Image File Identification via Segmented Contrast Point Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increased availability of digital information has led to rampant theft of copyrighted materials, with existing protection methods failing to effectively identify and deter infringing copies, as they require all copies to include locking mechanisms or timing mechanisms, and do not facilitate the systematic identification of unauthorized files.
Innovation Solution
An image processing and identification system that divides image files into segments, identifies contrast data points, creates identifiers for known and unknown files, and compares these identifiers to assess matches, allowing for rapid comparison and elimination of false positives without visual review.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If digital watermarks or locking mechanisms are included in all copies to protect copyrighted materials, then the protection effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate because every copy must include these mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the identification function from the protected content itself and places it in a separate database of identifiers. Instead of embedding locking mechanisms or watermarks in every copy, the system creates unique identifiers for each authorized copy and stores them centrally, allowing verification without modifying the original work
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary identifier system that mediates between the protected work and the protection mechanism. Rather than directly protecting each copy with watermarks or locks, the system uses identifiers as intermediaries that link authorized copies to the copyright owner's database, enabling verification without embedding complex protection mechanisms in the work itself
2Measurement precision
If manual review of each file is performed to identify infringing copies, then the measurement precision is improved, but the productivity deteriorates due to the time-consuming nature of visual review
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of manual visual review with an automated computer-based identifier comparison system. The system automatically extracts identifiers from files, compares them against the database, and identifies infringements without human intervention, maintaining accuracy while dramatically increasing processing speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary extraction and comparison of identifiers automatically before any manual review is needed. By pre-processing files to extract identifiers and comparing them against the database, the system filters out non-infringing copies, so that only potential matches require manual verification, significantly improving overall productivity
3Reliability
If all copies include locking mechanisms or timing mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access, then the reliability of protection is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because users cannot freely access legitimate copies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for embedding protection mechanisms within each copy by extracting the verification function to a centralized identifier system. Authorized copies can be distributed without watermarks or locks, and verification is performed by checking identifiers against the database, making legitimate access as easy as opening any file while maintaining protection reliability
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a system and method for processing and identifying a first data file, the first data file having set of data points, wherein each data point is defined by an x,y coordinate and has a value corresponding to the lightness or darkness of the data resident at the data point, comprising: dividing the first data file into segments; identifying the coordinates of at least one contrast point for each segment; creating a first set of identifiers for the data file, creating a second set of identifiers for a second data file, comparing at least one identifier of the first data file to the corresponding identifier in the second data file; and assessing whether at least a portion of the second data file matches at least a portion of the first data file.