Image Search System Using Characteristic Extraction for Product Discovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional search systems require users to input text data or select targets from pre-prepared images, making it difficult for users to find desired products when they only have image information and not the name or characteristics of the product.
Innovation Solution
A search supporting system that uses image data to acquire product image data with similar characteristics, allowing users to find products even when the name is unknown, by comparing image characteristics information and outputting information on alternative products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users input text data or select from pre-prepared images to search for products, then the search system can process queries efficiently, but users cannot search for products when they only have image information and not the name or characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical interaction of text input and image selection with an optical/image-based search mechanism. Users can upload or capture product images directly, and the system processes these images to find matching products, eliminating the need for text input or browsing through pre-prepared image galleries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces image characteristics information as an intermediary between the user's product image and the database products. The search portion extracts characteristics from the uploaded image, compares them with stored product characteristics, and retrieves matching products, serving as a bridge between visual input and database querying.
2Measurement precision
If the system only returns exact match products, then search precision is high, but users cannot discover alternative or similar products they might be interested in
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial matching by comparing image characteristics information rather than requiring exact matches. The search portion retrieves products whose characteristics are similar to or partially match the query image, allowing users to find alternative products that capture the essence of their search intent without being limited to exact duplicates.
3Measurement precision
If the system processes and stores detailed image characteristics information for all products, then image-based search accuracy improves, but the database size and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential image characteristics information needed for search purposes rather than storing complete image data. The search portion extracts relevant features from uploaded images and compares these extracted characteristics with stored product characteristics, reducing the complexity of database storage and processing while maintaining search accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
In a database, product image data is accumulated. A search portion acquires product image data having the image characteristics information that is the same as or similar to the image characteristics information that indicates the characteristics of the image of input image data from the database for the input image data. A search server outputs information on another product that is different from the product corresponding to the product image data together with the product image data acquired by the search portion.