A digitized blue calico pattern. [Photo/WeChat account: ntjoy2012]

The blue calico pattern dataset, developed by the digital team at Nantong College of Science and Technology in Jiangsu province, has been awarded a data intellectual property registration certificate by the province's intellectual property protection center.

Since 2015, the team has systematically sampled blue calico patterns and conducted research on their classification, recognition, and characteristics. Over the past decade, they have continuously enriched the dataset, employing digital methods to protect and preserve these patterns, facilitating their recreation and application.

The team has also established the Blue Calico Pattern Digital Collection Standards. Pattern annotations are cross-verified against books and online data, reviewed by experts in intangible cultural heritage, and completed in collaboration with data engineers to ensure professional cultural interpretation and consistent data annotation.

"Our team leverages resources from deep school-enterprise collaborations, integrating AI technologies such as computer vision and deep learning," said Yu Xiang, an associate professor at NTST. "We have developed a reusable, computable, and scalable multimodal data platform for Nantong blue calico patterns."

Looking ahead, the school plans to further optimize and apply the blue calico pattern dataset, expanding its use in cultural and creative design, digital display, and cultural education. This initiative aims to breathe new life into the ancient art of blue calico in the digital era.