Flowchart Image to Editable Object Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to efficiently convert images of flowcharts into editable, computer-readable formats, limiting the ability to manipulate and edit flowchart content without manual re-creation.
Innovation Solution
A method involving image processing that identifies and classifies paths in a flowchart image through solo and neighbor-based evaluation phases, calculating likelihood scores to generate a flowchart object, allowing for the creation of editable representations like PowerPoint or SVG descriptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual re-creation of flowcharts is used, then editing and manipulation capability is achieved, but time consumption and labor intensity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a digital copy of the flowchart from an image by automatically detecting paths, nodes, and connectors, then generating an editable flowchart object that replicates the original structure and content without manual re-creation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical drawing and editing operations with automated image processing algorithms that detect flowchart elements, calculate path properties, and generate editable representations through computational analysis
2Speed
If simple path classification is used, then processing speed is improved, but classification accuracy and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The classification process is divided into distinct phases: solo evaluation phase where each path is assessed individually using multiple properties, and neighbor-based evaluation phase where paths are evaluated in context of surrounding elements, with iterative refinement of likelihood scores
Solution Approach 2:
The system evaluates multiple path properties including geometric characteristics, topological relationships, and contextual features, dynamically adjusting likelihood scores based on weighted combinations of these parameters to achieve accurate classification
3Productivity
If automated flowchart conversion is implemented, then productivity is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex conversion system is segmented into distinct functional modules: image reading module, path identification module, solo evaluation module, neighbor-based evaluation module, and flowchart object generation module, each handling a specific aspect of the conversion process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate data structures and processing stages, including path property extraction, likelihood score calculation, and iterative refinement phases, that mediate between the input image and the final flowchart object to manage system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A method for image processing. The method includes: reading an image of a flowchart; identifying, within the image, a plurality of paths corresponding to the flowchart; classifying a first path of the plurality of paths as a flowchart element by: calculating, during a solo evaluation phase, a plurality of established likelihood scores for the first path based on a plurality of properties of the first path; calculating, during a neighbor-based evaluation phase, a first plurality of provisional likelihood scores for the first path based on the plurality of established likelihood scores for the first path and a plurality of established likelihood scores for a second path of the plurality of paths; and updating, during the neighbor-based evaluation phase, the plurality of established likelihood scores for the first path based on the first plurality of provisional likelihood scores; and generating a flowchart object based on the classified first path.