Image Search Engine with Third-Party Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current content-based image retrieval (CIBR) methods are limited in functionality, often misidentify objects, and lack third-party contact or promotional opportunities, relying primarily on computer vision without human input, leading to unreliable results.
Innovation Solution
An interactive image-based search system using an optical sensor on a mobile device to capture item representations, uploading them to a networked database, where third parties can access and contact users directly via electronic messages, enabling human input and facilitating transactions between consumers and businesses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If content-based image retrieval uses automated computer vision analysis of colors, sizes, shapes, and textures, then searching efficiency is improved, but identification reliability deteriorates due to misidentification of many articles of manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a human intermediary (third party) between the automated image search system and the final identification result. The system automatically contacts third parties who receive image queries, and these third parties provide human verification and confirmation of item identity, thereby improving reliability while maintaining automated search efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where third parties receive automated contact with image queries, provide responses confirming or correcting identifications, and this feedback is used to improve the accuracy and reliability of future search results
2Measurement precision
If current CIBR systems return images with similar visual patterns, then visual matching capability is improved, but functional relevance deteriorates as results are associated with completely separate objects or classes
Solution Approach 1:
Human third parties act as intermediaries who verify that visually similar images are functionally relevant to the user's query, filtering out false positives where visual patterns match but functional relevance is absent
3Device complexity
If automated image search systems operate without human input, then system complexity is reduced, but ability to facilitate third party contact and transactions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system performs self-service functions (capturing images, processing queries, contacting third parties) while enabling human third parties to provide additional services (verification, transaction facilitation) when needed, combining automation with human capability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system provides reliable, efficient, and cost-effective image-based searching that connects consumers with businesses, allowing for targeted promotions and expedited transactions, while preventing unwanted solicitations and offering competitive offers, thus saving time and money.
Implementation Method 1
a user with an electronic mobile device having an optical sensor configured to capture a representation of an item
Data Source
AI summary
An image based consumer to business search engine is described and taught. The consumer can take a video or capture an image of an item and upload to the search engine along with an optional textual description. The returned search results are automatically contacted via email with the search information. The third party vendor can then, through a variety of channels, contact the consumer with information specific to the item, giving the consumer ample opportunity to make an informed purchasing decision. Once the consumer has decided the query is no longer necessary, the query is terminated and the offers cease. Alternatively, the search results may be presented by an analytical algorithm that mines the textual description and image(s) for data to compare to existing products and vendors to create matches for the consumer.