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Banatie Platform - Current Technical State

Date: November 1, 2025 Purpose: Business-focused overview of platform capabilities and readiness for strategic planning Status: Working Document Related docs: 09-mvp-scope.md, 11-technical-architecture.md, INDEX.md

Executive Summary

Banatie is a production-ready AI image generation platform featuring a REST API, interactive web interface, and enterprise-grade infrastructure. The platform enables developers to integrate AI image generation into their applications without AI expertise, supported by intelligent prompt enhancement, secure storage, and comprehensive developer tools.

Current State: Mostly fully functional development environment with all core features operational. Ready for production deployment.

Target Market hypothesis: SaaS developers, marketing agencies, e-commerce platforms, content creators

Key Differentiator: AI-powered prompt enhancement that transforms simple descriptions into professional results, eliminating the need for prompt engineering expertise.

1. API Endpoints - User Features

1.1 Text-to-Image Generation

Endpoint: /api/text-to-image

Purpose: Generate professional AI images from natural language descriptions

Core Functionality:

  • Converts text prompts into high-quality images using Google Gemini AI
  • Supports six aspect ratios (square, portrait, landscape, widescreen, ultrawide, vertical)
  • Optional AI-powered prompt enhancement improves simple prompts automatically
  • Returns generated image with public URL and metadata

Key Features:

  • Intelligent Enhancement: Seven template styles (Photorealistic, Illustration, Minimalist, Sticker, Product, Comic, General) automatically improve prompt quality
  • Multilingual Support: Detects and works with prompts in any language (translate prompts from any native language to English)
  • Quality Assurance: AI enhancement adds professional details (lighting, composition, technical specifications)
  • Rate Protection: 100 requests per hour prevents cost overruns
  • Multiple Formats: PNG, JPEG, WebP output options

Client Benefits:

  • No Expertise Required: Simple prompts produce professional results through auto-enhancement
  • Predictable Costs: Rate limiting and per-request pricing prevent budget surprises
  • Fast Integration: REST API works with any programming language or platform
  • Consistent Quality: AI enhancement ensures professional-grade outputs every time
  • Rapid Prototyping: Quick turnaround enables fast iteration on creative concepts

1.2 File Upload Service

Endpoint: /api/upload

Purpose: Secure image upload to project-specific storage

Core Functionality:

  • Upload single images with automatic validation
  • Organized storage by organization and project hierarchy
  • Returns public URL for immediate use
  • Tracks metadata (size, dimensions, format, upload time)

Key Features:

  • Security First: File type validation, size limits (5MB), path protection
  • Smart Organization: Automatic file structure (org/project/category/filename)
  • Multi-Tenant: Complete isolation between organizations and projects
  • Fast Access: Direct URLs with optional temporary access tokens

Client Benefits:

  • Enterprise Security: Production-grade file handling prevents vulnerabilities
  • Team Collaboration: Multi-tenant architecture supports multiple teams and clients
  • Scalability: Cloud storage grows with business needs
  • Simple Integration: Standard REST API, works with existing tools and frameworks

1.3 Image Listing & Access

Endpoints: /api/images/generated (list), /api/images/{path} (serve)

Purpose: Browse and retrieve generated images

Core Functionality:

  • Paginated image listings (up to 100 per request)
  • Efficient image serving with streaming
  • Browser caching for performance (24-hour cache)
  • Search and filtering capabilities

Key Features:

  • Performance Optimized: Direct streaming saves server resources
  • Smart Caching: Reduces bandwidth costs and improves load times
  • Flexible Access: Both direct URLs and temporary presigned URLs
  • Complete Metadata: Filename, size, dimensions, timestamp for every image

Client Benefits:

  • Fast User Experience: Optimized delivery ensures quick page loads
  • Cost Efficient: Caching reduces data transfer expenses
  • Easy Asset Management: Simple browsing and retrieval of generated content
  • Scalable: Handles thousands of images without performance degradation

2. API Endpoints - Admin Features

2.1 API Key Management

Endpoints: /api/admin/keys (create, list), /api/admin/keys/{id} (revoke)

Purpose: Secure access control and project organization

Core Functionality:

  • Create two key types: Master (admin, permanent) and Project (90-day expiration)
  • List all keys with usage tracking
  • Revoke keys with audit trail (soft delete)
  • Monitor last usage timestamp

Key Features:

  • Two-Tier Security: Master keys for administration, project keys for applications
  • Automatic Expiration: Project keys expire after 90 days, forcing security rotation
  • Usage Tracking: Monitor when each key was last used
  • Audit Trail: Full history of key creation, usage, and revocation
  • Multi-Project Support: Organize keys by organization and project

Business Benefits:

  • Enterprise Ready: Security model supports SaaS and multi-tenant businesses
  • Compliance: Complete audit trail meets regulatory requirements
  • Team Management: Separate keys for different teams, projects, or environments
  • Self-Service: Users manage their own keys without support intervention
  • Security Control: Easy revocation limits damage from compromised keys

3. Image Generation Service

3.1 AI Technology

Model: Google Gemini 2.5 Flash Image

How It Works: The platform sends user prompts to Google's latest Gemini AI model, which generates high-quality images based on natural language descriptions. The service handles all API communication, error handling, and image retrieval automatically.

Capabilities:

  • State-of-the-art image quality from Google's latest AI model
  • Multiple aspect ratios and output formats
  • Fast generation times (typically under 10 seconds)
  • Reliable performance with automatic retry logic

3.2 Prompt Enhancement System

Purpose: Transform amateur prompts into professional AI instructions

How It Works: A secondary AI agent analyzes user prompts and enhances them with professional details (lighting, composition, style specifics, quality parameters). The system detects the prompt language and applies template-based improvements while preserving user intent.

Enhancement Templates:

  • Photorealistic: Professional photography with lighting and camera details
  • Illustration: Artistic style with medium and technique specifications
  • Minimalist: Clean, simple designs with emphasis on negative space
  • Sticker: Fun, vibrant designs suitable for messaging apps
  • Product: Commercial product photography standards
  • Comic: Cartoon and comic book styles
  • General: Balanced enhancement for any subject

Business Value:

  • Democratizes AI Art: Anyone can create professional images without training
  • Reduces Customer Support: Users get good results immediately
  • Increases Satisfaction: Better outputs lead to happier customers
  • Competitive Advantage: Unique feature not available in basic AI APIs
  • Faster Time-to-Value: Customers see quality results from first request

4. Image Storage Service

4.1 Technology & Architecture

Storage System: MinIO (S3-compatible object storage)

Organization Structure:

{organization-slug}/
  └── {project-slug}/
      ├── generated/     (AI-created images)
      ├── uploads/       (user-uploaded files)
      └── references/    (reference images for generation)

Key Capabilities:

  • Unlimited Scalability: Grows from megabytes to terabytes seamlessly
  • S3 Compatibility: Standard API enables easy cloud migration (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
  • Data Reliability: Erasure coding prevents data loss
  • Fast Access: Optimized for image serving with caching support
  • Security: Temporary access URLs, project-based isolation

4.2 Business Benefits

For Platform:

  • Cost-Effective: Self-hosted storage is cheaper than cloud at scale
  • Vendor Independence: S3 compatibility means no lock-in
  • Easy Migration: Can move to AWS/Azure when needed

For Clients:

  • Data Organization: Automatic file management by project
  • Fast Performance: Optimized delivery for web and mobile
  • Secure Access: Enterprise-grade security and access control
  • Reliable Storage: Data protected against hardware failures

5. User Interface - Landing App

5.1 Text-to-Image Workbench

Location: /demo/tti

Purpose: Interactive testing environment for image generation

Core Features:

  • Side-by-Side Comparison: Generates with and without enhancement simultaneously
  • Visual Proof: Shows the value of prompt enhancement in real-time
  • Style Templates: Select from seven professional enhancement templates
  • Aspect Ratio Control: Choose from six common image dimensions
  • Performance Metrics: Display generation time for each request

Developer Tools:

  • Request Inspector: View exact JSON sent to API
  • Response Explorer: Examine complete API response
  • Enhancement Details: See original vs. enhanced prompt comparison
  • Code Generator: Auto-generate integration code (cURL, JavaScript)

Business Value:

  • Try Before Buy: Potential customers test API without writing code
  • Immediate Proof: Visual comparison demonstrates enhancement value
  • Sales Tool: Show prospects the platform's unique capabilities
  • Faster Onboarding: New users understand features quickly
  • Reduced Support: Self-service testing answers common questions

5.2 Image Gallery

Location: /demo/gallery

Purpose: Browse all generated images for a project

Features:

  • Responsive grid layout with image thumbnails
  • Pagination (30 images per page)
  • Image metadata display (size, dimensions, type, timestamp)
  • Performance tracking (load time measurement)

Business Value:

  • Asset Management: Easy browsing of generated content
  • Portfolio Building: Show clients their collection
  • Performance Visibility: Track delivery speed
  • User Confidence: Professional interface builds trust

5.3 File Upload Workbench

Location: /demo/upload

Purpose: Test and demonstrate upload functionality

Features:

  • Drag-and-drop file selection
  • Real-time image preview
  • Metadata display (dimensions, size, aspect ratio)
  • Upload history tracking
  • Performance metrics (upload and download time)
  • Auto-generated code snippets

Business Value:

  • User-Friendly Testing: Non-technical users can test uploads
  • Integration Examples: Developers get working code immediately
  • Quality Assurance: Preview prevents upload errors
  • Performance Transparency: Show actual upload speeds

5.4 Response Inspection Tools

Purpose: Transparency and debugging for developers

Features:

  • Full Request Visibility: See exact API request JSON
  • Complete Response Data: All metadata and parameters
  • Enhancement Breakdown: Detailed list of improvements made to prompts
  • Gemini Parameters: View AI model configuration
  • Code Examples: Context-specific integration code

Business Value:

  • Developer Trust: Full transparency builds confidence
  • Faster Integration: Clear examples reduce development time
  • Self-Service Debugging: Developers solve issues independently
  • Educational: Learn how to optimize prompts and requests

5.5 Admin Interface

Pages:

  • Master Key Creation (/admin/master): Bootstrap initial access
  • API Key Management (/admin/apikeys): Create and revoke keys

Purpose: Self-service platform administration

Business Value:

  • Reduced Support Costs: Users manage keys independently
  • Security Control: Easy key lifecycle management
  • Team Enablement: Non-technical staff can manage access

5.6 Documentation Section

Status: In Progress

Current State:

  • Documentation framework and styling complete
  • Content structure defined
  • Ready for content population

Planned Content:

  • API reference documentation
  • Authentication and security guide
  • Integration tutorials
  • Best practices and examples

Business Value:

  • Faster Customer Onboarding: Self-service learning
  • Reduced Support Burden: Documentation answers common questions
  • Professional Image: Complete docs signal production-ready platform
  • Developer Satisfaction: Good documentation attracts technical users

6. Database Architecture

6.1 Technology

Database: PostgreSQL 15 with Drizzle ORM (type-safe SQL)

6.2 Core Structure

Multi-Tenant Hierarchy:

  • Organizations: Top-level entity for companies or teams
  • Projects: Organize work within organizations
  • API Keys: Access control tied to organizations and projects
  • Images: Metadata for all generated and uploaded images
  • Generations: Track each image generation request
  • Prompt Cache: Optimize repeated prompt requests

Relationships: Organizations contain Projects, which have API Keys and Images. All operations tracked for audit and analytics.

6.3 Integration Role

Connects All Services:

  • API authentication validates keys against database
  • Storage service uses organization/project structure for file paths
  • Image generation records metadata for reporting
  • Admin interface manages keys and projects

Business Benefits:

  • Multi-Tenant Foundation: Supports SaaS business model
  • Complete Audit Trail: Track all platform activity
  • Analytics Ready: Rich metadata enables reporting and insights
  • Data Integrity: Relational structure prevents inconsistencies
  • Scalable: Optimized for thousands of organizations and millions of images

7. Environment & Deployment Readiness

7.1 Development Environment

Configuration: Docker Compose with local development

How It Works:

  • Infrastructure (PostgreSQL, MinIO) runs in Docker containers
  • API service runs locally with hot reload for rapid development
  • Connects to Docker services via localhost port forwarding

Benefits:

  • Fast iteration and debugging
  • Lower resource usage during development
  • Easy testing of infrastructure changes

7.2 Production Environment

Configuration: Full Docker Compose orchestration

Services:

  • API Service (REST API backend)
  • Landing Page (Next.js web interface)
  • PostgreSQL (database)
  • MinIO (object storage)

Network Architecture:

  • Internal Docker network for service communication
  • External ports for user access (API: 3000, Landing: 3001)
  • Persistent volumes for data storage

Benefits:

  • Production replica for accurate testing
  • Easy deployment to any Docker-compatible host
  • Service isolation and security
  • Simple scaling and updates

7.3 VPS Deployment Plan

Target: Existing VPS with multi-domain infrastructure

Current VPS Setup:

  • Running family Nextcloud instance
  • Multi-domain reverse proxy configured
  • SSL/TLS certificates automated

Deployment Approach:

  • Add Banatie services to existing Docker Compose stack
  • Configure reverse proxy for new domains
  • Separate network for service isolation
  • Shared data volumes with proper permissions

Advantages:

  • Leverage existing infrastructure investment
  • Proven hosting environment
  • Cost-effective (no new server required)
  • Familiar operations and maintenance

8. Upcoming Development Steps

8.1 Database-Integrated API (Not Started)

Objective: Full database persistence for all operations

Planned Functionality:

  • Store generation history for analytics
  • User session management
  • Usage tracking and quota enforcement
  • Billing data collection
  • Advanced search and filtering

Business Impact:

  • Usage-Based Billing: Foundation for revenue model
  • Customer Analytics: Understand usage patterns
  • Quota Management: Enforce plan limits automatically
  • Historical Data: Customer dashboards showing their activity

8.2 Image Transformation Service (Not Started)

Objective: On-the-fly image manipulation and optimization

Planned Features (service specified in separate documentation):

  • Resize and crop images
  • Format conversion
  • Compression and optimization
  • Watermarking
  • Thumbnail generation

Business Impact:

  • Bandwidth Savings: Serve optimized images for faster loading
  • Better UX: Responsive images for mobile and desktop
  • Additional Revenue: Premium feature for transformation API
  • Competitive Edge: Complete image workflow solution

8.3 CDN Integration via Cloudflare (Not Started)

Objective: Global content delivery for fast image access

Planned Implementation:

  • Cloudflare CDN integration
  • Edge caching for generated images
  • DDoS protection
  • SSL/TLS management

Business Impact:

  • Global Performance: Fast image delivery worldwide
  • Reduced Costs: Lower bandwidth usage on origin server
  • Better UX: Faster page loads increase customer satisfaction
  • Security: DDoS protection prevents outages
  • Professional Service: Enterprise-grade infrastructure

8.4 Production VPS Deployment (Not Started)

Objective: Move from development to live production

Steps:

  • Configure production environment variables
  • Set up domain and SSL certificates
  • Deploy Docker Compose stack to VPS
  • Configure monitoring and backups
  • Test all services under production load

Business Impact:

  • Market Entry: Platform becomes publicly available
  • Revenue Generation: Begin accepting paying customers
  • Real-World Testing: Validate architecture under actual use
  • Customer Feedback: Learn from real user behavior

8.5 Marketing Landing Page (Not Started)

Objective: Convert visitors into customers

Planned Updates:

  • Marketing copy focused on benefits
  • Clear value proposition
  • Pricing page
  • Case studies and testimonials
  • SEO optimization
  • Call-to-action optimization

Business Impact:

  • Lead Generation: Convert traffic to signups
  • Brand Building: Professional presence builds trust
  • SEO Traffic: Organic search visitors
  • Sales Tool: Share with prospects
  • Credibility: Complete website signals legitimate business

8.6 Email Collection Service (Not Started)

Objective: Build email list for marketing and communication

Service: To be determined (Mailchimp, ConvertKit, SendGrid, or other)

Planned Features:

  • Newsletter signup forms
  • Lead magnet delivery
  • Welcome email sequence
  • Product update announcements
  • Re-engagement campaigns

Business Impact:

  • Build Audience: Email list is owned asset
  • Customer Communication: Direct channel to users
  • Marketing Automation: Nurture leads automatically
  • Revenue Driver: Email marketing ROI is high
  • Launch Momentum: Pre-launch list for initial traction

Current Strengths

Technical Excellence

  • Production-ready code and infrastructure
  • Enterprise-grade security and multi-tenancy
  • Comprehensive error handling and monitoring
  • Developer-friendly API and documentation tools

Unique Value Proposition

  • AI prompt enhancement democratizes professional image generation
  • Interactive workbenches provide immediate value demonstration
  • Full transparency builds developer trust
  • Complete solution (not just an API)

Business Readiness

  • Multi-tenant architecture supports SaaS model
  • Usage tracking enables flexible pricing
  • Self-service tools reduce support costs
  • Scalable infrastructure grows with business

Key Risks & Considerations

External Dependencies

  • Gemini AI Availability: Platform depends on Google's API uptime and pricing
  • Mitigation: Monitor Google Cloud status, consider multi-provider strategy

Market Competition

  • Large Players: OpenAI, Midjourney, Stability AI have brand recognition
  • Differentiation: Prompt enhancement and developer tools create unique value

Technical Scalability

  • Current State: Designed for scalability but untested at high volume
  • Plan: Start small, monitor performance, scale infrastructure as needed

Success Metrics (Post-Launch)

Customer Acquisition

  • API key signups per week
  • Conversion rate (visitor to signup)
  • Cost per acquisition

Usage & Engagement

  • Images generated per day/week
  • Average images per customer
  • API error rate
  • Customer retention (90-day)

Revenue

  • Monthly recurring revenue (MRR)
  • Average revenue per user (ARPU)
  • Churn rate
  • Customer lifetime value (CLV)

Product Quality

  • API response time
  • Success rate of generations
  • Customer support tickets
  • Net Promoter Score (NPS)

Document Owner: Technical Lead (Oleg) Next Review: After production deployment Last Updated: November 1, 2025 Status: Current as of development completion, pending production deployment