Dynamic Glyph-Based Search for Image Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for searching digital images and videos, such as categorization by date and time, are inefficient for finding specific images that span multiple dates and times, as they do not allow for easy retrieval of desired content across disparate time frames.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic glyph-based search method is introduced, where generic-search glyphs represent various search types, and refine-search glyphs further define the search criteria, allowing users to generate and modify search strings to efficiently locate images based on content, location, and other criteria, with the ability to save and transmit these strings for later use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If images and videos are categorized by date and time, then organization is improved, but ease of finding specific images spanning multiple dates deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the search process into multiple hierarchical levels: first-level categories (generic-search glyphs representing broad categories like people, places, things), second-level categories (refine-search glyphs for more specific subcategories), and third-level details (specific search criteria). This segmentation allows users to navigate from broad organization to specific findings without being constrained by date-based folder structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces glyphs as intermediary visual elements that mediate between the user and the large collection of media files. These glyphs serve as visual proxies for search categories and criteria, allowing users to construct searches through visual selection rather than navigating through date-based folders or typing text queries. The glyphs act as a bridge that translates user intent into searchable parameters.
2Quantity of substance
If a large number of images and videos are stored, then storage capacity is improved, but difficulty of detecting and measuring specific content increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical navigation methods (clicking through folders, scrolling through lists, typing search queries) with a visual glyph-based selection system. Users interact with visual glyphs representing search categories and criteria, which are then translated into search operations. This substitution reduces the cognitive and physical effort required to search through large media collections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs visual glyphs that can be distinguished by their visual characteristics (such as icons, colors, or graphical representations) to represent different search categories and criteria. These visual elements provide immediate visual feedback and distinction, allowing users to quickly identify and select relevant search parameters without reading text labels or navigating complex menus.
3Ease of manufacture
If date-based folder structure is used, then categorization is improved, but adaptability for different search types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal search interface where the same glyph-based mechanism handles multiple search types (by category, by content, by date, by custom criteria). The system can dynamically adjust the available glyphs and search parameters based on user selection, allowing a single interface to adapt to various search needs without requiring separate folder structures or navigation methods for each search type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic search interface where the available glyphs and search options change based on user interactions. As users select generic-search glyphs, the system dynamically presents relevant refine-search glyphs. This dynamic adaptation allows the interface to evolve during the search process, providing context-appropriate options rather than a static folder structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for a dynamic glyph based search includes an image server. The image server analyzes images to determine the content of an image. The image and data related to the determined content of the image are stored in an image database. A user can access the image server and search images using search glyphs. In response to selection of a generic-search glyph, the image server finds related images in the image database and the images are displayed to the user. In addition, refine-search glyphs are displayed to a user based on the selected generic-search glyph. One or more refine-search glyphs can be selected by a user to further narrow a search to specific people, locations, objects, and other image content.