Abstract:
A method and a device which provide a concise form for cataloging, finding and filtering stored data, being based also on the notation of emotional traits expressed by the data contained in an archive on which the user works. The emotional traits are displayed analogically and topologically by means of a visualization device.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to a method and a device for cataloging and searching for information in a generic data archive, with particular reference s to archives containing photographic data, catalogs, videos and images in general. 
   The data banks of companies operating in the visual sector, including in particular the data banks of photo agencies, are currently constituted by such a vast amount of information as to be almost entirely unmanageable with conventional means. For the success of such a company, therefore, it is crucially important not only to offer quality images but also to be able to give assurance to its customers and users in general that they can have rapid and targeted access to its archives. It is in fact known that with the explosive growth of data banks in terms of numbers and size, in recent years a problem has become evident and critical, i.e., the severe difficulty in effectively interpreting the requests of the customer and in directing him toward the information in which he is really interested. 
   Recently it has been possible to improve and speed up the management and searching of information archives, allowing rapid querying of electronic data banks by means of appropriate interfacing devices. In particular, by way of the diffusion and increase in performance and capacity of electronic computers it has been possible to provide users or customers with electronic archives on magnetic or optical recording media, such as CD-ROMs, and allow the querying of remote archives which can be accessed via computer networks such as for example the Internet. Although archive and cataloging media have improved, searches are still conducted by entering in masks a specific series of data, such as the field considered, the illustrated subject and the author; such data are unable to effectively express the mental idea of the user. The current state of the art is constituted by interfaces which allow, once a certain information item, for example an image, has been identified, to conduct a new targeted search toward other similar images. The results of such searches, however, are often scarcely predictable, since they generate even considerable conceptual differences with respect to the initial idea, indeed due to the lack of a cataloging method which is sufficiently close to the mentality of the user and is capable of corresponding to his emotional language. Conventional methods and devices for archiving and cataloging in fact do not allow to qualify an image according to characteristics which can be easily associated with the user&#39;s mental idea; the user is therefore forced to conduct a long and tiring work of visualizing information outside of his actual scope of interest before being able to obtain any information which at long last meets his requirements. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The aim of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems by introducing a cataloging method and device which are based on emotional identities that the user wishes to be present in the information, for example an image, which is the subject of the search, in order to provide a new concise form of cataloging and retrieval of archived data which is also based on the notation of the emotional traits expressed by the data contained in the archive on which the user is working. 
   Within this aim, an object of the present invention is to define emotional parameters which are capable of summarizing in concrete terms the abstract idea of the user of a data archive, allowing effective cataloging of the data and rapid searching for information. 
   Another object of the present invention is to allow the user to easily place emotional identities within the defined parameters and their interpolations, arranging the emotional identities on an architecture which visualizes in an analogical format the relations between them and finally converts the linguistically defined terms into numeric values. 
   This aim and these and other objects which will become better apparent hereinafter are achieved by a device for cataloging and searching for information, comprising a data archive, a set of cataloging parameters and a device for visualizing said parameters, characterized in that each one of said parameters defines a different emotional identity, in that each data item of said archive is associated with at least one of said parameters, and in that said visualization device visualizes said parameters in an analogical and topological manner. 
   Advantageously, said emotional identities are constituted by an even number of primary parameters and by a number of secondary parameters which are generated by interpolation from said primary parameters. 
   Conveniently, said visualization device is a regular polyhedron whose number of vertices can be changed according to the number of primary parameters and secondary parameters being used. 
   Advantageously, said polyhedron comprises a plurality of superimposed thematic layers, each layer being identified with a different cataloging type or class. 
   Conveniently, each vertex of the visualization polyhedron is associable with at least one different numeric value to be used as a link to the data archive. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become better apparent from the following detailed description, illustrated only by way of non-limitative example in the accompanying figures, wherein: 
       FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b  are perspective views of a preferred embodiment of the visualization device according to the invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the layered structure of the visualization device of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a planisphere view of the visualization device in a first preferred embodiment; 
       FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram of the association between the emotional information that can be obtained from the visualization device and concrete attributes translated in the data archive; 
       FIG. 5  is a view of a graphical interface which corresponds to an implementation of the preferred embodiment of the visualization device; 
       FIG. 6  is a planisphere view of the visualization device in a second preferred embodiment. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   In a preferred embodiment of the visualization device according to the invention, shown in  FIG. 1 , primary parameters are selected which are defined by six “universal traits”, chosen as three pairs of opposites and arranged on six poles  110 ,  120 ,  130 ,  140 ,  150 ,  160 , of a primary geometric shape, in particular a regular polyhedron  100 . The choice of the universal traits that belong to the preferred embodiment is based on an interlinguistic search conducted on the ethnic meanings of terms which are common to the widest number of languages of the Latin group, and is constituted by the following three pairs:
     Passionate  120 -Reflective  110 ;   Seductive  150 -Basic  160 ;   Affective  130 -Dynamic  140 .   

   Each one of the universal traits constitutes a primary emotional representation of some of the characteristics that are present in the cataloged information, i.e., the data of an archive  450 . Very often, however, the information cannot be associated with a single universal trait, and likewise the person conducting a search needs a broader modularity which allows to qualify and target his search activity on types of information having characteristics which can be ascribed to nuances of some universal traits. The method and the device according to the present invention allow to link each universal trait with all the others, except for its opposite (due to obvious incompatibility). The universal traits and the nuances between one and the other are well represented by a regular polyhedron chosen as a preferred embodiment of the visualization device, in which each universal trait is located on a different pole, where two opposite universal traits are arranged at the opposite poles. In particular, the preferred embodiment provides a regular polyhedron  100  with sixty-six vertices, each of which corresponds to a possible location of the information that is cataloged or sought. Of these sixty-six vertices, six correspond to said universal traits, while the other sixty are interpolations between two, three or more universal traits. This type of structure causes the storage and use of such a large number of parameters to occur in an analogical manner and is thus manageable intuitively and mnemonically. 
   In particular with reference to  FIG. 1 , the poles Passionate  120  and Reflective  110  are more important than the other poles and are arranged, according to the planetary metaphor, at the North Pole and South Pole, thus characterizing the emotional hemisphere  180  and the rational hemisphere  181  of the visualization polyhedron  100 . The remaining four universal traits are instead arranged equidistantly from each other on the equator  185 . In order to keep the Affective and Seductive traits always in the emotional hemisphere  180  and the Dynamic and Basic traits always in the rational hemisphere  181 , the main axis of the visualization polyhedron  100  is appropriately inclined, determining an ecliptic plane  190  which crosses the equator  185  twice, thus dividing the solid into two hemispheres  180 - 181 . The rotation of the visualization polyhedron  100  occurs about the axis of the ecliptic  195 . 
   The nuances between two of the six main poles  110 ,  120 ,  130 ,  140 ,  150 ,  160  are organized by means of divisions into two identical parts of the space between one universal trait and the other, traced on the surface of the polyhedron  100 . For example, the Passionate Basic trait is located at 45° latitude on the meridian defined by the two poles Passionate  120  and Basic  160 . 
   By moving along the same meridian toward the Passionate pole  120 , one reaches the vertex that defines the Passionate-Passionate Basic trait. 
   The nuances among three of the six poles  110 ,  120 ,  130 ,  140 ,  150 ,  160  of the preferred embodiment is performed on the eight quadrants of the polyhedron  100 . On each one of said quadrants there are three vertices, and each one of said vertices defines a position which affects the three traits that lie on that given quadrant. The dominant trait is the one that is closest to one of the six poles  110 ,  120 ,  130 ,  140 ,  150 ,  160 , while the other two have a smaller weight than the first one and are mutually equal. Owing to the regularity of the polyhedron  100 , each one of the points located within a quadrant is halfway between one of the six poles  110 ,  120 ,  130 ,  140 ,  150 ,  160  and a trait which is intermediate between the other two that lie on that quadrant. Thus, for example, the vertex that identifies the Passionate-Basic Dynamic position lies on the line that connects the Passionate pole  120  and the intermediate point between the Basic pole  160  and the Dynamic pole  140 . 
   The number of poles and the number of vertices of the polyhedron  100  can of course be varied at will if it is necessary to apply a more or less detailed cataloging or search, for example in relation to particular types of archive  450 . 
   For instance, in a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, twenty secondary parameters are used in addition to the above mentioned six primary parameters, as shown in Table 1, wherein P=Passionate; B=Basic; S=Seductive; A=Affective; D=Dynamic; R=Reflective. 
   
     
       
             
             
             
             
             
           
         
             
                 
               TABLE 1 
             
             
                 
                 
             
           
           
             
                 
               PB 
               PD 
               PS 
               PA 
             
             
                 
               Proud 
               Audacious 
               Fascinating 
               Enthralling 
             
             
                 
               Rough 
               Ardent 
               Voluptuous 
               Sentimental 
             
             
                 
               Spartan 
               Impetuous 
               Luxurious 
               Moving 
             
             
                 
               P-BD 
               P-DS 
               P-SA 
               P-AB 
             
             
                 
               Energetic 
               Provocative 
               Sensual 
               Genuine 
             
             
                 
               Vigorous 
               Exciting 
               Satisfying 
               Spontaneous 
             
             
                 
               Sturdy 
               Stimulating 
               Tempting 
               Authentic 
             
             
                 
               BD 
               DS 
               SA 
               AB 
             
             
                 
               Concrete 
               Brilliant 
               Loveable 
               Sympathetic 
             
             
                 
               Confident 
               Attractive 
               Sensitive 
               Dependable 
             
             
                 
               Practical 
               Winning 
               Pleasant 
               Comforting 
             
             
                 
               R-BD 
               R-DS 
               R-SA 
               R-AB 
             
             
                 
               Explicit 
               Charismatic 
               Classical 
               Well-balanced 
             
             
                 
               Participant 
               Magnetic 
               Refined 
               Reassuring 
             
             
                 
               Versatile 
               Original 
               Esteemed 
               Measured 
             
             
                 
               RB 
               RD 
               RS 
               RA 
             
             
                 
               Simple 
               Resolute 
               Suggestive 
               Sweet 
             
             
                 
               Sober 
               Persevering 
               Intriguing 
               Intimate 
             
             
                 
               Essential 
               Firm 
               Evocative 
               Delicate 
             
             
                 
                 
             
           
        
       
     
   
   With reference now to  FIG. 2 , the architecture of the visualization polyhedron  100  is characterized by a structure with thematic layers  200  which are originated by expansion from an imaginary nucleus placed at infinity. 
   Each thematic layer  200  constitutes the medium of a thematic set, for example of images or subjects of the same nature which are distributed on its surface by means of appropriate placements. These placements can be constituted by various categories of the conceptual, pictorial, commercial type and so forth, each of which constitutes a cataloging class  451 . The choice and construction of the thematic layers  200  can follow different logic systems for the various fields of application of the present invention. A significant operation capable of enriching the information that can be retrieved by means of the diagram is the coring of the polyhedron  100  in order to extract from different thematic layers  200  images with different pictorial natures but identical emotional natures. Coring constitutes one way to verify the consistency of an entire “emotional background” organized through various levels of in-depth analysis. 
     FIG. 3  illustrates a different implementation of the visualization device  100 , provided by means of a planisphere view  300 . Such view can be used mainly as an overview summarizing the type of data contained in a given archive  450 , at one or more thematic layers  200 , so as to immediately visualize particular concentrations of data in specific cataloging classes  440 . 
   The same representation is provided in  FIG. 6  with regard to the classification given in table 1. 
     FIG. 4  schematically shows the association of the cataloging and/or search parameters with the data of the data archive  450 . Operation is as follows:
         a user uses a search tool  400 , which comprises a visualization device, for example the polyhedron  100 , in order to select a point thereon that clearly defines the mental idea that he has conceived. By way of appropriate association means, the point selected on the polyhedron  100  is associated with a given cataloging parameter, converted in the data archive  450  into one or more corresponding parameters  452 , for example a number, or a pair of numbers in the form of spherical coordinates, or by using any point-to-point one-to-one correspondence algorithm. Together with the chosen emotional trait, the user can select a layer  200  of the visualization polyhedron  100 , in order to limit the search to one or more types of stored information, whose division into classes is stored in the table  440 . Moreover, the user can still enter additional search information  410  in a conventional manner, for example by means of masks, which allow him to confine the search to given data that are present in the archive  450 , for example by entering the name of the photographer who took a certain slide, the brand of a car, the nationality of an actor, and so forth. The search information thus generated is thus encoded and transferred to the search engine  460  of the data archive  450 , which scans the content and returns the requested information.       
   In addition to the type of interface described above, another preferred embodiment provides means for associating with each one of the vertices of the visualization polyhedron  100  a certain number of words which evoke given characteristics; said words can be constituted by adjectives and by symbolic elements and are generically defined as “image-words”. For example, when working in the layer related to actors, the user might enter “Marilyn Monroe” as image-word  420 , and this would identify a vertex of the visualization polyhedron  100  in the Passionate-Seductive area, or an image word such as “Reassuring”, which might identify a vertex in the “Reflective-Affective” area. 
   Once the parameter  431  that corresponds to the sought image word has been identified, the operation for finding the information is similar to what has been described above. Finally, the user can enter a plurality of image words  420  for his search. The search engine  460  analyzes the entered image words in order to identify the parameter  431 ,  452  that best interpolates the entered data  420 . 
   Again with reference to  FIG. 4 , the above-described operation can be applied in a similar manner not only to a user for searching for data but also to the operator of the archive for cataloging the data contained therein. 
   In particular, the method and the device for cataloging and searching for information according to the present invention are well-suited for acting as a filter even on existing archives: a generic archive can in fact be easily expanded with the addition of the information required to perform a cataloging according to the invention. For example, with reference to  FIG. 4 , the archive  450  can be seen as the expansion, obtained by way of the addition of the cataloging fields  451 – 452 , of an original archive  450 ′ in which only conventional information was present. 
   Finally,  FIG. 5  illustrates a preferred embodiment of the visualization interface  500 , which comprises a perspective view of the visualization device  102 , which shows, at each visible vertex, an image  510 . The image  510  can be either a paradigmatic image, i.e., a symbolic image which visually expresses the emotional identity expressed by the corresponding vertex of the visualization device  100 , or one of the images contained in the data archive that corresponds to the selected search parameters. The same image, if selected for example by means of a pointing device, is visualized in a larger format in the frame  530 . Finally, by way of the video means  520  it is possible to define the most appropriate operations to be performed on the display  102 , such as for example turning the polyhedron in order to visualize hidden paradigmatic images, bring to the foreground a different layer  200 , or visualize the next of the various images that belong to a given vertex, and it is also possible to add elements to the graphical interface in order to allow to enter search parameters or visualize the result of a search. 
   Obviously, the description of the above-described preferred embodiments is given only by way of non-limitative example. The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations which can be clearly deduced by the skilled in the field and all of which are within the scope of the protection of the inventive concept. 
   The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. MI2000A000098 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.