Image Sorting Rule Generation for Specific and Non-Specific Photos

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image sorting methods require users to manually generate complex allocation rules for sorting out specific and non-specific images, which is burdensome.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus and method that automates the generation of transmission rules for sorting images into different storage destinations based on object categories and conditions, allowing users to easily associate rules with external services.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If users manually generate allocation rules for sorting out specific and non-specific images, then precise control over image sorting is achieved, but user burden and operation complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser burdenVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically generates the second allocation rule (for non-specific images) based on the first allocation rule (for specific images) without requiring user intervention. The image processing apparatus autonomously identifies that images not matching the first rule should be routed to external storage B, eliminating the need for users to manually create complementary rules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-defines the relationship between specific and non-specific images before the user needs to sort them. When the user creates an allocation rule for specific images, the system proactively generates the corresponding rule for non-specific images in advance, so that both rules are ready when sorting is needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If users generate multiple allocation rules for different image categories, then comprehensive image sorting coverage is achieved, but the number of rules and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage sorting coverageVSAvoidnumber of rules
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the function of creating multiple allocation rules into a single automated process. Instead of requiring users to separately create rules for specific images and non-specific images, the system combines these into one unified rule generation process where creating one rule automatically produces the complementary rule.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The allocation rule system is designed to handle both specific and non-specific image sorting through a universal mechanism. The same rule generation interface and processing logic can create rules for any image category (specific or non-specific), making the system versatile without requiring separate specialized processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If users designate multiple conditions one by one for allocation rules, then precise image classification is achieved, but time consumption and productivity decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage classification precisionVSAvoidrule generation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-processes and analyzes the first allocation rule to automatically derive the second allocation rule conditions. Instead of requiring users to manually specify each condition for non-specific images, the system has already prepared the complementary conditions based on the first rule, enabling rapid rule creation while maintaining precise classification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4700606A1Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 CANON KK
  • EP4700606A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP4700606A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4700606A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An information processing apparatus (101) includes a management unit (121) configured to manage images of a user; a sort unit (125) configured to sort out, from the managed images, an image that matches a rule selected by the user; and a display control unit (122) configured to display a first setting screen for the user to select the rule, wherein the first setting screen (1100) includes, as the rule, a first rule generated by the user and a second rule for sorting out an image that does not match the first rule (S1303).