Location-Based Image Search Using Character-Position Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image search technologies using GPS-enabled cameras can only utilize position information for map applications, limiting the effective use of image data with added position information.
Innovation Solution
A search apparatus and method that inputs character string information, retrieves corresponding position information, and performs searches using this information to output relevant image data, allowing for more accurate and intuitive searches based on geographic locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If position information is added to image data for map applications, then the usability for map applications is improved, but the versatility for other search applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling position information to serve multiple functions: it works for map applications (original function) and simultaneously enables location-based image searches (new function). The search apparatus uses the position information embedded in image data to perform both map-related operations and general image searches based on geographic locations, making the position information multi-functional and increasing overall system versatility.
2Device complexity
If character string search is performed without position information, then the search system is simple, but the search accuracy for location-related images deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-adding position information to image data during the image capture or storage phase. This position information is prepared in advance and stored alongside the image data, so that when a search is performed, the system can immediately use this pre-prepared position information without needing to perform complex real-time geolocation analysis, thus improving search accuracy while maintaining relative simplicity.
3Productivity
If position information is used as additional information in search object information, then the effectiveness of image data with position information is improved, but the complexity of data structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a character string/position correspondence information table as a mediator. This table stores the relationships between character strings (location names) and their corresponding position information (coordinates). When searching, the system uses this intermediary table to translate between user-friendly character string searches and the actual position information stored in image data, thereby improving search effectiveness without requiring users or systems to directly handle complex coordinate data structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A search apparatus includes the following elements. A provisional search condition inputting unit inputs character string information as a provisional search condition. A character string/position correspondence information holding unit holds character string/position correspondence information including a correspondence between character string information and position information. A position information obtaining unit obtains position information corresponding to the character string information input as the provisional search condition from the character string/position correspondence information. A search object information storage unit stores search object information with additional information including at least position information. A searching unit performs a search for the position information of the search object information stored in the search object information storage means using the position information obtained by the position information obtaining unit as an actual search condition, and outputs search object information having the found position information as a search result satisfying the provisional search condition.