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I am the lead developer responsible for overall application architecture. My role also focused on algorithm implementation and ensuring the application's efficiency. The project commenced on 17th Nov 2023 and concluded successfully on 7th Dec 2023. Our target audience includes jewelry retailers, manufacturers, and designers who seek a seamless solution for image matching and management in the industry.

Why this Project?

Choosing the ImageMatch Desktop project wasn't really a shared interest with a team or group of individuals; it had a personal touch, connected to challenges I faced in the past. A while back, a client challenged me to add advanced image matching to his jewelry application he was developing. I did some research, trying to find the right solution, but back then, it stayed on the back burner due to various reasons. Now, with the ImageMatch Desktop project, I saw a chance to revisit that challenge. So it isn't just a technical project; it's also about proving to myself that I can overcome past limitations and turn an idea into reality.

What I've accomplished with this project

The architecture of ImageMatch Desktop is designed to efficiently handle image matching and retrieval. The data flow begins with user-provided images, undergoes processing and matching through the Emgu.CV library, and finally displaying matched results in the user interface.

For the frontend, we chose a Windows Forms Application in Visual Basic for its ease of use and integration with the Emgu.CV library.

Emgu.CV was selected for its robust computer vision capabilities, allowing us to perform image matching and recognition efficiently.

To manage and organize data, we integrated MySQL for storing jewelry information and related details.
 

Completed Features of ImageMatch Desktop

• EigenObjectRecognizer from Emgu.CV is utilized for accurate image matching.
• A dynamic removal of matched images from recognition pool is implemented to prevent redundant matches.
• A connection to MySQL is established to store and retrieve jewelry information.
• Based on the image matched results, a feature has been implemented to query database for additional information (name, description, location).
• A datagridview is used to display and manage multiple match results simultaneously.
• A location management has been integrated to enhance the user's ability to organize and track jewelry items.

These features collectively enhance the image matching experience, provide efficient data management, and offer a more user-friendly interface.

Technical Challenge I face during the project

I faced a problem with EigenObjectRecognizer in Emgu.CV, which didn't consistently recognize jewelry well. Fixing this was crucial for the project. To solve it, I studied the recognizer and tried different settings. I experimented with parameters like EigenDistanceThreshold and MCvTermCriteria to find the best setup for accurate recognition.

I also made the recognizer smarter by removing already matched images, preventing it from repeating the same recognition. To make it even better, I added more diverse jewelry images to the training set, helping the tool recognize a wider range of items.

These changes made a big difference. Now, the recognizer accurately matches jewelry images, making the ImageMatch Desktop app work better for users.

What I've learnt from this Project

Through the course of this project, I've learnt several valuable lessons which has shaped my technical expertise and personal growth as an engineer.

1. I learned a lot about recognizing images, especially using the EigenObjectRecognizer in Emgu.CV. Adjusting settings like EigenDistanceThreshold and MCvTermCriteria showed me the balance needed for accurate recognition. Removing repetitive matches dynamically was a key feature.
2. I now understand the importance of a diverse training set for better image matching. Improving the dataset over time taught me the value of adaptability in machine learning.
3. This project has also taught me that seeking help from forums and collaborating with peers reinforced the importance of teamwork.
4. This experience also made me realize my ability to handle tough technical challenges. It reminds me that challenges are opportunities for growth. I'm excited to explore more advanced topics in computer vision, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.

In conclusion, this project not only improved my technical skills but also changed how I see the ever-changing world of software engineering. It sets the foundation for ongoing exploration and improvement to future projects.

 

I am a passionate software engineer with a interest in computer vision and machine learning. My GitHub link for the project is GitHub - ImageMatch Desktop. You can explore the deployed project here and visit the landing page at ImageMatch Desktop Landing Page. Connect with me on LinkedIn to stay updated on my journey in the world of technology.