metadata. In this example, the content item1500has associated geolocation metadata1510, associated EXIF format metadata1520, associated IPTC format metadata1530and associated XMP format metadata1540. The latitude and longitude data can be modified or added by manipulating a pin1512to a specific location on a map and/or by entering a specific street address1514. The altitude and other geolocation information can also be modified or deleted. Specific EXIF metadata fields1522can be modified or deleted, or a complete removal option1524can be selected to remove all metadata in all fields of the EXIF file1520and/or to delete the entire EXIF file1520. Specific IPTC metadata fields1532can be modified or deleted, or a complete removal option1534can be selected to remove all metadata in all fields of the IPTC file1530and/or to delete the entire IPTC file1530. Specific XMP metadata fields1542can be modified or deleted, or a complete removal option1544can be selected to remove all metadata in all fields of the XMP file1540and/or to delete the entire XMP file1540. A visual watermark1502can be added to the content item1500indicating that associated metadata information has been modified by the system. The visual watermark1502can be an option controllable by the user, and the user can be enabled to customize graphic or text to be used as the watermark1502.

When selected content items are shared/exported, if no modification profile has been selected then the content will be shared with no further metadata modification. A profile can be created to modify specific metadata fields automatically or manually.

A default profile can be selected or created for the system to remove or modify all, or specific metadata fields associated with content items before they are shared. For example, a standard profile for removing all metadata for any shared content can be the default profile option. Other standard profile options can include, but are not limited to, removing geolocation data, removing date and time data, adding or overwriting taken by data and/or adding copyright data. An unlimited number of profiles can be created or selected by the user to be automatically applied to any content that is shared from the device or application, and different profiles can be used for different types of content or in different situations. In other words, once an automatic profile has been selected, it can be applied to all content as it is shared, unless the profile has been set to show a decision prompt when content is shared.

A common use for modifying or adding geolocation metadata as an automatic profile is for sharing artwork and photography on photo sharing and social network sites and automatically providing business address information. Automatic profiles can be created for EXIF, IPTC, XMP or other format metadata that include automatically modifying and removing specific metadata fields, or deleting the entire metadata file and its contents. Geolocation metadata is often stored in EXIF metadata fields, so use of an automatic profile to remove all geolocation data from content as it is shared would include deleting any geolocation metadata in an associated EXIF metadata file. When a profile has been implemented by the system, it will automatically apply to all content items to which it is associated when that content is selected and/or exported and/or shared from the device. For example: text, instant message, email, internet, website, online storage, social network, local storage, file transfer and other methods for transferring digital content.

FIG. 16shows an exemplary profile control flow diagram1600for an embodiment of the metadata control and management system. At block1602the user has selected content to be shared or content for metadata modification using an input mechanism of the system. At block1604, the system determines if there is a profile for the particular situation. If there is an applicable preselected profile for the situation, then at block1606a metadata modification component applies the situation profile to the content and at block1620the content is shared, exported and/or saved with the modified metadata. If there is not an applicable preselected profile for the situation, then control moves to block1608.

At block1608, the metadata modification component determines if there is a profile for the particular content type to be shared. If there is an applicable preselected profile for the content type, then at block1610the metadata modification component applies the content type profile to the content and at block1620the content is shared, exported and/or saved with the modified metadata. If there is not an applicable preselected profile for the content type, then control moves to block1612.

At block1612, the metadata modification component determines if there is a preselected general default profile to be applied to content before it is shared. If there is a preselected general default profile, then at block1614the metadata modification component applies the default profile to the content and at block1620the content is shared, exported and/or saved with the modified metadata. If there is not a preselected general default profile, then control moves to block1616.

At block1616, the metadata modification component allows the user to manually modify the metadata associated with the selected content or to select one or more profiles to be used on the content. At block1618, the metadata modification component applies any user selected profiles to the metadata associated with the content. Then at block1620the content is shared, exported and/or saved with the modified or unmodified metadata.

FIG. 17illustrates an exemplary environment for use of the metadata control and management system. A plurality of electronic devices, including a computer1704and a smart phone1702can communicate with one or more server systems1720. Each of the user devices1702,1704includes input and output mechanisms. For example, input mechanisms can include keyboard, mouse, touch screen, pointing device, etc.; and output mechanisms can include display screen, printer, etc. The server systems1720can be phone system service providers, internet service providers or other types of service providers enabling access to other electronic devices and networks. The smart phone1702stores and creates content1712stored in memory, and the computer1704stores and creates content1714stored in memory. Some of the content1712,1714can contain or be associated with metadata information. The devices1712,1714can share content with one another through the server1720. The server1720can also communicate with wide area networks1730, such as the internet. Other servers, such as the server1740can also communicate with the wide area network1730and with a local device1750. The devices1702,1704and1750can share content through the wide area network1730. The metadata control and management system can be used to control the metadata that accompanies the content shared between these devices. This is only one exemplary environment, and this metadata system can be used in numerous environments known by those of skill in the art.