Mobile Image Annotation Workflow for Design Task Sync

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing design management software requires users to manually transfer images from mobile devices to desktops for upload and annotation, which disrupts the workflow and lacks integrated solutions for real-time collaboration and task management, leading to inefficiencies in the process.

Innovation Solution

A mobile application for smartphones or other client devices) to be uploaded to a design management system from the mobile device, which allows a user to capture images, add annotations, and assign tasks directly from the mobile device, synchronizing these changes with a design management system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If images are captured with a camera while a user is away from their desk, then the user can document discussions at the location, but the user must return to their desk to transfer and upload the images, which disrupts the workflow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage documentationVSAvoidworkflow disruption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical process of physically transferring images from camera to desktop computer with a wireless electronic transmission system. The mobile device automatically uploads images to the design management system via wireless network, eliminating the need for physical connection and manual transfer steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by allowing the mobile device to automatically upload images and synchronize data with the design management system without requiring user intervention at the desktop computer. The workflow becomes autonomous, with the system handling the transfer process independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Extent of automation

If images are uploaded to a design management system from a desktop computer, then the images can be managed centrally, but the process requires multiple steps including transferring from camera, uploading, and adding annotations separately

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecentralized image managementVSAvoidprocess complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate functions into a single integrated mobile application: image capture, annotation, and upload to the design management system are all performed through one unified interface on the mobile device, eliminating the need for separate desktop operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile device serves multiple functions simultaneously - it acts as a camera for capturing images, an annotation tool for adding marks and notes, and a communication device for uploading data to the design management system, replacing the need for multiple specialized devices and processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If mark-up annotations are added to images using a separate mark-up application on desktop, then the annotations can be detailed and precise, but the image must be opened, annotated, and saved back to desktop before upload, which adds time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveannotation precisionVSAvoidannotation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the desktop-based mark-up application process with a mobile-based annotation system that integrates directly into the image capture workflow. Annotations are added on the mobile device itself, eliminating the need to transfer images to desktop for marking up.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs annotations in advance during the mobile device usage, before the upload process. By completing the annotation step while still at the location, the user prepares the complete package (image + annotations) for immediate upload, avoiding later delays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of manufacture

If users return to their desk to transfer and upload images, then the images can be processed in the design management system, but the workflow interruption reduces productivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage processing capabilityVSAvoidworkflow efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical workflow of returning to the desk with wireless electronic transmission. The mobile device communicates directly with the design management system via network, allowing users to remain at the location and maintain workflow continuity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless network acts as an intermediary between the mobile device and the design management system, enabling direct communication and data transfer without requiring physical presence at the desktop computer. This intermediary facilitates seamless integration between mobile capture and centralized management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20260006416A1Mobile App for Design Management Framework

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 CENTRIC SOFTWARE INC

AI summary

Software allows images captured during product development on a mobile device (e.g., smartphone or other client device) to be uploaded to a design management system from the mobile device. Mark-up annotations and comments can be added to the images at the mobile device. Assignment of tasks related to the images can be made from the mobile device.