Neural Network Image Retrieval System Using Output Value Comparison

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image retrieval systems face challenges in achieving high-accuracy and fast image retrieval, particularly in handling shape changes in images and efficiently processing large datasets.

Innovation Solution

An image retrieval system utilizing a neural network with a convolutional layer and a pooling layer, which compares output values from these layers for query and database image data to extract and rank images with high correspondence, enabling efficient and accurate retrieval.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If feature-based matching is used to extract feature points from images, then image retrieval accuracy can be improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage retrieval accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical feature extraction methods with a neural network-based system. The neural network automatically learns and extracts meaningful features from images, eliminating the need for manual feature point extraction algorithms. This substitution enables both high accuracy and fast processing by leveraging the neural network's pre-trained knowledge of image patterns and structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameters of image processing by using neural network output values instead of traditional feature point coordinates and descriptors. The neural network transforms images into a different representation space where similarity can be efficiently computed, fundamentally changing how image matching is performed and achieving both speed and accuracy improvements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If area-based matching is used to compare template images with query images, then processing speed can be improved, but accuracy deteriorates especially when image shapes change

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidimage retrieval accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter space in which image comparison occurs by using neural network output values. Instead of comparing pixel values or feature coordinates directly, the system compares transformed representations from the neural network, which are invariant to shape changes. This parameter transformation enables both fast processing and high accuracy even when image shapes vary.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The neural network acts as an intermediary between the query image and database images. It processes both images through the same network, producing output values that capture essential visual characteristics. This intermediary transformation enables meaningful comparisons without direct pixel-wise or feature-point matching, solving the shape invariance problem while maintaining speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If traditional template matching methods are used to search through large image databases, then system simplicity is maintained, but retrieval accuracy and speed both deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidimage retrieval accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces simple template matching algorithms with a neural network-based system. The neural network automatically learns hierarchical representations of images, enabling the system to handle complexity internally while presenting a simple interface. This substitution achieves high accuracy and speed without requiring complex manual configuration, as the neural network learns optimal features automatically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The neural network performs preliminary processing by pre-extracting and organizing visual features during the training phase. This preliminary action creates a structured representation space where images are pre-processed and organized, allowing for fast and accurate retrieval during the actual search operation without requiring complex real-time processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250117424A1Image retrieval system and image retrieval method
Publication Date: 2025.04.10 SEMICON ENERGY LAB CO LTD
  • US20250117424A1 patent drawing
  • US20250117424A1 patent drawing
  • US20250117424A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An image retrieval system that enables high-accuracy image retrieval in a short time is provided. The image retrieval system includes a processing portion provided with a neural network. The neural network includes a layer provided with a neuron. The processing portion has a function of comparing query image data with a plurality of pieces of database image data, and extracting the database image data including an area with a high degree of correspondence to the query image data as extracted image data. The processing portion has a function of extracting data of the area with a high degree of correspondence to the query image data from the extracted image data, as partial image data. The layer has a function of outputting an output value corresponding to the features of the image data input to the neural network. The processing portion has a function of comparing the above output values in the case where the respective pieces of partial image data are input with the above output value in the case where the query image data is input.