Server-Based Image Annotation System with Customizable Flags
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for image annotation are time-consuming, prone to mistakes, and lack flexibility, especially when multiple users need to collaborate and share image information, as they require manual addition of notes and markers, which can be difficult to modify and may not be easily distributed to all relevant parties.
Innovation Solution
A cross-platform server-based application that allows users to capture, organize, and share images through 'Photo Sets' with customizable 'Flags' for annotating specific areas, enabling real-time collaboration, easy modification, and distribution, using a database to store annotations and permissions for access control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual addition of notes and markers is used in traditional image annotation methods, then the system is simple to implement, but the process becomes time-consuming and prone to mistakes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses digital copies of images that can be annotated without affecting the original. The system creates a digital representation of the image and allows multiple users to add annotations, markers, and notes to this digital copy, eliminating the need for manual physical annotation processes and enabling faster, more accurate documentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical annotation processes with digital systems. Instead of physically marking images, users interact with a digital interface to add annotations, markers, and notes. The system automatically manages the annotation layers and can distribute updated images to multiple users, eliminating time-consuming manual operations.
2Ease of operation
If notes and markers are added manually to images, then the annotation process is straightforward, but the annotations become part of the image and cannot be modified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the image from its annotations by using multiple transparent layers. The original image remains on one layer, while annotations, markers, and notes are placed on separate editable layers above it. This segmentation allows users to modify, remove, or adjust annotations independently without affecting the original image, providing flexibility and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic annotation system where annotations exist as separate, editable elements rather than static parts of the image. Users can dynamically add, modify, or remove annotations at any time, and the system automatically updates all copies of the annotated image, ensuring annotations remain flexible and adaptable throughout the workflow.
3Device complexity
If traditional image annotation methods are used, then the system requires minimal technology, but third parties cannot easily collaborate or review image history
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal platform that supports multiple functions: image capture, annotation, collaboration, and distribution. The system allows multiple users to access, annotate, and review images simultaneously, with automatic notification and update distribution. This multi-functional system improves collaboration efficiency while maintaining reasonable technical complexity through web-based accessibility.
4Loss of information
If users manually review image history and markers, then the system maintains full information, but the review process becomes time-consuming and may reveal incomplete aspects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system automatically tracks all annotations, markers, and comments added to images. When users view an image, the system provides immediate feedback showing the complete history of changes, who made them, and when they were added. This automated feedback eliminates the need for manual review of extensive histories while ensuring complete information is always available.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a server-based system allowing users to utilize photo-based documentation to capture, organize, annotate, and share collections of photographs and images. Photos and images are added to a Photo Set. Photo Sets belong to Teams. Teams have users with memberships. Each Photo Set also has membership groups consisting of users. Each membership group may have common and unique permissions that differ from other groups. Photos and images may be flagged and annotated to bring attention to specific portions of the photo or image. Photo Sets are stored and managed from a central server. When a user updates a Photo Set, the updates are sent to other members of the Photo Set. Users may use a mobile application on a smartphone or tablet to capture an image and add flags before the image is uploaded to the server. Typical camera images may also be captured, annotated, and uploaded from a personal computer. Standard flags or a combination of standard and custom flags may be used.