Image File Management via Link Information and Thumbnails
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in retrieving and managing image files stored on terminals with cameras, as they are often sorted randomly and lack efficient methods for linking and retrieving desired images, especially when numerous files are stored or time has passed since they were taken.
Innovation Solution
An image file managing apparatus and method that includes an imager, display, user interface, and storage, where a controller acquires and links second images to first images based on user input, adding recognized text or image information to link information, allowing for efficient retrieval and display of linked images and their associated information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If image files are stored in order of time with randomly assigned file names, then the storage process is simple and automatic, but the user needs to manually search through numerous image files for a desired image, making retrieval difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically generating thumbnails and organizing images into folders based on date and time before the user needs to search. This pre-organization structure allows users to quickly navigate to specific time periods without manually searching through all images, thus maintaining automatic storage simplicity while improving retrieval ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces thumbnails as an intermediary element between the full-resolution images and the user. Instead of requiring users to search through numerous full-size images, the system presents smaller thumbnail previews that are easier to scan and identify. This intermediary representation significantly reduces the effort required to locate desired images while preserving the original storage structure.
2Quantity of substance
If many image files are stored in the terminal, then the image collection becomes comprehensive, but it becomes difficult to retrieve a desired image file and find out information about a desired image
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the large collection of images into smaller, manageable folders organized by date and time. This segmentation divides the overwhelming number of images into chronological groups, making it easier for users to locate specific images by navigating to the relevant time period rather than searching through the entire collection at once.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates thumbnail copies of the original full-resolution images. These thumbnails serve as simplified representations that are easier to display and search through. When users need to find a specific image, they can quickly scan thumbnails to identify the desired one, then access the full-resolution version, thus improving information accessibility without losing image quality.
3Extent of automation
If images are stored with randomly assigned file names, then the storage process is automated, but users cannot easily find out information about a desired image without manual searching
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary organization by automatically creating folder structures based on date and time information extracted from the images. This pre-organization preserves the automated storage benefit while adding a logical structure that makes image information accessible without manual searching. The system also generates thumbnails in advance, which display visual information about each image.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces thumbnails as an intermediary that provides visual information about each image without requiring users to open or manually search through full-resolution files. These thumbnails serve as information proxies that allow users to quickly identify and locate desired images while maintaining the automated random file naming system.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for effectively managing image files are provided. The apparatus acquires a second image if a link information input signal is input. If a person is recognized from the second image, text information corresponding to the recognized person may be added to link information of a first image. Also, an image of the second image may be added to the link information of the first image.