Image Combination Apparatus Periodic Layout Variability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image combination methods often result in monotonous photo books with pages having the same design, as they do not effectively vary the layout evaluation values with page progression, failing to consider the overall design and atmosphere of the composite image.
Innovation Solution
An image combination apparatus that groups images by pages, selects and arranges them using a template, and calculates layout evaluation values to ensure regular variability with page progression, using a control unit to adjust template and image selection to maintain a consistent theme and atmospheric pattern.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If layout evaluation values are calculated for each page but presented in the same order as evaluation scores, then the processing is simple, but the photo book becomes monotonous with same design throughout
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by creating a layout list that periodically varies the presentation order of pages. Instead of presenting pages in strict evaluation score order, the system uses a periodic function to alternate between high-scoring pages and lower-scoring pages, creating a rhythmic pattern of design variation throughout the photo book. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining processing simplicity while introducing predictable design variety through periodic reordering.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamics by making the presentation order flexible and adjustable rather than fixed. The layout list can be dynamically modified based on user preferences, photo types, and evaluation scores. This dynamic reordering system allows the same evaluation data to produce different photo book variations, resolving the contradiction between simple processing and design versatility.
2Productivity
If pages are arranged based on individual image analysis results, then the layout process is efficient, but the overall atmosphere and impression of the composite image are not balanced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using layout evaluation values that assess the overall composition and atmosphere of each page, not just individual image qualities. The system calculates evaluation scores based on multiple factors including image-content matching, layout appropriateness, and atmospheric coherence. This feedback mechanism ensures that pages are selected and ordered to maintain balanced overall atmosphere while preserving layout efficiency through automated scoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters by considering multiple evaluation dimensions simultaneously rather than relying on a single image quality metric. The evaluation system incorporates parameters such as layout evaluation values, atmospheric scores, and content matching degrees. By changing from single-parameter to multi-parameter evaluation, the system achieves both efficient processing and balanced overall composition.
3Ease of manufacture
If all pages use the same design template, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the photo book lacks visual interest and variety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different design templates to be applied to different pages based on their specific characteristics and evaluation scores. Instead of forcing uniform templates throughout, the system selectively assigns templates to individual pages or page groups, creating local variations in design while maintaining overall consistency. This resolves the contradiction by enabling manufacturing simplicity through automated template assignment while achieving visual variety through localized design differences.
Data Source
AI summary
An image selection unit selects images for each group. An image arrangement unit lays out the images in a template. A layout evaluation value calculation unit calculates a layout evaluation value of each page for an image after the images are arranged in the template. A layout evaluation value period setting unit sets regular variability of the layout evaluation value of each page of the composite image.