HEIF-to-JPEG Conversion with Preformatted Annotation Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image processing technologies struggle to efficiently convert image files, particularly from formats like HEIF to JPEG, due to limitations in memory capacity for recording annotation information in JPEG files.

Innovation Solution

An image processing apparatus and method that convert a first-format image file (e.g., HEIF) to a second-format image file (e.g., JPEG) by recording annotation information in the first-format file and generating reduced-size annotation information for the second-format file, ensuring it fits within the smaller memory capacity of the JPEG format.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If annotation information is recorded in the first-format image file (HEIF), then the annotation information can be preserved with sufficient memory capacity, but the memory capacity of the predetermined area for annotation information is insufficient in the second-format image file (JPEG)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvememory capacity for annotation informationVSAvoidannotation information
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by recording annotation information for the second format (JPEG) in advance into the first-format image file (HEIF) before conversion. This allows the annotation information to be pre-processed and stored in a format that fits the target JPEG constraints, eliminating information loss during conversion. The processor generates and stores the converted annotation information in the HEIF file's predetermined area beforehand, so when conversion occurs, the information is already ready and compatible.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If annotation information is converted from first format to second format, then compatibility with JPEG format is improved, but processing time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveformat compatibilityVSAvoidconversion processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces conversion processing time by performing the annotation information conversion in advance during the image capture or storage phase. Instead of converting annotation information during the actual image format conversion operation, the system pre-converts and stores the annotation information in both first-format (HEIF) and second-format (JPEG) versions within the HEIF file. This preliminary conversion eliminates the need for time-consuming real-time conversion during image format changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses copying by creating a copy of the annotation information in the target format (JPEG) and storing it within the source format file (HEIF). The processor generates annotation information suitable for JPEG format and stores it in the predetermined area of the HEIF file. During conversion, this pre-prepared copy is simply transferred or referenced, rather than converting the original annotation information in real-time, significantly reducing processing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If annotation information is recorded in JPEG format, then file compatibility is improved, but the memory capacity for annotation information is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereproduction compatibilityVSAvoidmemory capacity for annotation information
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the nested doll principle by embedding annotation information for both first format (HEIF) and second format (JPEG) within the HEIF image file structure. The JPEG-compatible annotation information is nested inside the HEIF file in a predetermined area, allowing the system to maintain the large memory capacity of HEIF while carrying forward the compatibility benefits of JPEG annotation format. This nested structure enables dual-format support without sacrificing the storage advantages of the source format.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS12346293B2Image processing apparatus capable of efficiently converting image file, control method therefor, and storage medium
Publication Date: 2025.07.01 CANON KK
  • US12346293B2 patent drawing
  • US12346293B2 patent drawing
  • US12346293B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An image processing apparatus which efficiently converts an image file. The image processing apparatus, based on an instruction, converts a first-format image file including image data and annotation information into a second-format image file having memory capacity of a predetermined area smaller than that of the first-format image file. The image processing apparatus records annotation information into the first-format image file, and generates, based on said annotation information, annotation information for the second-format image file having a size suit for the predetermined area, and before receiving the instruction being received, records the annotation information for the second-format image file into the first-format image file, and records the annotation information for the second-format image file recorded in the first-format image file, into the predetermined area in the second-format image file.