Delta Image Compression for Similar Photo Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Storing multiple images with identical or similar pixel data requires significant storage space, as existing methods do not efficiently utilize similarities between images to reduce storage needs.
Innovation Solution
An image controller examines contextual data to identify and group images with similar characteristics, designates one as a reference image, creates delta images representing differences with other images, and compresses both the reference and delta images, reducing storage requirements by storing only the differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple uncompressed images are stored individually, then image quality and completeness are preserved, but storage space consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage of multiple images by identifying groups of images with similar contextual data and spatial-temporal relationships. Instead of storing each image independently, the system divides them into groups where only one representative image is stored in full, and the others are represented by differential data indicating their differences from the representative image.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the storage parameter from storing complete image data for each photograph to storing differential data that represents changes from a reference image. This parameter change allows the system to maintain image reconstruction capability while dramatically reducing storage requirements for images with similar content.
2Quantity of substance
If delta image compression is applied to all images, then storage space is reduced, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by examining contextual data and identifying groups of images with similar characteristics before the compression process. By pre-grouping images based on contextual data such as location, time, and scene description, the system simplifies the subsequent compression process and avoids the need for complex pairwise comparisons between all images.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces contextual data as an intermediary element that facilitates the grouping and compression process. This intermediary data serves as a basis for identifying similar images and determining which images should be compressed using delta encoding, thereby reducing processing complexity compared to analyzing pixel data directly.
3Productivity
If images are grouped by contextual data, then compression efficiency improves, but the complexity of image selection and grouping increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a single contextual data structure that serves multiple functions: identifying similar images, determining grouping relationships, and guiding the compression process. This multi-functional approach to contextual data eliminates the need for separate analysis systems and simplifies the overall grouping complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for image compression are provided. Embodiments include: examining, by an image controller, contextual data of a plurality of uncompressed images; selecting from the plurality of uncompressed images, by the image controller, a group of uncompressed images that have related contextual data; designating, by the image controller, one of the selected images to be a reference image; creating, by the image controller, delta images, each delta image representing differences between the reference image and one of the uncompressed images; and compressing and storing, by the image controller, the reference image and each of the delta images.