Cross-Device Image Classification via PTP and MTP Protocol Merging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current image classification technologies on mobile devices do not allow users to view or save intelligent classification information on other devices, leading to poor user experience when searching for images across different devices.

Innovation Solution

An image classification method and device that uses a combination of picture transfer protocol (PTP) and media transfer protocol (MTP) to enable intelligent classification information to be shared and displayed across devices, allowing users to view and manage images in a folder structure, with the ability to search, preview, and copy images efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If image classification is implemented only on the mobile phone, then the mobile phone can display intelligent classification information, but the user cannot view or save the classification information on other devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage classification viewingVSAvoidcross-device access
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the mobile phone to function as both a PTP device and an MTP device, allowing it to be accessed by different types of electronic devices (computers, tablets, etc.). By supporting multiple protocols simultaneously, the system achieves cross-device compatibility and allows users to view intelligent classification information on various devices, not just the mobile phone itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Quantity of substance

If intelligent classification information is not saved as physical folders, then storage space is conserved, but the user experience deteriorates when searching for images

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage spaceVSAvoidimage searching efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual folder structure that copies the logical organization of intelligent classification information without physically duplicating image data. The virtual folders present a folder-like interface to users for efficient browsing and searching, while the underlying storage maintains compact formats. This allows users to navigate classified images through a familiar folder hierarchy without the storage overhead of physical folder copies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Ease of operation

If PTP protocol is used for data transfer, then image transfer functionality is provided, but intelligent classification information cannot be properly accessed on connected devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transfer capabilityVSAvoidclassification information accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges PTP and MTP protocols within the same mobile phone system. The PTP protocol handles traditional image transfer operations, while the MTP protocol enables intelligent classification information to be properly exposed and accessed on connected devices. By combining both protocols, the system maintains backward compatibility for image transfer while adding the capability to share classification metadata and virtual folder structures with modern devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3886416B1Image classification method and electronic device
Publication Date: 2024.07.03 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3886416B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3886416B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3886416B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

This application provides an image classification method and an electronic device. The image classification method includes: detecting, by a first electronic device, a connection to a second electronic device; allowing, by the first electronic device, a data access request of the second electronic device; sending, by the second electronic device, request information to the first electronic device, where the request information is used to request information about an image in one or more image sets, and each of the one or more image sets is obtained by the first electronic device by classifying images shot by a camera of the first electronic device; sending, by the first electronic device, response information to the second electronic device; and displaying, by the second electronic device, information about each image set by using a display. The image classification method in embodiments of this application helps improve user experience.