Image Grouping by Time and Frequency for Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
As image data storage increases, selecting and utilizing stored images becomes cumbersome, leading to a high percentage of unused data, as existing methods fail to efficiently organize and retrieve images based on time and usage patterns.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and program that groups images by photographing time, integrates consecutive groups, calculates photographing frequency, and assigns importance levels based on usage, allowing for easy retrieval and backup of important images by recording group and importance information in metadata.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If image data is stored in large quantities without organization, then storage capacity is utilized, but retrieval efficiency deteriorates and data becomes difficult to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments image data into groups based on photographing time units (e.g., days, weeks, months). Each group contains images photographed within a specific time period, creating a hierarchical structure that divides the large dataset into manageable segments. This segmentation enables efficient retrieval by allowing users to navigate through time-based groups rather than searching through all images individually.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces time information as an additional dimension for organizing image data. By incorporating photographing time as a classification criterion alongside traditional methods, the system creates a multi-dimensional organization structure. This additional dimension enables automated grouping and facilitates retrieval by time period, solving the contradiction between storing large quantities and maintaining ease of access.
2Reliability
If all image data is kept intact without selection, then data integrity is maintained, but data management complexity increases and utilization decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated grouping functionality that performs data organization without requiring manual user intervention. The system automatically analyzes photographing time information, groups images accordingly, and integrates consecutive groups based on predefined criteria. This self-service approach maintains data integrity while reducing management complexity, as the automation handles the organization task that would otherwise require significant user effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary grouping and organization of image data automatically during the storage process. By pre-organizing images into time-based groups and identifying important groups before user retrieval needs arise, the system reduces subsequent management complexity. The automated classification and integration of consecutive groups are performed in advance, so when users need to retrieve or utilize images, the organization work is already complete.
3Productivity
If manual selection and organization of images is performed, then image utilization can be improved, but time consumption and operational burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs automated algorithms that perform image grouping and identification of important groups without user intervention. The system automatically calculates photographing frequencies, identifies groups meeting importance criteria (such as consecutive days with multiple images), and organizes data accordingly. This eliminates the time users would spend on manual selection and organization, directly addressing the contradiction between improving utilization and reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system automatically identifies important image groups based on photographing patterns and provides this information to users. By analyzing photographing frequencies and temporal patterns, the system generates feedback about which groups are important, enabling users to quickly identify and utilize relevant images without manual evaluation of each image or group. This automated feedback loop significantly reduces the time required for image organization and retrieval.
Data Source
AI summary
According to the present invention, groups each of whose number of photographed image data is large and whose photographing dates/times are consecutive are integrated as an important group, so that image data, for example, corresponding to a series of images photographed during event or the like over a few days can be classified into an important group automatically, and a level of importance of the image data can be calculated. Thereby, retrieving of stored images is facilitated and utilization rate of images can be increased.