Image Search System with Steganography and Vector Indexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image search services are inaccurate and inefficient in identifying image ownership and licensing metadata, leading to unchecked infringement and difficulties in purchasing licenses due to the lack of comprehensive databases and effective search algorithms.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for storing and identifying images using a new image storage method that indexes unique features as vectors, employs advanced algorithms for filtering and similarity identification, and integrates a browser plug-in for easy access to image information and licensing options, facilitating real-time detection of infringement and licensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional image search services use only keywords and metadata to identify images, then the search process is simple and fast, but the accuracy of image ownership identification deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments image identification into multiple components: visual feature extraction (color histograms, edge detection, texture analysis), metadata analysis, and ownership database matching. This multi-layered segmentation allows the system to maintain speed through efficient feature extraction while improving accuracy through comprehensive multi-criteria matching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal image search system that handles multiple types of images (stock photos, user uploads, copyrighted material) and multiple identification methods (visual features, metadata, reverse image search) within a single platform. This multi-functionality enables accurate ownership identification across diverse image types while maintaining a unified search interface.
2Reliability
If image owners manually scour the Internet to detect infringement, then they can identify unlicensed use, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service infringement detection by enabling image owners to upload their work to the platform with automatic registration of ownership metadata. The system then automatically monitors for unauthorized use through reverse image search and visual feature matching, eliminating the need for manual monitoring while providing reliable infringement detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors image usage, compares detected images against the ownership database, and notifies owners of potential infringements. This automated feedback loop provides reliable infringement detection without requiring time investment from owners, as the system proactively identifies and reports unauthorized use.
3Ease of operation
If users cannot determine ownership of images online, then they can freely use images, but the accuracy of licensing information deteriorates and infringement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-registering image ownership information, licensing terms, and visual features in a comprehensive database before users need to search. When users perform reverse image search or upload images for licensing, the system instantly matches against this pre-prepared database, providing accurate ownership identification without requiring users to manually investigate multiple sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary licensing platform that mediates between image owners and users. The system acts as a trusted intermediary by verifying ownership through multiple methods (metadata analysis, visual feature matching, database verification) and providing certified licensing information. This intermediary role ensures accurate ownership identification while simplifying the licensing process for users through a single-point interface.
Data Source
AI summary
An online image search and marketplace platform and browser plug-in system is described. The system is configured to execute image-based searches of the Internet to correlate hosted images with ownership and licensing metadata, facilitating the marketing of images to users and expediting the purchase of licensing for said images. The system employs an online platform in communication with an image metadata database, providing a conduit for users to execute an image search from an image search field populated by a target image URL or direct image upload. An auto-cropping feature combined with extensive steganography integration ensures accurate image identification, ownership mapping, and usage tracking. The browser plug-in facilitates the execution of an image search within the right-click menu of any image hosted to the Internet. Image tracking enables content owners to be alerted in real-time when unlicensed use of content is detected.