Automatic Digital Image Curation via Quality Ranking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face challenges in curating large collections of digital images due to the difficulty in identifying and selecting high-quality images based on technical specifications and visual appeal, with existing methods failing to efficiently differentiate between good and bad images.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method and system for automatic curation of digital images, which selects duplicate images, calculates an image quality score based on content and metadata, and associates a ranking with each image, allowing for the identification and sharing of high-quality images while providing options for hypothetical adjustments to improve image quality scores.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If users manually curate digital images based on technical specifications and visual appeal, then image quality selection accuracy is improved, but time consumption and labor effort increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage quality selection accuracyVSAvoidtime consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic self-curation of digital images by using machine learning models to evaluate image quality and generate rankings without requiring manual user intervention for each evaluation. The system processes images autonomously based on learned patterns from training data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical image selection processes with automated computational systems that use neural networks and machine learning algorithms to evaluate and rank images, substituting human cognitive processing with automated digital systems.

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

2Ease of operation

If existing image evaluation methods are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but ability to differentiate between good and bad images deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidimage differentiation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where users can provide feedback on image quality assessments, and this feedback is used to retrain and refine the machine learning models, continuously improving the system's ability to differentiate between good and bad images while maintaining ease of use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters of image evaluation by introducing multiple quality dimensions and weighted scoring mechanisms that allow the system to adapt to different user preferences and image types, improving differentiation capability while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If automatic image curation is implemented, then productivity is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage curation efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the complex image curation task into distinct modules: image processing, quality evaluation, ranking generation, and user interface presentation. Each module handles a specific function independently, making the overall complex system more manageable and maintainable while achieving high productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9690980B2Automatic curation of digital images
Publication Date: 2017.06.27 GOOGLE LLC
  • US9690980B2 patent drawing
  • US9690980B2 patent drawing
  • US9690980B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The disclosed subject matter relates to computer implemented methods for automatic curation of digital images. In one aspect, the method includes selecting one of every two or more duplicate digital images of a plurality of digital images. The method further includes calculating an image quality score for each of the selected digital images. The method further includes associating a ranking with each of the selected digital images based on its respective calculated image quality score.