Automated Color Gradient Extraction from Source Images

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image manipulation systems rely heavily on user input for generating color gradients, leading to increased user error and frustration due to the reliance on unnatural color transitions, which can result in uncomfortable viewing experiences.

Innovation Solution

The system automatically identifies color gradients from source images by detecting a gradient path, selecting color pivots based on user input for smoothness, and generating individual color gradients between these pivots to create a natural and aesthetically pleasing color transition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If user manually identifies colors for color gradients, then the application can generate color gradients, but user error increases and viewing experience becomes uncomfortable due to unnatural color transitions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated color gradient generationVSAvoidcolor transition naturalness

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts color gradients automatically from source images without requiring user input for color selection. The application performs self-service by analyzing the source image to identify color pivots and generate gradient paths, eliminating manual color identification and its associated errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of user color selection is replaced with an automated image analysis system. The application uses computational methods to detect color gradients in source images and generate gradient paths algorithmically, substituting human judgment with automated color extraction technology.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the system automatically extracts color gradients from source images, then color transition naturalness improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor transition naturalnessVSAvoidgradient path detection complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex task of color gradient generation is segmented into distinct operations: detecting color pivots in the source image, identifying gradient paths between pivots, and generating individual color gradients along each path. This segmentation simplifies the overall complexity by breaking down the automated process into manageable steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-detecting color pivots and gradient paths from the source image before generating the final color gradient. This preliminary analysis prepares the data structure needed for gradient generation, reducing the complexity of the main generation task.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the system uses prepopulated color gradients, then ease of operation improves, but adaptability to specific design needs decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegradient selection simplicityVSAvoidcolor gradient customization

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides universal functionality by serving multiple purposes: it can automatically generate gradients from any source image while also allowing users to select from prepopulated gradients. This multi-functionality maintains ease of operation for simple cases while providing adaptability for customized design needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts between two modes: using prepopulated gradients for simple, fast operations and automatically extracting gradients from source images for customized, adaptive results. This dynamic switching maintains ease of operation while providing versatility when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11532106B2Color gradient capture from source image content

Publication Date: 2022.12.20 ADOBE INC

AI summary

A method for generating a color gradient includes receiving an input indicating a smoothness of the color gradient and detecting a gradient path defined from an image. The method also includes identifying a set of colors from the gradient path. The method includes detecting a set of color pivots associated with the set of colors. A number of the color pivots in the set of color pivots is based on the input indicating the smoothness of the color gradient. The method includes generating a set of individual color gradients along the gradient path including a color gradient between a first pair of colors located at a first pair of the color pivots and a different color gradient between a second pair of colors located at a second pair of the color pivots. Additionally, the method includes generating the color gradient of the image from the set of individual color gradients.