Email Animation via Layered Image Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for transmitting dynamic images over electronic communication channels, such as email and websites, are inefficient in terms of bandwidth usage and require complex programming or specific plugins, making them unsuitable for wireless connections and limiting their versatility.
Innovation Solution
A method involving capturing multiple photographs with slight camera motion, editing them to isolate moving elements, and storing them as layers in a graphic file, which is then transmitted and displayed in sequence to create a dynamic image, reducing file size and eliminating the need for additional plugins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If multiple images are transmitted to create animation, then dynamic image quality is improved, but transmission time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the animation into individual image layers that are transmitted separately but displayed sequentially. Each layer represents a frame of the animation, allowing the system to break down the transmission of complex dynamic content into manageable discrete units that can be optimized for bandwidth usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic transmission of image layers at controlled intervals. The system transmits layers in a sequential periodic manner, with timing control that allows efficient bandwidth utilization while maintaining the dynamic visual effect. This periodic action enables the animation to play back smoothly without requiring all frames to be transmitted simultaneously.
2Loss of energy
If flash graphics with programming code are used, then bandwidth usage is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the animation functionality from complex programming code and flash plugins, replacing it with standard image layer transmission. By taking out the need for specialized programming and plug-ins, the system achieves bandwidth efficiency through optimized image transmission while eliminating the complexity of executing proprietary code on receiving devices.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of transmitting executable code that requires interpretation, the patent uses direct image layer copying and display. The animation is achieved by transmitting and displaying sequential image layers that are universally compatible with standard image viewing capabilities, eliminating the need for specialized flash interpreters or programming execution environments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flash plugins are required for execution, then animation functionality is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the animation system universal by using standard image formats and sequential display mechanisms that work across all platforms without requiring proprietary plugins. The solution achieves animation functionality through a universal approach that leverages existing, widely-supported image viewing capabilities rather than requiring users to install or enable specialized software.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving device uses its own built-in image display capabilities to render the animation without needing external plugins. The system is self-sufficient, utilizing standard image viewing functions already present in email clients and web browsers to display the sequential image layers, thereby eliminating the need for users to take additional actions or install software.
4Manufacturing precision
If large graphic files are transmitted, then image quality is improved, but transmission time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments large graphic files into smaller sequential image layers. Each layer is transmitted individually at optimized file sizes, allowing the system to maintain image quality while reducing the peak bandwidth requirement and overall transmission time. The segmentation enables progressive display where earlier layers can be rendered while later layers are still downloading.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method for providing animation in electronic communications. An image is generated by capturing multiple photographs from a camera or video camera typically fixed in one position. The first photograph is called the “naked photo.” Using a graphics program, photos subsequent to the naked photo are edited to cut an element common to the subsequent photos. The cut images are pasted into the naked photo as layers. The modified naked photo, including the layers, is stored as a web-enabled graphics file, which is then transmitted in conjunction with electronic communication. When the electronic communication is received, the naked photo is displayed and each of the layers is displayed and removed in the order that each was taken with a short delay between photos. In this manner, a movie is generated with much smaller files than is currently possible.