Hybrid Digital Collage Layout Generation with Known Good Universe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image layout algorithms for collages and photobooks often fail to produce aesthetically pleasing arrangements, especially when dealing with mixed aspect ratios, as they either require numerous templates or result in bland, random layouts that do not effectively utilize image content.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid approach combining dynamic and predefined layout technologies, where the system learns from user preferences to adapt and generate layouts efficiently, using the Known Good Layout Universe (NGLU) algorithm to score and sort layouts based on aesthetic ratings, and the Hybrid Page Layout Manager (HPLM) to determine the appropriate layout algorithm for the number of images selected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If template based layout systems are used to handle all orientation combinations of images with differing aspect ratios, then complete coverage of all aspect ratio combinations is achieved, but the number of templates required increases exponentially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates master templates with placeholder regions that can universally accommodate images of any aspect ratio. Instead of creating separate templates for each aspect ratio combination, a single master template serves multiple functions by dynamically adjusting placeholder sizes and positions based on the actual image dimensions, thereby reducing the total number of templates needed while maintaining comprehensive coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes parameters such as placeholder dimensions, spacing, and positioning within templates based on the input images' aspect ratios. This allows the same template structure to adapt to different image configurations without requiring separate templates for each scenario, thus maintaining versatility while reducing template quantity
2Stability of the object's composition
If dynamic layout algorithms are used to spread images evenly across the page, then even distribution of images is achieved, but the layouts appear bland and do not account for image aspect ratios or resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different layout strategies to different regions and images within the same layout based on their specific characteristics. Instead of uniformly distributing all images, the system adjusts spacing, sizing, and positioning locally for each image according to its aspect ratio, resolution, and visual weight, thereby maintaining even overall distribution while enhancing aesthetic quality through localized optimizations
Solution Approach 2:
The layout algorithm dynamically adjusts image placement, spacing, and scaling based on real-time analysis of image properties such as aspect ratio and resolution. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain balanced composition while responding to the specific characteristics of each image, preventing bland uniformity and creating more visually engaging layouts
3Productivity
If predefined layout algorithms are used, then layout generation is efficient and fast, but there are not enough predefined layouts to cover all orientation and aspect ratio combinations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs master templates that serve as universal layouts capable of accommodating multiple orientation and aspect ratio combinations through dynamic placeholder adjustment. This allows a smaller set of predefined templates to cover a broader range of image configurations, maintaining layout generation speed while improving versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The templates are segmented into adjustable placeholder regions that can be independently configured to match different image aspect ratios. This segmentation allows the predefined templates to be flexibly adapted to various image combinations without requiring separate templates for each scenario, thus maintaining efficiency while expanding coverage
4Stability of the object's composition
If image size normalization is applied to achieve even distribution, then images are spread evenly across the page, but the aspect ratio and resolution information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates placeholder copies within the template structure that represent where images will be placed, without actually resizing or normalizing the original images. The placeholder dimensions are calculated based on the target layout requirements, while the original image data including aspect ratio and resolution information is preserved and applied during the final image placement stage, thus achieving even distribution without information loss
Data Source
AI summary
A computer implemented method of generating a digital collage layout for a group of digital images is disclosed. A group of digital images is retrieved from a computer accessible memory. A determination is made whether to select the digital collage layout from a stored collection of digital collage layouts or to generate a new set of digital collage layouts and select the digital collage layout from the new set. Based on determination, the digital collage layout is provided from the stored collection or from the new set.