Image Search System Using Online Learning for User Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image search engines face challenges such as returning a large number of irrelevant results, failing to account for a user's dynamic profile, and relying solely on text labels for classification rather than image features, leading to inefficient searches and missed relevant documents.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for image search that employs on-line learning and a multi-stage procedure to refine search results based on user feedback, using image processing tools to identify and categorize visual features, and computational learning methods to create an updated search algorithm that filters images by similarity to user-defined features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional filtering methods are used for image search, then the search system is simple to operate, but it returns a large number of irrelevant results and fails to adapt to user preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability by continuously updating the user profile based on feedback from search results. The system transitions from static filtering to dynamic learning, where the search algorithm adapts to user preferences in real-time through on-line learning mechanisms that process user interactions and refine search parameters accordingly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-learning by automatically analyzing user feedback and updating its own search algorithm without requiring explicit reconfiguration. The on-line learning mechanism enables the search engine to serve itself by improving its understanding of user preferences through accumulated interaction data, reducing the need for manual parameter adjustment.
2Reliability
If clustering procedures with off-line learning systems are used, then similar images can be grouped together, but the system cannot account for dynamic user profiles and behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where user interactions with search results (clicks, views, selections) are continuously collected and fed back into the on-line learning system. This feedback loop enables the system to update user profiles and refine search algorithms in real-time, ensuring that search results remain relevant while adapting to changing user preferences and behavior patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary clustering of images based on visual features before applying user-specific refinement. This preliminary organization using off-line learning provides a solid foundation that can be quickly adjusted through on-line learning when user feedback becomes available, combining the benefits of both approaches.
3Productivity
If text labels are used for image classification, then the search process is straightforward, but important visual features are overlooked and relevant documents may be missed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges text-based search capabilities with visual feature analysis by integrating both approaches into a unified search system. The system simultaneously processes text labels and visual features, combining their strengths to improve both search efficiency and detection accuracy, ensuring that neither textual nor visual information is overlooked.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from relying solely on text labels to incorporating multiple parameter types including visual features, color histograms, texture descriptors, and spatial relationships. This parameter expansion allows the system to maintain search efficiency while significantly improving the precision of image feature detection and classification.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for image search, the method comprising: receiving an indication regarding at least one feature of at least one image from a collection of images; creating an updated search algorithm according to the indication; and providing an updated collection of images by using the updated search algorithm.


