Electronic Document Annotation Blending Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional transparency mode for document annotation does not extend naturally to multi-level or color image data, limiting its applicability in digital image processing.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for annotating electronic documents by embedding annotation information into an electronic annotation object, allowing the selection of corresponding pixel information from either the annotation object or the document to produce an annotated document, which supports both opaque and transparent annotation modes, including grayscale and color image data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If transparency mode using OR logic operation is used for annotation, then binary image data can be annotated effectively, but it cannot be extended to multi-level or color image data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter space by introducing multiple blending modes (overlay, multiply, screen, lighten, darken, color dodge, color burn) beyond the single OR logic operation. This allows the annotation system to adapt to different image types (binary, grayscale, color) by selecting appropriate blending parameters, thereby resolving the contradiction between versatility and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal annotation system that can handle multiple image types (binary, grayscale, color) through a single unified framework. The blending mode selection mechanism enables one system to perform multiple annotation functions across different data types, eliminating the need for separate annotation methods for each image type.
2Ease of operation
If opaque mode with white box is used for annotation, then annotation text is clearly visible, but the original image content in the annotated area is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a parameter control mechanism that allows dynamic switching between opaque and transparent modes, and further provides multiple intermediate blending modes. This enables users to adjust the annotation visibility parameter while controlling information loss, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and information preservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the annotation mode dynamic by allowing selection between different blending modes based on the specific annotation needs and image characteristics. Rather than being fixed to opaque mode, the system can adaptively choose the appropriate blending mode to balance visibility and information retention.
3Loss of information
If transparent mode is used for binary image data, then original image content is preserved, but the method does not extend to multi-level or color image data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal annotation framework that works across binary, grayscale, and color image data types. The blending mode mechanism provides a single unified approach that preserves original image content while being adaptable to different data types, eliminating the limitation of binary-only transparency mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the transparency concept by introducing multiple blending mode parameters that can be selected based on the image data type. This allows the original image content preservation feature to be maintained while adapting to multi-level and color image data through parameter adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for producing an electronic annotated document including embedding annotation information into an electronic annotation object having image data including an annotation, and producing the electronic annotated document using pixel information from the electronic document and the electronic annotation object. The annotation embedded information may be used to select corresponding pixel information from one of the electronic annotated object and electronic document to be provided in the electronic annotated document. A system and tangible storage medium having machine-readable instructions for producing an electronic annotated document are also disclosed.