Image File Retouching Metadata Linking for Original and Edited Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Digital photographing apparatuses fail to allow users to accurately compare original and retouched images as they are stored and displayed separately, lacking a mechanism to link or display information about related image files.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that store information about retouched image files within the original image files, enabling the display of retouched image file details alongside the original images, including the number and identification of retouched files, allowing for easy comparison and management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If retouched images are stored as separate image files with different file names, then the storage medium can organize images systematically, but the user cannot accurately compare original and retouched images as they are not sequentially displayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds retouched image file information (including file names and sequential order) directly within the original image file's metadata. This nesting approach allows the system to maintain separate physical storage of retouched images while logically linking them to originals, enabling both systematic organization and easy comparison through sequential display based on embedded information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces metadata as an intermediary layer between original and retouched images. This metadata contains retouched image file information that acts as a bridge, allowing the display device to retrieve and show retouched images in sequence with their corresponding originals without requiring the images to be physically adjacent or named sequentially.
2Ease of manufacture
If retouched images are stored with separate file names, then file management is simplified, but the user cannot easily detect information about related image files
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests retouched image file information directly within the original image file's metadata structure. This allows related file information to be preserved and easily accessible without complicating the external file management system, as the linking information is embedded where it can be automatically processed without user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The metadata structure serves multiple functions: it stores retouched image file names, maintains sequential order information, and enables both file management and information retrieval. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate indexing systems while preserving all necessary related file information.
3Adaptability or versatility
If retouched images are stored as separate files, then image processing flexibility is improved, but the sequential display of original and retouched images is lost
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting retouched image file information within original image files, the system maintains the flexibility of separate file storage and processing while enabling efficient sequential display. The embedded information allows the display device to automatically retrieve and show retouched images in the correct sequence without manual intervention, thus improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by embedding retouched image file information in the original image files during the retouching process. This advance preparation ensures that when images are displayed, the sequential relationship is already established, eliminating the need for complex real-time lookups or manual pairing during display operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an improved apparatus and method for display of retouched images. The apparatus includes a storage medium, a display unit, and an image file retouch unit. The storage medium stores a plurality of image files, including both original and retouched images. When an image is retouched, the image file retouch unit stores the retouched image and modifies the original image file to include information about the retouched image (such as name or storage location). The display unit may then display both the original image and any retouched images associated therewith.