Abstract:
A system and methods through which pictorial views of an object&#39;s configuration, arranged in a hierarchical fashion, are navigated by a person to establish a visual context within the configuration. The visual context is automatically translated by the system into a set of search parameters driving retrieval of structured data and content (images, documents, multimedia, etc.) associated with the specific context. The system places “hot spots”, or actionable regions, on various portions of the pictorials representing the object. When a user interacts with an actionable region, a more detailed pictorial from the hierarchy is presented representing that portion of the object, along with real-time feedback in the form of a popup pane containing information about that region, and counts-by-type reflecting the number of items that are available within the system associated with the specific context and search filters established at that point in time.

Description:
[0001]     This application is related to and claims the benefit of Provisional U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/711,414 entitled “Automated Resource Planning Tool and User Interface”, filed Aug. 26, 2006, and Provisional U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/711,413 entitled “Image and Information Management System”, filed Aug. 26, 2006, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
       [0002]     The invention described herein was made in the performance of work under NASA Contract No. NAS9-20000 and is subject to the provisions of Section 305 of the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 (42 U.S.C. 2457). 
     
    
       [0003]     This application includes material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.  
       FIELD  
       [0004]     The present disclosure relates to the field of information systems, and more particularly provides a system and method through which images of and information about an object can be stored, organized, and searched to facilitate ease of retrieval and use.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0005]     The efficient storage, search, and retrieval of information has long been a problem. From filing cabinets full of paper to hard-drives full of data, individuals, businesses, and governments have struggled to find good organization techniques. The advent of databases and enhanced search and indexing algorithms has made it easier to find desired electronic data. For example, Liu et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0114325, published May 26, 2005, and Liu, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0010553, published Jan. 13, 2005, disclose a semi-automatic means for annotating multimedia objects which also permits retrieval of the multimedia objects. The annotation process annotates multimedia objects, such as digital images, with semantically relevant keywords. Such annotation is performed in the background, with the results presented to the user for verification. The user can also add his or her own keywords or other annotation information. Similarly, Remsen et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0167283, published Sep. 4, 2003, discloses a system for managing taxonomic information regarding biological organisms that allows researchers to quickly retrieve information on a given organism regardless of the name associated with the information.  
         [0006]     While such systems can be advantageous where the information to be cataloged is mostly text or includes textual metadata, searching a set of multimedia objects, such as images, sounds, or video, for a particular item of interest can be difficult. Stubler et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,804,684, issued Oct. 12, 2004, discloses a method for associating semantic information with multiple images in an image database environment. Stubler discloses generating captions or semantic labels for an acquired imaged based upon similarities between the acquired image and one or more stored images, where the stored images have preexisting captions or labels. Similarly, DeBonet, U.S. Pat. No. 5,819,288, issued Oct. 6, 1998, discloses a statistically based image group descriptor for use in an image classification and retrieval system. DeBonet discloses an apparatus and method for generating a semantically based, linguistically searchable, numeric descriptor of a pre-defined group of input images which can automatically classify individual images to allow for rapid identification of similar images.  
         [0007]     The systems described above facilitate searching by annotating a database entry with a keyword. Where the data may be organized by a plurality of key words, or where the data may not have appropriate key words, database searches may not return the entire set of available information, and thus valuable information may be effectively inaccessible when needed. Matsuzaki et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,804,683, issued Oct. 12, 2004, attempts to overcome those deficiencies by disclosing a means for retrieving similar images that allows a user to specify a “region of interest”, and compares a “feature quantity calculation” of the region to the quantity calculation of other images in the database. The search results are presented in order of decreasing similarity from the image database.  
         [0008]     It can clearly be difficult to find appropriate data in a database, and the techniques described above have been developed to improve search results. Once the search results are obtained, the next concern is the presentation of these search results. Baker, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0047856, published Apr. 25, 2002, discloses a method of providing access to a collection of images through a single web page, which Baker refers to as “stacked images.” Baker discloses building a database that represents a plurality of separate images, and then displaying at least one of these images. When a user clicks the image, the next image in the “stack” is displayed. Lennon et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0018607, published Jan. 23, 2003, discloses a system for allowing a user to search different metadata collections over the Internet. Lennon discloses dynamic generation of an XML description of an associated metadata collection that reflects a structure by which the associated metadata collection may be browsed. This structure includes XML schema definitions of types for Categories, Subcategories, Classes, and Images. Lennon discloses that each declared descriptor within the defined type inherits a visualIdentifier attribute which is used by a media browser to provide visual representation of the content of the item. For example, if the item is an image then the visualIdentifier attribute value will typically contain a URI of a thumbnail of the image; if the item is a Category, Subcategory, or Class, then the URI may point to an icon. If the attribute is not present, the media browser generates a visual identifier for the item from a provided textIdentifier attribute value or from the name of the element.  
         [0009]     While several different techniques exist for the search, retrieval, and presentation of information, most are too cumbersome to be useful in instances where time is of the essence, or where it is critical that the all relevant information be presented without overwhelming the user. For example, Remsen&#39;s system is intentionally over inclusive, and provides information about related species in addition to the species for which the user is searching. Similarly, Stubler&#39;s and DeBonet&#39;s search techniques are likely to both include information that is not relevant, and to overlook relevant images.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0010]     Accordingly, the instant disclosure is directed to an image and information management system that substantially obviates one or more of the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art. As used herein, the term image includes photographs, line art, computer renderings, animation, motion video, and the like, and is not intended as limited to a particular type of image.  
         [0011]     The present disclosure describes a system and methods for allowing users to access relevant information about an object quickly and easily. An object can be a physical item such as a spacecraft or aircraft, a piece of hardware or equipment, a facility, a building, or a piece of machinery, among others, or an abstract item such as a schematic, a flow diagram, an illustration, or a representation of a business function, and the like.  
         [0012]     The instant disclosure also describes a system and method for providing a graphical, drill-down interface through which information about an object can be accessed.  
         [0013]     The instant disclosure also describes a system and method for providing a structured interface through which information about an object can be captured and cataloged.  
         [0014]     Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosure. The objectives and other advantages of the disclosed image and information management system will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.  
         [0015]     In many instances, the information storage and retrieval systems in the prior art are sufficient for business purposes. However, where time is of the essence, such as occurs in an assembly line; in the manufacture and maintenance of mission-critical equipment such as aircraft or watercraft; during fire and other emergencies; and the like, it is critical that users be able to quickly and easily access all relevant information. By way of example, without limitation, any delays in the launch of a spacecraft can have significant economic impact upon the entire operation. From manpower costs due to missed launch windows and contract-related fines to additional fuel and real estate costs, every minute launch is delayed has a significant economic impact. Similarly, where the object is not available for analysis, such as in an orbiting spacecraft, or where the object is effectively inaccessible, such as the wiring of an aircraft while the aircraft is in flight, the antenna array on a submarine while the submarine is at depth, or an underwater valve assembly on an oil rig, it can be advantageous to have well documented and readily accessible information. By way of example, without limitation, troubleshooting on-orbit or in-flight anomalies in a spacecraft requires timely access to spacecraft configuration data in the form of imagery and information. Review of configuration imagery is critical to quickly developing in-flight repair procedures. In these and other scenarios, it is essential that, when there is a problem, those addressing the problem have reliable access to the pertinent information about the object that is the subject of the problem. The instant disclosure provides a system and methods through which users can gain rapid and reliable access to such information.  
         [0016]     A graphical, image-based interface consisting of a hierarchically structured collection of integrated pictorial views of an object&#39;s configuration can be presented to one or more users. The hierarchy of pictorial views enables users to establish a visual context within the object&#39;s configuration that defines search parameters driving retrieval of information associated with the specific context. For example, users can access and refer to photographs, engineering drawings, line-art, or images of a spacecraft associated with a visual context established for the information retrieval search. The system can allow users to drill down quickly to a visual context within the object, such as drilling down to a faulty component within the object, by simply clicking on or otherwise interacting with (henceforth referred to herein as clicking, for clarity) “hotspots”, actionable regions, or zones in an image or successive images.  
         [0017]     The interface can automatically translate the user&#39;s interactions into search parameters, which are then used as a basis for information retrieval, including accessing a next-lower level of an image or “drilldown” hierarchy where appropriate. The retrieved information can include images of a selected component, including photographs taken during the manufacture and/or assembly of the individual component as well as those taken during the component&#39;s installation. In addition, information about the photographed component, such as, without limitation, part and serial number(s) of items within the component, schematics, dates of manufacture, installed software and version numbers, lot numbers, chemical composition, test results, related tools, and the like can also be made available to the user.  
         [0018]     A standardized interface is also provided through which information about the component, including component photographs, can be cataloged and stored. This embodiment can also integrate with and monitor other information databases, such as document management systems and, using eXtensible Markup Language (“XML”)-based tags, Standardized Generalized Markup Language (SGML)-based tags, key words, and the like stored within a document or in document-related metadata, automatically associate the document with appropriate information stored in the system.  
         [0019]     The image and information management system has application in numerous commercial and government settings. By way of example, without limitation, any commercial entity with requirements for visual, as-built, or operational configuration baselines can benefit from such a system. Such commercial entities may include, but are not limited to, companies engaged in oil and gas extraction, mining, petroleum refining, chemical production, power generation or heavy construction who operate complex sets of equipment and facilities supporting their core business functions. These companies can benefit from the Visual Configuration Baselines (“VCBs”) created and maintained through the system by making imagery, documentation, test results, test data, engineering models, additional items in inventory, and other critical data readily available for troubleshooting, problem resolution, product and process design, operations or analytical purposes.  
         [0020]     The system also provides browser-integrated, in-line viewing tools to support examination of high-resolution photographs, and browser-integrated Digital Content Capture tools for assembling and storing information (structured data and multi-media content) associated with the object. The information is stored in relational form in a commercial, off the shelf (COTS) document management system.  
         [0021]     The system provides a very simple and reliable search/retrieval interface by moving the burden of specifying the exact interrelated attribute search criteria from the user to the underlying search system with the user being responsible for inputting only a small number of commonly known search values in an easy and intuitive fashion. Once the user provides a minimum input set, the system transparently generates a fully qualified set of search criteria that accurately returns a result set corresponding to the visual context and filters established by the user.  
         [0022]     The image and information management system can function as part of an overall tool set through which a space flight can be monitored and controlled from early conception and design phases through execution. Such a system preferably includes a tool for automating crew scheduling, wherein the tool can automatically adjust crew schedules based on changes in circumstances, such as changes in vehicle attitude and trajectory. Additionally, the tool can display photographs or locations (zones) managed by the system through integrated hypertext links embedded within crew procedure documents used to accomplish tasks on-board a space flight vehicle.  
         [0023]     The overall system may also include a real-time spaceflight trajectory tool, which calculates current and projected trajectories based on information about the vehicle. In such a system, the trajectory tool can monitor information from the vehicle, such as attitude maneuvers, altitude changes (e.g. away from a celestial body, closer to the celestial body, etc.), or actual vehicle position in space to update the vehicle&#39;s trajectory. As described herein, by monitoring these trajectory changes, the overall system can dynamically monitor and adjust crew schedules to more efficiently use the vehicle&#39;s resources and help the crew and ground or support personnel deal with and diagnose problems.  
         [0024]     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION  
       [0025]     The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of at least one embodiment of the invention.  
         [0026]     In the drawings:  
         [0027]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a computer architecture supporting an embodiment of the disclosed image and information management system.  
         [0028]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating a conceptual software architecture for implementing an embodiment of the disclosed image and information management system.  
         [0029]      FIG. 3  is an alternative block diagram of the architecture of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0030]      FIG. 4  is a screen capture of a high-data-level user interface as implemented in an embodiment of the disclosed image and information management system.  
         [0031]      FIG. 5  is a screen capture of an intermediate-data-level user interface as implemented in an embodiment of the disclosed image and information management system.  
         [0032]      FIG. 6  is a screen capture of an alternative high-data-level user interface as implemented in an embodiment of the disclosed image and information management system.  
         [0033]      FIG. 7  is a partial screen capture of an alternative intermediate-data-level user interface as implemented in an embodiment of the disclosed image and information management system.  
         [0034]      FIG. 8  is a screen capture of a lower-data-level user interface as implemented in an embodiment of the disclosed image and information management system.  
         [0035]      FIG. 9  is a screen capture of a low-data-level user interface as implemented in an embodiment of the disclosed image and information management system.  
         [0036]      FIG. 10  is a screen capture of a detailed photograph and an image control toolbar for controlling display of the photograph, as implemented in an embodiment of the disclosed image and information management system.  
         [0037]      FIG. 11  is a screen capture of an image control toolbar as implemented in an embodiment of the disclosed image and information management system.  
         [0038]      FIG. 12  is a screen capture of an image selection user interface as implemented in an embodiment of the disclosed image and information management system.  
         [0039]      FIG. 13  is a screen capture of an image attribute data entry interface as implemented in an embodiment of the disclosed image and information management system.  
         [0040]      FIG. 14  is a screen capture of an orbiter/vehicle documentation log interface as implemented in an embodiment of the disclosed image and information management system.  
         [0041]      FIG. 15  is a block diagram of an alternative computer architecture for implementing an embodiment of the disclosed image and information management system.  
         [0042]      FIG. 16  is a block diagram illustrating a process through which the image and information management system can be integrated into business processes. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0043]     Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the disclosed image and information management system, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.  
         [0044]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a computer architecture supporting an embodiment of the disclosed image and information management system. The illustrated architecture is an “n-tier” architecture that is implemented in three tiers, client/presentation tier  100 , application/business logic tier  110 , and data/content tier  120 . Client/presentation tier  100  represents the client computers through which users can interact with and retrieve information from application/business logic tier  110  and data/content tier  120 . Application/business logic tier  110  represents computer hardware and software responsible for managing information storage and retrieval, user interface generation, and the like. Data/Content tier  120  represents physical data storage.  
         [0045]     In  FIG. 1 , Camera  102  is used to collect photographs of various components. These photographs are transferred to Computer  104 , where the photographs and other images are organized and cataloged for storage by eContent Server  112  as files in a file system  122  and/or a database  124 . Once stored therein, the pictures are made available to Computers  106  and  108  via web server  116 , which presents data collected from eContent Server  112  by Application Server  114  based on user requests.  
         [0046]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating a software architecture for implementing an embodiment of the disclosed image and information management system. In  FIG. 2 , Application Design layer  200  is responsible for controlling access to lower layers and for providing an interface through which users can retrieve data from database and file system  230 . Application Design layer  200  is built around model  206 , which has knowledge of the data structures used by the lower layers and is responsible for translating user information requests into requests serviceable by the lower layers. View  204  is responsible for translating information from Model  206  into an appropriate user interface. Controller  202  manages the evaluation of information from the user interface and translation of such information into a format usable by Model  206 .  
         [0047]     Service Framework  210  provides an interface to the underlying database and file system  230 . Service Framework  210  receives requests from Model  206  and routes them to an appropriate data-access interface, such as Documentum® Foundation Classes (“DFC”)  212 . DFC  212  allows Service Framework  212  to access information stored in a traditional content management or document management system. An advantage to the use of a Service Framework-like layer is the ability to insert new data access “drivers” into the system without having to rearchitect the entire system.  
         [0048]     Application Context  220  represents traditional data storage and server software and/or hardware that together enable solutions for developing, deploying, and managing multi-tier server-centric applications.  
         [0049]      FIG. 3  is an alternative block diagram of the architecture of  FIG. 1 . In  FIG. 3 , Presentation Tier  300  includes request/response interface  310 . Request/response interface  310  is preferably created by an Hypertext Markup Language (“HTML”)/Java Server Pages server, and can be comprised of three main components. The first component, controller  314 , is responsible for receiving user input from views  318  and transferring the information to Data Access  320  (described below). Controller  314  also receives information from Security and Session APIs  324  and transfers the information to the user via views  318  based on user selections in Filters  312 .  
         [0050]     One aspect of controller  314  can communicate with Security and Session APIs  324  via tag libraries  316 . Tag libraries  316  provide controller  314  with information about the underlying data structure used by Security and Session API&#39;s  324 . Security and Session API&#39;s  324  receives information requests from and transfers information to controller  314 . Security and Session API&#39;s  324  can distinguish between requests for information contained in a relational database (illustrated as RDBMS  332 ) and files stored as part of the file system (illustrated as File System  334 ) and route the request through an appropriate handler, such as Content APIs  326  and Query Language  322 .  
         [0051]      FIG. 4  is a screen capture of a high-data-level user interface as implemented in an embodiment of the disclosed image and information management system. In this embodiment, the user is presented with an overall image of the object in question  400 , in this case, a Space Shuttle Vehicle (“SSV”), external fuel tank (“ET”), and solid rocket boosters (“SRB”). This image represents the highest level of the drilldown hierarchy. By clicking on one of the SSV, the ET, or an SRB, the user is taken to a screen similar to either SSV  420  or ET/SRB  600  of  FIG. 6 , respectively. The images contained in these screens represent the next lower level of the drilldown hierarchy.  
         [0052]     Referring again to image  400 , if the user is interested in accessing information about a portion of the SSV, the user selects the SSV, and is presented with a view similar to SSV  420 . SSV  420  can provide a high-level, exploded view of a typical SSV, or the image can be used to represent a specific SSV configuration based on a particular mission (STS  411 ) chosen by the user from “dashboard”  410 .  
         [0053]      FIG. 5  is a screen capture of an intermediate-data-level user interface embodiment. By clicking on wing  422  of  FIG. 4 , the display can change to provide an exploded view of the wing, as illustrated in block  512 . The user can click on a portion of the illustrated wing, such as Left Wing Torque Box Leading Edge Zone  741 , to display a more detailed image, such as that illustrated in  FIG. 7 .  FIG. 7  is a partial screen capture of an alternative intermediate-data-level user interface embodiment. Information about a given wing component, such as component  710 , can be obtained by hovering a pointer over a given component, right-clicking on the component, or otherwise interacting with the component. Such information may be presented in a component-specific information display such as component information  720 . By double-clicking on the component or otherwise interacting with the component, the user can cause the display to change to one similar to that illustrated in  FIG. 8 .  
         [0054]      FIG. 8  is a screen capture of a lower-data-level user interface embodiment.  FIG. 8  presents a series of thumbnail photographs  810  of component  710  of  FIG. 7 , the photographs having been taken during assembly, maintenance, or the like of the component. By clicking on or otherwise interacting with a photograph, the user can cause the display to change to one similar to that of  FIG. 9 .  
         [0055]      FIG. 9  is a screen capture of a low-data-level user interface embodiment. In  FIG. 9 , another thumbnail photograph  910  of component  710  is presented, along with information  920  about the thumbnail and the component or components in the photograph. Such information may include, but is not limited to, the date on which the photograph was taken, the vehicle into which the component or components are installed, the photographer&#39;s name, a description of the contents of the photograph, and the like. By clicking on thumbnail photograph  910 , the display can change to one similar to that illustrated in  FIG. 10 .  
         [0056]      FIG. 10  is a screen capture of a detailed photograph and an image control toolbar embodiment, wherein the image control toolbar permits the user to control the display of the photograph. By default, the display illustrated in  FIG. 10  preferably scales the photograph to the largest size possible consistent with the screen or other device on which the photograph is being displayed to the user. Panning the photograph within the display window can be accomplished by operating scroll bars associated with the image, by clicking on the image to bring up a specialized move cursor that “sticks” to the image and allows the photograph to be moved in any direction within the confines of the display window (not illustrated), or other such means.  
         [0057]      FIG. 11  is a screen capture of an image control toolbar embodiment. As  FIG. 11  illustrates, the toolbar may also include a unique photograph or image identifier  1105 . The toolbar may also allow the user to zoom in using control  1120  or zoom out using control  1110 , view the photograph at its actual resolution using control  1130 , and rotate the photograph using control  1140 . The toolbar can also allow the user to easily resize the photograph to fit the screen using control  1135 . The toolbar may also allow the user to rotate the photograph by fixed amounts  1140 . The user an start a new search based on data attributes of photographs using control  1145 . The user can report a misfiled or incorrectly classified photograph using control  1170 , and quickly return to the thumbnail interface illustrated in  FIG. 8  by interacting with button  1150 . Interacting with a “close” button or the like (not illustrated) can cause the display to return to a default interface view, such as that illustrated in  FIG. 4 .  
         [0058]     The user interfaces, or screens, illustrated in  FIGS. 4-11  allow the user to quickly navigate to all information about a component in question via a hierarchical interface. The interface uses the user&#39;s selections as a basis for searching a database for information related to the presented image or component. To facilitate entry of images, photographs, and related information into the system, an embodiment of the invention preferably includes well-structured user interfaces that simplify the organization and data entry tasks.  
         [0059]      FIG. 12  is a screen capture of an image selection user interface embodiment. In this interface, the user can select the drive or other device  1205  on which one or more images are stored and, from that device, the path to the folder or directory  1210  containing the images. List box  1215  enumerates all images in the selected folder or directory, and the user can select one or more entries for importation into the system. Select all button  1218  allows the user to quickly select all images listed in list box  1215 , and de-select button  1219  clears list box  1215  of all selected images. By clicking cancel button  1230 , the user can cancel the image importation process. When the user has selected the images to be imported, the user can click download button  1220 . The images are then imported into the system for further processing.  
         [0060]      FIG. 13  is a screen capture of an image attribute data entry interface embodiment. Once the images are imported into the system, the user is presented with thumbnails  1305  of each of the imported images, and with various tools to assist with the importation process. The user can add additional images by clicking button  1355 , delete a selected image by clicking button  1360 , undelete an image by clicking button  1365 , and undelete all deleted images by clicking button  1370 .  
         [0061]     The user can also enhance and annotate an image by clicking button  1335 . Such enhancements may include, but are not limited to, adjusting the lighting levels in an image, adjusting the contrast or brightness, correcting the color, and the like. Users may be prevented from directly editing image content. Further, the system may maintain copies of all images, both pre-edit and post-edit, along with a record of the user making the edits. If a user is not satisfied with the changes made, the user can click button  1345  to revert to the previously stored image. The annotations can include comments and notes about the image.  
         [0062]     The system allows the user to view a larger version of a selected image by clicking button  1340 . This can cause the display to change to one similar to that of  FIG. 10 , with a toolbar similar to that of  FIG. 11 .  
         [0063]     The user can also indicate that the image is part of an external fuel tank (“ET”) assembly or solid rocket booster (“SRB”) by clicking button  1310 ; part of an orbiter, SSV, or other vehicle by clicking button  1315 ; as a line replaceable unit (“LRU”) or flight element set (“FES”) by clicking button  1325 ; and as part of the NASA Shuttle Logistics Depot (“NSLD”) by clicking button  1320 . Although the preceding description focuses on clicked buttons, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that alternative user interface elements and user interaction means can be substituted therefor without departing from the spirit or the scope of the disclosed image and information management system.  
         [0064]     When the buttons are clicked, an alternative user interface can be provided which allows the user to further define the component illustrated in the image. This allows the user to quickly associate the image with an appropriate portion of the entire assembly, and thus to appropriately locate the image within the drilldown hierarchy.  FIG. 14  is an example of a user interface providing an orbiter/vehicle documentation log interface.  
         [0065]      FIG. 15  is a block diagram of an alternative computer architecture embodiment. The illustrated architecture is an “n-tier” architecture that is implemented in three tiers, Internet  1500 , Middle Tier  1510 , and EIS Tier  1520 . Internet tier  1500  provides an interface to the functions and data presented via the other tiers, and can do so directly through the interface with web server  1512 , or indirectly via the interface provided by web services  1505 .  
         [0066]     Middle Tier  1510  provides a layer of abstraction through which the data stored in EIS Tier  1520  can be accesses and formatted for presentation to Internet tier  1500 . Middle Tier  1510  preferably includes a web server  1512 , wherein web server  1512  can provide an interface to Internet  1500 , such as, but not limited to, via one or more HTTP or XML formatted documents, document editors such as the toolbar of  FIG. 11 , and the like. Although web server  1512  is illustrated as operating outside a corporate or other firewall  1513 , and such an operating arrangement is preferred for security purposes, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that web server  1512  can operate within firewall  1513  without departing from the spirit or the scope of the disclosed image and information management system.  
         [0067]     Web server  1512  acts as an interface to application server  1514 . Application server  1514  acts as a business logic server, directing data access requests to appropriate databases  1518  and  1524 , or to other information sources and services, such as those provided by internal web services  1521 . In this role, application server  1514  can receive information about user interaction with an interface provided by web server  1512 , such as the user clicking on a component in an image, and can translate such information into data requests in an appropriate query language for interacting with and retrieving information from the databases and internal web services  1521 .  
         [0068]     EIS Tier  1520  represents back-end systems to which middle tier  1510  provides an interface. EIS Tier  1520  includes systems such as a database associated with an existing content management system  1524 , as well as trajectory tracking, resource planning and other internal systems and applications  1523 ,  1525 , and  1526 . Internal web services  1521  provides a standardized interface through which application server  1514  and other hardware and software can interface with these internal systems. Adapters  1522  can provide a further layer of abstraction, allowing the internal systems to be easily upgraded or replaced without necessitating rearchitecting the entire system.  
         [0069]      FIG. 16  is a block diagram illustrating a process through which the image and information management system can be integrated into business processes. Although  FIG. 16  focuses on integration of the image and information management system into a spaceflight related business process, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the process can be readily adapted to allow the image and information management system to be integrated into alternative business processes without departing from the spirit or the scope of the disclosed image and information management system. In  FIG. 16 , a set  1600  of standard photographic or other images for an object or component is defined. The definition may be set forth in conjunction with a Work Authorization Document (“WAD”)  1605  which can be authored by an engineer or other technical expert  1630 . The WAD can be authored in a WAD Authoring Validation Environment (“WAVE”) to verify that the WAD conforms to standards set forth by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (“NASA”) or another agency, corporation, or standard setting entity. When technical expert  1630  has finished the WAD, the WAVE can preferably generate work instructions  1610  for technicians repairing, maintaining, or otherwise interacting with the component that is the subject of the WAD. Such work instructions  1610  can include instructions on when to photograph the component, how to orient the component within the photograph, key aspects of the component to be included in the photograph, and the like. Although reference is made herein to photographs, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that alternative imaging techniques, such as, without limitation, laser interferometric measurements of the component, thermal and/or infrared imaging, ultrasonic and/or x-ray imaging, and magnetic resonance imaging, may be substituted therefor. Similarly, it should be apparent that other types of information or multimedia content associated with the configuration of the object in question, such as, without limitation, engineering specifications or orders, CAD drawing, assembly instructions or videos, processing or manufacturing schedules, or quality inspection results, may be substituted therefor.  
         [0070]     In an embodiment, the photographs can be taken by a technician interacting with the component. In another embodiment, an inspector  1620  certified for taking such photographs is responsible for taking the photographs  1615  required under the WAD. The photographs are then reviewed  1625  by one or more senior engineers or other authorized persons, and any additional or replacement photographs are taken as required by the authorized person(s). Once all necessary photographs have been taken and approved, the photographs are uploaded  1630  into the system, where they are placed in image repository  1635 .  
         [0071]     When the images are stored in image repository  1635 , the photographs are available  1640  for study and use by authorized persons. Such use can include, but is not limited to, permitting support personnel  1650  to access the images in conjunction with on-orbit troubleshooting and operational needs  1645 .  
         [0072]     While the invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.