Dynamic Mosaic Image Generation via Area Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mosaic images used in web pages lack dynamic appeal, leading to user disengagement as they do not change over time, resulting in repetitive viewing experiences.

Innovation Solution

An image generation device and method that dynamically updates mosaic images by adjusting the number of divided areas and the source material image based on the increasing number of acquired images, ensuring improved resolution and visual fidelity, thereby maintaining user motivation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a mosaic image is generated using a fixed set of divided areas and material image, then the initial mosaic image can be created, but the image becomes static and loses user engagement over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemosaic image compositionVSAvoiduser engagement
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling the mosaic image to change over time through automatic regeneration. The system transitions from a static composition to a dynamic one where the mosaic image can be regenerated with different arrangements of divided areas and different source images from the database, maintaining user engagement while preserving the fundamental mosaic structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying key parameters of the mosaic image including the arrangement of divided areas, the selection of source images from the database, and the overall composition. These parameter changes enable the mosaic to evolve while maintaining its essential characteristics, resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If the number of divided areas is increased to improve resolution, then the mosaic image quality improves, but the complexity of generating and managing the mosaic increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemosaic image resolutionVSAvoidmosaic generation system
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the mosaic generation process into independent components: dividing areas generation, source image selection, and mosaic assembly. This modular approach allows the system to handle increased numbers of divided areas without proportionally increasing overall complexity, as each component can be managed independently

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service through automatic regeneration capabilities where the mosaic image can be automatically rebuilt without manual intervention. The system manages the complexity of increased divided areas by automating the matching and assembly processes, reducing the operational burden despite increased structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If new images are continuously acquired from terminal devices, then the mosaic image can be updated and user motivation is maintained, but the system requires ongoing data acquisition and processing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemosaic image update capabilityVSAvoidimage acquisition rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-acquiring and storing multiple source images in the database before they are needed for mosaic generation. This preparatory data collection allows the system to quickly regenerate mosaics without requiring real-time image acquisition, balancing update capability with productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements universality by creating a multi-functional image database that serves both as a repository for pre-acquired images and as a source for ongoing mosaic generation. This database can be populated through various means (user uploads, automated collection) and serves multiple purposes, reducing the burden of continuous data acquisition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2511873B1Image generation device, image generation method, image generation program, and recording medium
Publication Date: 2016.07.06 RAKUTEN GROUP INC
  • EP2511873B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2511873B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2511873B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

A mosaic image which encourages users' motivation of continuously browsing mosaic images is generated. An image generation device which generates a mosaic image using as a source image a material image divided into a plurality of divided areas, has: an acquiring means that acquires an image from a terminal device through a network; and a mosaic image generating means that generates a mosaic image by allocating the image acquired by the acquiring means, to one of the divided areas based on color information of the image acquired by the acquiring means and color information of each of the divided areas of the material image used as the source image. After generating the mosaic image, the mosaic image generating means generates a new mosaic image by changing at least one of a number of the divided areas and the material image in response to an increase in a number of images acquired by the acquiring means.