Image Arrangement Control for Flexible Layout Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image processing techniques only arrange images in equally divided areas of a page, limiting flexibility and user control over the arrangement of multiple images.

Innovation Solution

A computer-readable medium with instructions that allow for the arrangement of multiple images in specific directions (row or column) within a designated area, ensuring non-overlapping placement and generating arranged image data based on user-defined settings, including margins and page sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If images are arranged in equally divided areas, then the arrangement is simple and systematic, but the flexibility and user control over arrangement are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearrangement flexibilityVSAvoidarrangement control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic arrangement by allowing users to specify custom area sizes and arrangement directions (row or column) rather than being fixed to equal divisions. The control unit dynamically calculates and positions images based on user inputs for area size, number of images, and preferred arrangement direction, transforming the static equal-division system into a flexible dynamic one.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters of area division from fixed equal portions to variable sizes determined by user input. The system accepts parameters such as desired area size, number of images to arrange, and arrangement direction, then adjusts the layout accordingly. This parameter-based approach enables diverse arrangement configurations while maintaining systematic control through automated calculation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If more images are placed on a page, then the productivity increases, but the risk of overlapping images increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of images per pageVSAvoidimage placement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit performs preliminary calculation to determine the precise position and size of each image area before actually arranging the images. By pre-calculating the layout based on the total number of images, desired area size, and selected arrangement direction, the system ensures that images will not overlap during the arrangement process, maintaining reliability while maximizing productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the control unit continuously monitors the arrangement process and adjusts image positions based on calculated parameters. The feedback loop ensures that images are placed according to the specified constraints (area size, direction, non-overlapping) and allows for real-time verification of arrangement validity before final output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If custom area sizes are used, then user control and formatting precision improve, but the complexity of calculating and managing arrangement areas increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearrangement formatting precisionVSAvoidarrangement calculation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit automatically performs the complex calculations required for custom arrangement without requiring manual intervention. The system self-services by calculating area sizes, determining image positions, and managing the arrangement process based on user-specified parameters. This automation handles the computational complexity internally while presenting a simple user interface for parameter input.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit is designed as a multi-functional component that handles various tasks including parameter validation, area calculation, position determination, and image arrangement. By consolidating these functions into a single integrated control mechanism, the system manages the complexity of custom arrangements through a unified approach rather than requiring separate complex subsystems for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11641432B2Non-transitory computer-readable recording medium for generating image data
Publication Date: 2023.05.02 BROTHER KOGYO KK
  • US11641432B2 patent drawing
  • US11641432B2 patent drawing
  • US11641432B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A program implemented in an information processing device obtains a plurality of pieces of image data and an area size of an arrangement area. When images indicated by the plurality of pieces of image data are arranged within the arrangement area and when the obtained images are arranged, the program determines whether the images are appropriately arranged, and, in response to determining that the images are arranged appropriately, arranges the images. Then, the program generates arranged image data representing the plurality of arranged images arranged in the arrangement area.