Systems and Methods for Identifying Information about Objects

A system according to particular embodiments is adapted for identifying a maker's mark on a particular object and to then display information regarding the maker's mark to a user. The system is configured to receive an image of a maker's mark on an object, identify the maker's mark, and then retrieve information relating to the maker's mark. Such information may include information regarding the name of a particular maker associated with the maker's mark, the time period in which the maker produced objects, the geographic area in which the maker worked or works, other types of work with which the maker is associated, valuations of works by the maker, and/or any other information related to the maker or the object.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

Overview

Computer systems and/or methods according to particular embodiments are adapted for identifying information associated with an object (e.g., a piece of metalwork, a ceramic, porcelain, or a piece of glasswork) based at least in part on an indicium on the object (or otherwise associated with the object). In particular embodiments, the indicium from which the system derives the identifying information may be a maker's mark, which may be, for example, an identifying mark that may be used by a maker of an object (e.g., which may include an individual, particular company, etc.) such as a metalwork, ceramic, porcelain, etc. to identify the work as their own. In addition to identifying the maker, information that may be derived about an object based on its maker's mark may include, for example, the time period in which the maker produced objects (e.g., the time period in which a particular silversmith associated with the maker's mark produced works of silver), the geographic area in which the maker worked or works, other types of work with which the maker is associated, and valuations of works produced by the maker (e.g., valuations from works of the maker that have been sold at auction or are available for sale, or any other information related to the maker of the object).

Exemplary Technical Platforms

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the relevant field, the present invention may be, for example, embodied as a computer system, a method, or a computer program product. Accordingly, various embodiments may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, particular embodiments may take the form of a computer program product stored on a computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable instructions (e.g., software) embodied in the storage medium. Various embodiments may take the form of web-implemented computer software. Any suitable computer-readable storage medium may be utilized including, for example, hard disks, compact disks, DVDs, optical storage devices, and/or magnetic storage devices.

Various embodiments are described below with reference to block diagrams and flowchart illustrations of methods, apparatuses (e.g., systems) and computer program products. It should be understood that each block of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, respectively, can be implemented by a computer executing computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be loaded onto a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus create means for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks.

Accordingly, blocks of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations support combinations of mechanisms for performing the specified functions, combinations of steps for performing the specified functions, and program instructions for performing the specified functions. It should also be understood that each block of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based computer systems that perform the specified functions or steps, or combinations of special purpose hardware and other hardware executing appropriate computer instructions.

Exemplary System Architecture

FIG. 1shows a block diagram of a Maker's Mark Identifying System10according to a particular embodiment. As may be understood from this figure, the Maker's Mark Identifying System10includes at least one User Computer5(e.g., a tablet computer, smart phone, laptop, or other suitable User Computer), one or more computer networks15, a Maker's Mark Identifying Server20, an Image Recognition System40, and a Maker's Mark Database45. The one or more computer networks15facilitate communication between the User Computer5, Maker's Mark Identifying Server20, Image Recognition System40, and Maker's Mark Database45. These one or more computer networks15may include any of a variety of types of computer networks such as the Internet, a private intranet, a public switch telephone network (PSTN), or any other type of network known in the art. In certain variations of the embodiment shown inFIG. 1, both the communication link between the User Computer5, Maker's Mark Identifying Server20, Image Recognition System40, and Maker's Mark Database45are implemented via the Internet using Internet protocol (IP). The communication link between the Maker's Mark Identifying Server20and the Maker's Mark Database45may be, for example, implemented via a Local Area Network (LAN).

FIG. 2shows a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the Maker's Mark Identifying Server20ofFIG. 1. The Maker's Mark Identifying Server20includes a processor60that communicates with other elements within the Maker's Mark Identifying Server20via a system interface or bus61. Also included in the Maker's Mark Identifying Server20is a display device/input device64for receiving and displaying data. This display device/input device64may be, for example, a keyboard, voice recognition, or pointing device that is used in combination with a monitor. The Maker's Mark Identifying Server20further includes memory66, which preferably includes both read only memory (ROM)65and random access memory (RAM)67. The server's ROM65is used to store a basic input/output system26(BIOS) that contains the basic routines that help to transfer information between elements within the Maker's Mark Identifying Server20.

In addition, the Maker's Mark Identifying Server20includes at least one storage device63, such as a hard disk drive, a floppy disk drive, a CD Rom drive, or optical disk drive, for storing information on various computer-readable media, such as a hard disk, a removable magnetic disk, or a CD-ROM disk. As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, each of these storage devices63is connected to the system bus61by an appropriate interface. The storage devices63and their associated computer-readable media provide nonvolatile storage for the Maker's Mark Identifying Server20. It is important to note that the computer-readable media described above could be replaced by any other type of computer-readable media known in the art. Such media include, for example, magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, digital video disks, and Bernoulli cartridges.

A number of program modules may be stored by the various storage devices and within RAM67. Such program modules include an operating system80and a Maker's Mark Identifying Module100. The Maker's Mark Identifying Module100controls certain aspects of the operation of the Maker's Mark Identifying Server20, as is described in more detail below, with the assistance of the processor60and an operating system80.

Also located within the Maker's Mark Identifying Server20is a network interface74for interfacing and communicating with other elements of a computer network. It will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that one or more of the Maker's Mark Identifying Server20components may be located geographically remotely from other Maker's Mark Identifying Server20components. Furthermore, one or more of the components may be combined, and additional components performing functions described herein may be included in the Maker's Mark Identifying Server20.

Exemplary System Modules

As noted above, various aspects of the system's functionality may be executed by certain system modules, including the system's Maker's Mark Identification Module100. This module is discussed in greater detail below.

Maker's Mark Identification Module

FIG. 3is a flow chart of an exemplary Maker's Mark Identification Module100. As may be understood fromFIG. 3, certain embodiments of the Maker's Mark Identification Module100are configured to identify a maker's mark on an object (e.g., a collectable item, such as a piece of metalwork, a ceramic, porcelain, a piece of glasswork, or any antique item). For example, beginning at Step110, the Maker's Mark Identification Module100may receive an image of at least a portion of an object from a device associated with a user. The device associated with the user may include, for example, a tablet computer, a handheld device such as a smart phone, a laptop computer, a camera, or other suitable device for capturing an image. The system may receive the image, for example, via a camera associated with the device associated with the user (e.g., the built in camera of a smartphone, tablet or laptop). In various embodiments, the system may receive an image taken at any time by any suitable image taking device (e.g., the user may take a photographic image using a digital camera, download the image from a storage device of the digital camera to a computer associated with the user, and then send the image to the system).

The system continues, at Step120, by identifying one or more indicia on the at least a portion of the object. The indicia may include, for example, a maker's mark. The system may identify the maker's mark, for example, by comparing the mark to an existing database of maker's marks. The system may perform this comparison through any suitable image recognition system or similar system. In various embodiments, the existing database of maker's marks may comprise graphical representations of various maker's marks. These graphical representations may be, for example, hand drawn and/or may include images of makers marks displayed on one or more items. In other embodiments, the graphical representations may be computer generated (e.g., from images of known maker's marks).

In particular embodiments, the system may identify the maker's mark by comparing the maker's mark in the image received at Step110with a database of images of known maker's marks. In various embodiments, the system may require a particular level of certainty in a comparison in order to identify the image captured at Step110. For example, the system may require a confidence level such as a confidence level above 70% in order to identify the indicium as a particular maker's mark. In various embodiments, this confidence level may be determined based, at least in part, on how closely the maker's mark in the image matches a particular maker's mark in the database of maker's marks. For example, the system may assign a confidence level of 70% to a match between a photographed maker's mark and a mark in the maker's mark database if the photographed image includes at least 70% of the maker's mark that is stored in the database. Accordingly, it should be understood that the system may be adapted to identify incomplete maker's marks. For example, particular objects may comprise partial maker's marks (e.g., maker's marks that are partially worn off of the object or partial maker's marks that are present on works that may be broken or damaged).

Turning again toFIG. 3, the system continues at Step130by retrieving information associated with the one or more indicia (e.g., the maker's mark) identified at Step120. The information may include, for example: (1) information about a maker associated with the identified maker's mark such as the time period in which the maker produced objects (e.g., the time period in which a particular silversmith associated with the maker's mark produced works of silver); (2) the geographic area in which the maker worked or works, other types of work with which the maker is associated; (3) valuations of works by the maker (e.g., valuations of works of the maker that have been sold at auction or that are currently available for sale); (4) a description of the mark itself (e.g., “the mark includes an arrow with a circle in the middle”); (5) the manner in which the identified maker's mark was typically applied to objects (e.g., impressed, stamped, painted, carved, etc.); (6) information about whether the maker had any successors that produced work under the same or similar marks; and/or (7) any other information related to the maker of the object or the maker's mark itself.

Finally, at Step140, the system displays the information retrieved at Step130to the user, for example, by displaying the information on a screen of the device associated with the user from which the system received the image of the object. In particular embodiments, the system may be adapted to display the information to the user by sending the user an electronic message (e.g., an e-mail, SMS, text message, or other suitable message), containing the information.

Exemplary Use

The system may be utilized for any suitable purpose. A user may, for example, be interested in purchasing a particular ceramic work. Before purchasing the ceramic work, the user may desire to know information about the work such as information about the maker of the work (e.g., to ensure that the ceramic work is authentic, to determine if the work is worth the particular price being charged for the work, or for any other suitable reason).

In order to ascertain information about the ceramic work, the user may take an image of an identifying mark on the ceramic work. In a particular embodiment, the user may do this by first executing an “app” on a mobile computing device associated with the user, and then taking a photograph, within the context of the app, with a built in camera on the user's mobile computing device). The identifying mark may include, for example, a stamp, carving or other symbol on the ceramic work (e.g., on an exterior portion of the ceramic work's base). A Maker's Mark Identifying System may then receive from the user, at Step110, the image of the ceramic work containing the identifying mark. The System may then, at Step120, identify the identifying mark, for example, by comparing the identifying mark to a database of known marks. In particular embodiments, the System may identify the mark using any suitable image comparing software or technique (e.g., to compare the image of the identifying mark to the database of known marks such that the System identifies the identifying mark as a known mark).

The System may then, at Step130, retrieve information associated with the identified identifying mark. This information may include, for example: (1) information relating to the identity of the maker of the ceramic work (e.g., the artist or craftsman who produced the work); (2) information about the geographic original of the work (e.g., a particular city or region in which works bearing the particular identifying mark were produced); and/or (3) any other suitable information relating to the identifying mark (e.g., information about the mark itself or information derived about the ceramic work as a result of the ceramic work having been marked with the particular identifying mark).

As a particular example, a particular ceramic work may bear a particular identifying mark that is associated with a maker. By identifying the particular maker associated with the identifying mark on the ceramic work, the System may be able to retrieve information about the ceramic work itself. For example, particular makers may have worked with particular materials (e.g., particular varieties of clay) or utilized particular techniques (e.g., particular types of kilns) in creating their works. The system finally, at Step140, displays the information retrieved at Step130to the user. In particular embodiments, the System may display the information on the mobile computing device with which the user took the image of the identifying mark.

Exemplary User Experience

A user may access a Maker's Mark Identifying System using any suitable computing device (e.g., a mobile computing device such as a tablet computer or handheld computing device, or other suitable computing device).FIGS. 4 and 5depict screen displays of an exemplary user interface of a Maker's Mark Identifying System.FIG. 4depicts an exemplary user interface200of a Maker's Mark Identifying Application, which may, for example, be executed on a handheld computing device. When using the application, a user may direct the system to take a picture (e.g., of a maker's mark) by activating a Take Picture210button. Alternatively, the user may select an existing picture (e.g., a picture stored on the user's handheld computing device) by activating a Choose Existing Picture220button.

In particular embodiments, when selecting the Take Picture210button, the system takes the user to a picture taking interface205(seeFIG. 5) where the user can take a picture of a maker's mark214for identification by the system (e.g., using a built in camera associated with the user's handheld computing device). The user may direct the handheld device's camera toward the maker's mark that the user wishes to identify. In particular embodiments, the user interface includes a preview window212that displays a substantially current (e.g., current) view of whatever the camera is directed toward (e.g., a preview of what the camera would capture an image of if it were to take a photograph at that time). In various embodiments, the system is configured to at least substantially automatically (e.g., automatically) detect any maker's mark214that is contained within the preview window212. In particular embodiments, the system highlights any detected maker's mark214with an indicium216(e.g., by displaying a square or other suitable indicia around the detected maker's mark214). Once the system has highlighted a detected maker's mark214, the user may select the Take Photograph210button to initiate the system to retrieve information associated with the mark.

In particular embodiments, when selecting the Choose Existing Picture220button, the user selects an existing picture of a maker's mark for the system to identify. The existing picture may be located, for example, on a storage device associated with the user's handheld device (e.g., smart phone). The existing picture may have been taken by the handheld device at an earlier time, or it may have been taken by a different device (e.g., a digital camera) and sent to the user's handheld device (e.g., via e-mail). In various embodiments, the system displays any available existing pictures from which the user may choose as thumbnails (e.g., reduced sized versions of the pictures) on a display screen associated with the user's handheld device. In particular embodiments, the user may select the thumbnail of the picture containing a maker's mark that the user wishes to identify, and, at least partially in response to the user selecting the picture, the system identifies the maker's mark within the picture, and then displays any information retrieved about the mark on the mobile device's screen.

Other Suitable Uses

In particular embodiments, the system may be utilized to track and valuate certain items of personal property. Collectors, for example, may utilize the system to create a database of collectible items in their possession in order to track the value of those items over time. Users may use a Maker's Mark Identifying System to populate portfolios of items whose value may, for example, be tracked using a system for valuating and tracking items of property, such as the system described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/560,666 entitled “Systems for Valuating and Tracking Items of Property”, which was filed Sep. 16, 2009, and which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Constructing a Taxonomy

In particular embodiments, the system may be adapted for classifying items into a taxonomy. For example, the system may be used in association with a system for maintaining and interactively constructing a taxonomy, such as the system described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/706,691 entitled “Systems and Methods for Maintaining and Interactively Constructing a Taxonomy,” filed Feb. 16, 2010, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Various embodiments of the maker's mark identifying system may be used in association with a system for constructing a taxonomy, for example, by retrieving information about an item for use in classifying the item into particular classes or subclasses. A particular subclass of a taxonomy, for example, may include an item's maker.

In a particular example, a hand-made piece of Native American pottery that bears the mark of a particular maker may have a taxonomy comprising the following nodes: Ceramics Pottery Native American Hand-made “Name of Maker”. Where the “Name of Maker” is a particular Native American artist. In particular embodiments, a taxonomy for a particular item may be substantially automatically constructed based on information retrieved by the maker's mark identifying system.

Alternative Embodiments

Multiple Marks for Same Maker

In particular embodiments, the system may be adapted to identify a plurality of marks associated with the same particular maker. A maker, for example, may have utilized different maker's marks during different time periods (e.g., the maker modified their maker's mark at a particular point in time) or utilized different marks for different types of work (e.g., a maker may apply a first maker's mark to ceramic items and a second maker's mark to metalworks).

Addition of Maker's Marks to Database

In various embodiments, a user may attempt to identify a maker's mark that is not present in any available database of known marks. In such embodiments, the system may be adapted to receive information from the user (e.g., information about the mark such as an image of the mark itself, the maker with which the mark is identified, etc.), and to then add the maker's mark along with the information received form the user into the system's database of known marks.

User Confirmation of Mark Identity

In particular embodiments, the system may be adapted to display a mark that the system has identified as the mark in the image to the user before retrieving information associated with the mark. In such embodiments, the system may query the user to confirm that the identified mark matches the mark on the particular object. In response to the user confirming that the displayed mark matches the mark on the object, the system displays information regarding the mark. However, if the user indicates that the displayed mark doesn't match the mark on the object, the system may request that the user provide another picture of the mark and/or select another mark from a list of potential matching marks.

CONCLUSION