Image Clustering and Selection for Digital Collection Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in managing and organizing large collections of digital images, making it time-consuming to select and categorize them for printing or sharing, as existing methods lack efficient automated or semi-automated systems for creating organized collections.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing an image management server that processes images from various sources, classifies them into clusters and chapters using statistical analyses and computer vision technologies, and automatically selects and ranks images based on parameters like time, location, and content, allowing for efficient organization and output to various media formats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If images are stored in large quantities in digital collections, then the storage capacity is improved, but the ability to find and select specific images deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large image collection into smaller thematic albums or groups based on automatic analysis of image content, metadata, and user preferences. This segmentation organizes images into manageable categories, making selection easier while preserving the ability to store large quantities of images.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sorting and selection processes with automated computer-based systems that use image recognition, metadata analysis, and algorithms to automatically organize and rank images, significantly improving selection efficiency in large collections.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual selection and organization of images is performed, then the organization quality is improved, but the time and effort required deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service automation where the system automatically analyzes images, extracts metadata, identifies themes, and organizes images into albums without requiring manual user intervention for each image, thereby maintaining high organization quality while minimizing time investment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes manual organizational work with automated computational processes including image recognition algorithms, metadata processing, and intelligent sorting systems that rapidly organize large numbers of images with consistent quality.
3Productivity
If automated image ranking systems are implemented, then the productivity is improved, but the measurement precision of image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional automated ranking system that evaluates multiple image attributes simultaneously (technical quality, aesthetic properties, user preferences, contextual relevance) rather than relying on a single metric, thereby maintaining measurement precision while achieving high processing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses adjustable ranking parameters and weights that can be customized to reflect different quality criteria and user preferences, allowing the automated system to adapt its assessment methodology to maintain precision across diverse image types and applications.
Data Source
AI summary
System and method for creating a collection of images are described, the method comprising: receiving images from at least one source of images; processing the images to produce an output collection of images, the processing comprising grouping the images to clusters of related images and selecting the preferred images in the clusters; and outputting the output collection of images, the output collection of images comprising the clusters of related images and indication of the preferred images in the clusters. The system for creating a collection of images comprising: a storage medium to receive images from at least one source of images; a processor to produce an output collection of images by grouping the images to clusters of related images and selecting the preferred images in the clusters; and a collection output medium for outputting the output collection of images.