Digital Image Collage Layout With Randomized Aperture Weighting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing digital image collage software provides generic, uncreative templates that result in bland and repetitive collages, lacking a unique look and feel.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for generating digital image collages with randomized layouts and aperture sizes/shapes, allowing for auto-cropping and selection of a target image with the largest area, using a processor to randomly divide and populate digital images in a collage template.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If preset templates with fixed layouts are used, then ease of operation is improved, but the collage becomes generic and uncreative

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidcreativity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic layout generation where the system automatically creates varied collage arrangements through randomized aperture positions, sizes, and shapes. This dynamic approach replaces static preset templates with algorithmically generated layouts that adapt to the specific images being collaged, thereby maintaining ease of operation while significantly improving creativity and uniqueness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes multiple layout parameters simultaneously including aperture positions, sizes, shapes, and arrangements through randomization algorithms. By varying these parameters dynamically rather than using fixed templates, the system generates unique collages each time while requiring minimal user input, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and creativity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If randomized layouts with varying aperture sizes and shapes are implemented, then creativity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecreativityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically generating randomized layouts and making intelligent decisions about aperture arrangements without requiring complex user controls. The algorithm autonomously handles the complexity of creating unique collages, while the user interface remains simple. This transfers the complexity from the user interaction layer to the backend processing layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual layout design (mechanical/user-driven process) with an automated algorithmic system. Instead of users manually adjusting positions and sizes to achieve creative layouts, a computational algorithm generates randomized arrangements automatically. This substitution of manual mechanical adjustment with automated computation reduces the perceived device complexity for users while maintaining high creativity output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If auto-cropping is applied to fit images within apertures, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of information occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveprecisionVSAvoidloss of information
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial cropping only when necessary to fit images within aperture boundaries, rather than always cropping entire images. The randomization algorithm can generate aperture sizes and positions that minimize cropping requirements, and when cropping is applied, it maintains the essential content while adhering to the aperture constraints. This balanced approach achieves precision fitting while minimizing information loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS20260094329A1System and method for generating a digital image collage
Publication Date: 2026.04.02 FUJIFILM NORTH AMERICA CORP
  • US20260094329A1 patent drawing
  • US20260094329A1 patent drawing
  • US20260094329A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A system and method for generating a digital image collage includes generating a first aperture in a collage template to establish a first arrangement; randomly dividing the first aperture into second and third apertures to provide a second arrangement; determining and comparing a weight for each of the second and third apertures, wherein the weight of the second aperture is greater; randomly dividing the second aperture into fourth and fifth apertures to provide a third arrangement; determining the weight for each of the fourth aperture and the fifth aperture; designating a digital image as a first target digital image; automatically populating the first target digital image in one of the third, fourth, or fifth aperture, wherein the first target digital image is populated in the aperture that has the greatest weight; and populating other digital images in the other respective apertures thereby generating the digital image collage.