Facial Recognition Image Sharing Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The traditional approach to sharing group digital images is lengthy and inconvenient for both the subjects and bystanders, as each person typically needs to take their own photos and manually distribute copies, which can be time-consuming and unreliable.

Innovation Solution

A computing device, such as a smartphone, uses facial recognition to identify individuals in a group image and automatically share copies with them via their contact information, reducing the need for manual distribution and minimizing disruptions to others.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If each person manually takes and distributes their own photos using multiple cameras, then each subject can possess a digital memorialization of the group scene, but the process becomes lengthy and inconvenient for both subjects and bystanders

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedigital memorialization distributionVSAvoidphoto taking and distribution time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The camera operator's device automatically performs the distribution service without requiring manual intervention from each subject. The system self-identifies subjects through facial recognition, retrieves their contact information, and automatically shares photos, eliminating the need for each person to manually take and distribute photos themselves

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The camera operator's device acts as an intermediary between the photo capture and the subjects' receipt of photos. Instead of each subject needing their own camera, the system uses the operator's device as a central hub that captures photos and automatically distributes them to all subjects through their contact information

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple cameras are used to capture the scene from different positions, then high-quality well-framed photos can be secured, but the time period is significantly lengthened and bystanders are inconvenienced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephoto quality and framingVSAvoidphoto capture efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically performs subject identification and photo distribution without requiring manual repositioning or multiple capture attempts. The facial recognition technology self-adjusts to identify all subjects regardless of positioning, and automatic distribution ensures every subject receives their photos without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary facial recognition and subject identification immediately after photo capture, before distribution begins. Contact information is pre-retrieved and organized, allowing for immediate automatic sharing without delays for manual photo selection or distribution setup

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the group occupies significant space for repeated photo attempts, then adequate positioning can be achieved, but access to walkways and views are blocked and bystanders are inconvenienced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephoto positioningVSAvoidblockage to bystanders
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the photo distribution process into automatic individual tasks handled by the device rather than requiring the entire group to physically position and reposition themselves. Each subject's photo receipt is handled independently through automatic distribution to their contact information, eliminating the need for group repositioning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical camera repositioning and group movement with an automated digital system. Facial recognition and automatic photo distribution eliminate the need for physical repositioning of cameras and subjects, allowing bystanders to move freely without obstruction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Automated sharing of digital images significantly reduces the time and effort required for individuals to receive their copies, while also minimizing inconvenience to bystanders and ensuring that all subjects in a group image can easily obtain their photos.

Implementation Method 1

a camera feature capable of taking a digital image of one or more persons that are the subjects of the digital image

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

The computing device can identify the persons present in the digital image using facial recognition

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFacial recognition: Image Processing

Data Source

PatentUS10200560B2Automated sharing of digital images
Publication Date: 2019.02.05 ADOBE INC
  • US10200560B2 patent drawing
  • US10200560B2 patent drawing
  • US10200560B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Automated sharing of digital images is described. In example implementations, a computing device, such as a smart phone, captures a digital image depicting multiple faces of multiple persons included in the digital image. The computing device is capable of automatically distributing a copy of the digital image to the subjects of the digital image. To do so, a digital image sharing module determines a person identifier using facial detection and recognition. The person identifier, which can be derived from facial characteristics, is used to search a contact information database and find a matching entry. The matching entry includes contact information associated with the person in the digital image. The sharing module transmits a copy of the digital image to the person using the contact information. The digital image sharing module can also display a sharing status indicator indicative of whether the digital image can be, or has been, transmitted automatically.