Generic Icon Translucency via Gray-Level Masking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile terminal devices require multiple sets of skin images for different display modes, leading to increased memory consumption and download costs due to the inability to implement full-transparent images in PNG format with more than 24 bits, necessitating separate mask layers for each translucent or transparent icon.
Innovation Solution
A method using a Bitmap format original image icon with a transparent white background, where gray levels between white and black represent translucency, allows for the creation of mask layer icons for multiple display modes, reducing the number of images needed by sharing the original image icon across modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sets of skin images are prepared for different display modes, then user comfort requirements in different environments are satisfied, but memory consumption and download costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the original image icon serve multiple functions across different display modes. Instead of creating separate skin images for each mode, a single original image icon is used as the base for all display modes, with mode-specific characteristics achieved through translucent processing of mask layers applied to this universal original image.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the original image icon with mask layers through translucent processing to create mode-specific display effects. By combining a shared original image with different translucent mask layers, the system achieves multiple display modes without requiring separate image files for each mode, thus reducing the total number of images needed.
2Reliability
If separate mask layers are provided for each translucent or transparent icon, then transparency and shadow effects are achieved, but the number of images in the installation package increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the icon system into two independent components: the original image icon and the mask layer. This segmentation allows the mask layer to be reused across multiple icons and display modes, reducing redundancy. The mask layer is treated as a separate, reusable resource that can be applied to different original images without requiring duplicate mask files for each icon.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask layer is designed to serve multiple functions and be applicable to multiple original image icons. By creating a universal mask layer that can be applied to different icons through translucent processing, the system reduces the total number of images needed in the installation package while maintaining the required transparency and shadow effects.
3Reliability
If PNG format with more than 24 bits is used for full-transparent images, then transparency quality is improved, but compatibility with mobile terminal systems and development tools is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of image format from high-bit PNG (more than 24 bits) to Bitmap format, which has better compatibility with mobile terminal systems and development tools. This parameter change maintains the required transparency quality by using translucent processing with gray levels between white and black to represent different transparency levels, achieving compatibility without sacrificing transparency effects.
4Ease of manufacture
If the background of the original image icon is set as white and opaque, then simplicity in image creation is maintained, but flexibility in displaying translucent effects is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by setting the background of the original image icon as white and opaque during the image creation phase, which simplifies the initial image production. The translucent effects are then achieved in a subsequent step by applying translucent mask layers with gray levels, separating the simplicity of image creation from the flexibility of effect display.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the image creation process into two independent stages: creating the original image icon with a simple white opaque background, and then applying translucent mask layers to achieve the desired transparency effects. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently - simplicity in creation and flexibility in effect display.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a method and device for implementing a generic icon with multiple display modes. An original image icon in a Bitmap format is preset, translucent processing is performed on the original image icon according to preset display modes, mask layer icons satisfying requirements of each of the display modes are obtained, the original image icon and the mask layer icons obtained by translucent processing are encapsulated into a skin installation package, and the skin installation package is sent. With the present invention, the number of the images in the skin installation package may be reduced, and the cost of the downloading made by the user may be reduced.