Image Processing Device Annotation Positioning via Edge Density Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image processing devices require manual user designation to specify characteristic parts of an image for displaying annotation information, which can obscure the image and complicate the association between annotation and image.

Innovation Solution

An image processing device that automatically sets display areas for annotation information by calculating edge amounts of pixels within areas of the image, determining a characteristic area, and positioning the annotation display area based on these calculations to avoid obscuring the image.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual user designation is used to specify characteristic parts of an image, then the display position of annotation information can be controlled, but the operation complexity increases and user intervention is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The image processing device automatically designates characteristic parts of the image by calculating edge amounts and determining regions with high edge density, eliminating the need for manual user designation. The system serves itself by autonomously identifying where annotation information should be displayed based on image analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical interaction of manual user selection with an automated computational system that calculates edge amounts and algorithmically determines characteristic regions, substituting human operation with automated image processing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of information

If annotation information is displayed in a position near the characteristic part of the image, then the association between annotation and image is readily understood, but the characteristic part may be obscured by the annotation information

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassociation clarityVSAvoidimage obscuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the image into multiple regions based on edge amount calculations, identifying characteristic parts with high edge density and separate display regions with low edge density. This segmentation allows annotation information to be placed in non-obscuring positions while maintaining association with the characteristic parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different quality criteria to different regions of the image: characteristic parts are identified by high edge amount density, while annotation display regions are selected based on low edge amount density. This local quality differentiation ensures annotations are placed in visually appropriate locations that do not obscure important image features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Extent of automation

If automatic determination of annotation display position is implemented, then user intervention is eliminated, but the algorithm complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation levelVSAvoidalgorithm complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual user judgment with automated computational algorithms that calculate edge amounts for each pixel and region, using mathematical operations to objectively identify characteristic parts and determine optimal annotation display positions without human intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses parameter-based automation by calculating and comparing edge amount values across different image regions. The system changes parameters such as edge density thresholds and region boundaries based on computational analysis, enabling automatic determination of annotation positions through quantitative criteria rather than qualitative human judgment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2843624B1Image processing device, image processing device control method, program, and information storage medium
Publication Date: 2019.10.09 RAKUTEN GROUP INC
  • EP2843624B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2843624B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2843624B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Provided is an image processing device capable of executing a determination of a display position of annotation information in consideration of a characteristic part of a target image without having a person designate a characteristic part of the target image or a part other than a characteristic part of the target image. An area setting unit (40) sets a plurality of areas within a target image. A calculation unit (42) calculates, as to each of the plurality of areas, a total value of edge amounts of the pixels within the area. An annotation information display area determination unit (46) determines a display area of annotation information, based on the total value of each of the plurality of areas. A data output unit (48) outputs data on the target image with the annotation information displayed in the display area determined by the annotation information display area determination unit (46).