Dynamic Image Cropping for Responsive Layouts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image cropping techniques often result in undesirable images when an object of interest is cropped or partially obscured, especially in responsive layouts where container sizes vary, leading to poor visibility of the object of interest.
Innovation Solution
Images are scaled and positioned within containers based on container size to ensure the area of interest remains visible, with optional cropping to remove excess image portions, focusing on a designated hotspot to maintain clarity and legibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the image is sized to fit the container using conventional techniques, then the image fits within the container boundaries, but the area of interest becomes difficult to see or is cropped in small containers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the image scaling factor variable based on container size. Instead of using a fixed scaling approach, the system dynamically adjusts the scaling factor according to the container dimensions, ensuring that the area of interest remains clearly visible in both small and large containers. This is achieved by calculating an optimal scaling factor that preserves the visibility of the designated hotspot while adapting to different container sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the scaling parameter dynamically based on container size. By adjusting the scaling factor as a variable parameter rather than a fixed value, the system optimizes the display of the area of interest across different container dimensions. The scaling factor is calculated to ensure that the area of interest occupies an appropriate portion of the container, improving visibility in small containers while maintaining proper proportions in large containers.
2Loss of information
If the image is scaled considerably for small containers to focus on the area of interest, then the area of interest becomes clear and legible, but surrounding content is excluded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the treatment of different regions of the image. The area of interest (hotspot) is given priority in the scaling and positioning process, ensuring it maintains clarity and legibility. Surrounding content is treated differently, being excluded or minimized when it would compromise the visibility of the area of interest in small containers. This selective approach ensures that the most important region receives optimal display quality.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional cropping techniques are used, then the image fits the container, but the object of interest may be cropped or partially obscured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by designating the area of interest (hotspot) before the cropping and scaling operations are performed. By pre-identifying the coordinates and dimensions of the area of interest, the system can calculate the optimal scaling factor and positioning to ensure this region remains visible and uncropped. This preliminary designation allows the subsequent cropping process to be tailored specifically to preserve the object of interest rather than applying generic cropping rules.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to optimizing image cropping. In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, an image and an indication of an area of interest within the image are obtained. Thereafter, an amount to scale the image is determined based on a size of a container into which the image is to be placed for display. The amount to scale the image is greater for containers of a smaller size to focus on the area of interest within the image than the amount to scale the image for containers of a larger size. The image can be scaled in accordance with the determined amount to scale the image, and thereafter cropped to fit within the boundaries of the container.