System and method for discovering and categorizing attributes of a digital image

1. A target device comprising:

a three-dimensional shaped portion having one or more known dimensions,

wherein the three-dimensional shaped portion is configured to be captured within a digital image for analysis by digital imaging software such that an attribute of the digital image is determined, wherein the attribute is determined based at least in part on the one or more known dimensions.

2. The target device of claim 1 , comprising a disc portion mounted to the three-dimensional shaped portion, wherein the disc portion includes concentric rings that are color-coded to increase visibility of the target device within the digital image.

3. The target device of claim 2 , wherein the concentric rings are configured to contrast with a surrounding environment and are identifiable by the digital imaging software.

4. The target device of claim 2 , wherein the disc portion further includes an outer border of colored material that contrasts with the concentric rings such that the outer border provides a visual separation between the concentric rings and environmental surroundings included in the digital image.

5. The target device of claim 4 , wherein the environmental surroundings comprise at least one of a background or a subject that are captured in the digital image.

6. The target device of claim 2 , wherein the concentric rings include a ring of a neutral light color density that enables a measurement of light color and perceived temperature associated with the digital image.

7. The target device of claim 1 , wherein the attribute comprises one or more of a light direction, a light diffusion, and a light ambiance associated with the digital image.

8. The target device of claim 2 , further comprising a graphical pattern on one or more of the disc portion and the three-dimensional shaped portion, wherein the graphical pattern is used in determining a relative size of the target device.

9. The target device of claim 1 , wherein the three-dimensional shaped portion includes a substantially spherical surface, a substantially elliptical surface, or a faceted surface.

10. The target device of claim 2 , wherein the disc portion is substantially circular in shape or substantially square in shape.

11. The target device of claim 1 , wherein the three-dimensional shaped portion includes a surface arranged to reflect spectral light rays.

12. The target device of claim 2 , wherein the disc portion is symmetric from horizontal views of equal height.

13. The target device of claim 1 , further comprising an elevating device configured to position the three-dimensional shaped portion at a predetermined height.

14. A method for determining attributes of an image, the method comprising:

locating a three-dimensional target device within a digital image;

measuring attributes associated with the three-dimensional target device; and

automatically associating the attributes of the three-dimensional target device with the digital image.

15. The method of claim 14 , wherein associating the attributes further comprises storing the attributes in a database in association with the digital image.

16. The method of claim 14 , wherein associating the attributes further comprises embedding the attributes into the digital image.

17. The method of claim 14 , wherein locating the three-dimensional target device further comprises:

scanning the digital image for a high color luminescence value emanating from the three-dimensional target device, wherein the high color luminescence value is used to generate a color luminance curve; and

examining the color luminance curve to determine a distance of the three-dimensional target device from an edge of the digital image.

18. The method of claim 14 , wherein one or more of a particle analysis and a color space analysis is used to locate the three-dimensional target device.

19. The method of claim 14 , wherein locating the three-dimensional target device further comprises scanning the digital image for a geometric shape corresponding to the three-dimensional target device.

20. An apparatus for indexing an image with visual attributes, comprising:

a means for locating a target device within a digital image, wherein the target device includes a three-dimensional shaped portion;

a means for measuring one or more visual attributes associated with the target device by examining the three-dimensional shaped portion; and

a means for associating the one or more visual attributes of the target device with the digital image, such that the digital image is indexed with the visual attributes.