Scanned Image Orientation and Date Extraction via Index Print Thumbnails
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the orientation and capture date of scanned hardcopy images are inadequate, as they often rely on specific features like human figures, faces, or sky detection, which are not present in all images, leading to incorrect orientation and lack of metadata for organization.
Innovation Solution
A method involving scanning index prints to extract thumbnail images, determining their capture date, and associating this date with the corresponding digital images, which are then stored with the correct orientation using metadata derived from both image and non-image surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If face detection or sky detection methods are used to determine image orientation, then orientation can be determined for images containing these features, but the method fails for images without faces or sky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses index prints as a universal reference that can be applied to all images from the same photofinishing order, regardless of their content. The index print contains orientation information that serves all subsequent images, making the solution universally applicable across different image types without requiring specific features in each individual image.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs orientation determination on the index print first, before processing individual images. This preliminary action establishes the correct orientation for the entire photofinishing order, allowing subsequent images to be oriented correctly without requiring feature detection in each image.
2Measurement precision
If statistical estimation based on entire image sets is used to determine orientation, then orientation can be derived for large collections, but the method cannot be applied to single images or small sets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts orientation information from the index print, which contains metadata about the entire photofinishing order. This extraction approach obtains orientation data without requiring analysis of multiple individual images, effectively reducing the problem from needing many images to needing only one index print.
3Reliability
If manual sorting and organization of physical prints is performed, then chronological organization can be achieved, but significant time and effort are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables automatic extraction of capture dates from index prints and automatic association of these dates with corresponding images. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual sorting by the user, while still achieving accurate chronological organization through automated metadata extraction and processing.
4Productivity
If images are scanned without correct orientation metadata, then digital conversion is completed, but the images are stored in wrong orientation requiring manual correction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent determines the correct orientation from the index print before scanning and storing individual images. This preliminary determination of orientation metadata ensures that images are stored with correct orientation information, eliminating the need for later manual correction while maintaining efficient scanning productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of determining the image capture date of scanned hardcopy medium, includes scanning hardcopy medium that includes at least one index print(s) to produce scanned digital images; detecting one or more index prints from among the scanned digital images; identifying thumbnail images contained within the one or more index prints; determining an image capture date for each index print and associating the image capture date with the thumbnail image(s) contained within that index print; matching a scanned digital image to a thumbnail image from the one or more index prints; associating the date from the thumbnail image to the scanned digital image that matches the thumbnail image; and storing the date in association with the scanned digital image that matches the thumbnail image.