Digital Image Area Selection via Input Stroke Analysis

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional digital processing systems are inefficient in selecting specific areas of digital images for digital operations, requiring manual selection and involving specialized knowledge, which leads to labor-intensive and time-consuming processes.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that automatically select areas of digital images by analyzing input strokes, classifying them into specific selection operations, and defining areas based on the input stroke metrics, allowing for efficient digital image editing operations without user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual selection methods are used to select areas of digital images, then users can precisely control the selection process, but the process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of area selectionVSAvoidtime required for selection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects edges and classifies input strokes to select areas without requiring manual intervention. The processing device autonomously performs edge detection, stroke classification, and area definition based on the input stroke, eliminating the need for users to manually select areas while maintaining selection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical selection operations with automated computational processes. Instead of users manually outlining or selecting areas, the system uses algorithms to detect edges, analyze stroke metrics, and automatically define selection areas, substituting human effort with automated processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If conventional manual selection tools are used, then users can select specific areas, but specialized knowledge is required and computational resources are wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of area selectionVSAvoidcomplexity of selection process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects edges and classifies input strokes to select areas without requiring manual intervention. The processing device autonomously performs edge detection, stroke classification, and area definition based on the input stroke, eliminating the need for users to manually select areas while maintaining selection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters of area selection from manual user input to automated detection based on edge proximity and stroke metrics. The system evaluates parameters such as the distance of points from edges and classifies strokes based on their geometric characteristics to automatically determine selection areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If automated selection based on input stroke analysis is implemented, then labor and time requirements are reduced, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of area selectionVSAvoidcomplexity of selection system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the area selection process into distinct operational steps: receiving input stroke data, detecting edge proximity, classifying stroke type based on metrics, defining the selection area, and executing the digital operation. This segmentation allows each step to be optimized independently while working together to achieve automated selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical selection operations with automated computational processes. Instead of users manually outlining or selecting areas, the system uses algorithms to detect edges, analyze stroke metrics, and automatically define selection areas, substituting human effort with automated processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20250061626A1Selection of areas of digital images

Publication Date: 2025.02.20 ADOBE INC

AI summary

Techniques for performing a digital operation on a digital image are described along with methods and systems employing such techniques. According to the techniques, an input (e.g., an input stroke) is received by, for example, a processing system. Based upon the input, an area of the digital image upon which a digital operation (e.g., for removal of a distractor within the area) is to be performed is determined. In an implementation, one or more metrics of an input stroke are analyzed, typically in real time, to at least partially determine the area upon which the digital operation is to be performed. In an additional or alternative implementation, the input includes a first point, a second point and a connector, and the area is at least partially determined by a location of the first point relative to a location of the second point and/or by locations of the first point and/or second point relative to one or more edges of the digital image.