Image Clustering on Map Background for Navigation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information processing systems lack the ability to efficiently organize and render images in relation to their capture locations on a map, making it difficult to view and navigate large collections of images based on geographical and user-defined criteria.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus that includes content storage, background-image storage, attribute-information storage, classification means, and rendering means to cluster images based on attribute information and render them on a map, allowing for organized display and navigation of images by location, event, or user-defined categories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If images are displayed individually on a map, then each image can be viewed in detail, but it becomes difficult to view and navigate large collections of images efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large collection of images into multiple clusters based on their geographical locations. Each cluster represents a group of images captured within a specific area, allowing users to navigate through organized groups rather than individual images scattered across the map.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple images into cluster icons displayed on the map. Each cluster icon represents multiple images captured in proximity, enabling users to view collections of images as unified groups while maintaining the ability to access individual images within each cluster.
2Adaptability or versatility
If images are organized by capture location, then geographical context is preserved, but user-defined categories such as events or subjects cannot be efficiently organized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal classification system that can organize images by multiple criteria including geographical location, user-defined events, subjects, and other custom categories. The same clustering mechanism adapts to different organization needs without requiring separate systems for each classification type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic classification system where clusters can be formed and reorganized based on different criteria. Users can switch between geographical clustering and custom category clustering, and the system dynamically adjusts the cluster formation according to the selected organization method.
3Loss of information
If all images are rendered at once, then complete information is available, but system performance and user experience deteriorate due to information overload
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and displays only the essential information at the cluster level on the map, such as the number of images in each cluster and representative thumbnails. Detailed information about individual images is extracted and displayed only when users interact with specific clusters, reducing initial information overload while preserving access to complete information.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a content storage unit storing a plurality of pieces of content; a background-image storage unit storing a background image corresponding to the plurality of pieces of content stored in the content storage unit; an attribute-information storage unit storing attribute information for each of the plurality of pieces of content in association with the plurality of pieces of content, the attribute information including a corresponding position in the background image; a classification unit classifying the plurality of pieces of content into one or more clusters on the basis of the attribute information; and a rendering unit rendering images indicating the classified pieces of content in a predetermined order on a cluster-by-cluster basis and rendering an area of the background image, the area including the corresponding position included in the attribute information of content corresponding to at least one of the images rendered.