Composite Image Map Generation for Web Sprite Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for managing images in web applications are inefficient, requiring significant manual effort to create and update image maps, leading to high costs and slow development due to the need for frequent downloads of multiple images.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for generating composite image maps that automates the process by determining sprite coordinates and compiling them into a single file, allowing for easy updates through XML files, reducing the need for individual image downloads and speeding up development and load times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If multiple individual image files are used on an application page, then image quality and design flexibility are improved, but download time and bandwidth consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual image files into a single composite image map file. The system takes multiple source images, processes them to extract sprite information, and merges them into one consolidated image map that contains all necessary images. This reduces the number of HTTP requests from multiple individual downloads to a single composite file download, directly addressing the download time issue while preserving all original images within the composite structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional manual image map creation methods are used, then image maps can be created, but significant manual effort and time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automated image map generation without requiring manual intervention. The composite image mapping processor automatically takes source images, extracts sprite information, determines coordinates, and generates the composite image map file with all necessary metadata. This self-service approach eliminates the need for developers to manually create image maps using editing programs, significantly reducing development time while maintaining ease of use through automatic processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary processing of images during the build phase, extracting sprite information and coordinates before the application is deployed. By pre-processing and organizing all image data into the composite map structure in advance, the system eliminates the need for manual image map creation during deployment or runtime, reducing development time while maintaining ease of implementation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If image maps are manually updated to add or remove images, then image maps can be modified, but the locations of other images shift and require updates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses an XML file to store and manage sprite information including coordinates, dimensions, and identifiers for each image within the composite map. When images need to be added, removed, or modified, the system updates the XML metadata to reflect the new state. This feedback mechanism ensures that coordinate information is automatically adjusted and maintained, preventing location shifts and eliminating the need to manually update references throughout the application.
4Ease of operation
If multiple HTTP connections are established for individual images, then each image can be requested, but connection establishment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual image requests into a single composite image map file request. Instead of establishing separate HTTP connections for each image file, the system consolidates all images into one file that can be retrieved through a single connection. This dramatically reduces connection establishment time and overhead while maintaining ease of image retrieval through the composite map's internal structure and coordinate system.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, computer readable medium, and system for generating a composite image map includes obtaining a plurality of sprites for an application page and determining coordinates of each of the obtained plurality of sprites. A composite image map is generated based on the obtained plurality of sprites and the determined coordinates.