Color-Based Image Search Using Dominant Color Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in searching for products by color due to missing or incomplete color data in online databases, and existing search functions often limit color-based searching to principal colors, making it difficult to find accurate results, especially when merchants use custom color naming conventions.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using dominant color image analysis to identify primary and secondary colors in product images, which are then used as search parameters to retrieve matching products from databases, allowing for more accurate and comprehensive color-based searching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If color-based search is limited to principal colors only, then search system complexity is reduced, but search accuracy and completeness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments color information into hierarchical levels: principal colors and secondary colors. This segmentation allows the system to process colors at different granularities, improving search accuracy by considering both dominant and secondary colors without overwhelming the search system with excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of color analysis from single-color identification to multi-color identification with dominance ranking. By analyzing images to determine both principal and secondary colors with their respective dominance levels, the system achieves more accurate search results while maintaining manageable complexity through structured parameter organization.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual color labelling is used, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but data completeness and consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automated image analysis that extracts color information directly from product images without requiring manual intervention. The system automatically identifies principal and secondary colors, determines their dominance, and tags product records, eliminating manual labeling errors and incompleteness while maintaining implementation feasibility through automated processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual labeling process with automated image analysis technology. By substituting human operators with computer vision algorithms that analyze product images to extract color information, the system achieves complete and consistent color data tagging without the errors and inconsistencies inherent in manual processes.
3Loss of information
If automated image analysis is implemented, then color data completeness is improved, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing automated color analysis and tagging during product onboarding or image upload, rather than during user search operations. This preliminary processing ensures color data completeness is established upfront, and the results are cached for rapid retrieval during searches, minimizing processing time impact on user experience.
4Adaptability or versatility
If custom merchant color naming is allowed, then product listing flexibility is improved, but search reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal color tagging system that works across all merchants and products regardless of their custom naming conventions. By automatically analyzing images to extract objective color information and applying standardized color tags, the system maintains search reliability while allowing merchants to retain their custom naming in product titles and descriptions for listing flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Computer-implemented methods and systems for colour-based image tagging and colour-based searching. The method may include identifying, using image analysis, one or more dominant colours of a product based on an image of the product and receiving selection of at least one of the one or more dominant colours. In response to receiving the selection of the at least one of the one or more dominant colours, a search for products matching the at least one of the one or more dominant colours may be initiated to obtain one or more results of the searching, the one or more results including at least one product matching the at least one of the one or more dominant colours.