Automated Image Processing System for Catalog Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for automated data processing, particularly in scenarios where images need to be standardized for product catalogs, are inefficient due to manual adjustments and hard-coded software routines that are time-consuming, expensive, and prone to errors, especially when executed continuously over long periods.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that execute project definitions in a computer system to process data, including source, branch, and destination modules, which automate image processing tasks such as resizing, superimposing text, and formatting, allowing for automated and rapid processing of multiple images with reduced costs and errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustments are used for image processing, then image quality can be maintained, but processing time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automated self-adjustment of images through executable project definitions that automatically resize, recolor, and format images without requiring manual intervention. The computer executes stored project definitions to process images autonomously, eliminating the need for graphic artists while maintaining consistent quality standards.
2Productivity
If hard-coded software routines are used for automated image processing, then processing speed increases, but flexibility decreases and errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamically loadable project definitions that can be modified and executed without recompiling the entire software system. Project definitions are stored in executable form and can be loaded, modified, and re-executed to adapt to changing image processing requirements, providing both speed and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The image processing system is divided into separate, modular project definitions that can be independently created, stored, and executed. Each project definition represents a discrete processing task that can be selected and executed based on specific needs, allowing the system to be highly adaptable while maintaining efficient automated processing.
3Productivity
If automated processing is executed continuously over long periods, then efficiency is optimized, but reliability decreases due to undetected bugs
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates monitoring that tracks the execution of project definitions and can detect when processing results deviate from expected outcomes. This feedback mechanism allows the system to identify potential bugs or errors during continuous operation and take corrective action, maintaining reliability while preserving the benefits of continuous automated processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A number of items of data from a data source (12) can be processed and supplied to a data destination (16, 17). The data may include image data, text data, numeric data or other types of data, or combination of these types of data. The processing of the data is controlled by a project definition (14, 71, 101), which includes a plurality of modules selected from a variety of available modules (Tables 1-4). The modules have input and output ports which are interrelated by binding information. Capability is provided for automated detection and resolution of certain types of problems that may arise during automated data processing, including progressively inefficient use of memory, as well as development of an abnormal processing situation in which no meaningful data processing is taking place.