Image Compression Using Base File and Difference Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing demand for storage capacity due to improved quality and resolution of digital media files necessitates more efficient compression methods to optimize storage and transmission requirements.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for compressing digital media files by identifying groups of images with similarity characteristics, using a base image to compress similar features among the group through image processing techniques such as difference algorithms and motion estimation, and storing compressed images with corresponding header information for efficient storage and decompression.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If image resolution and quality are improved, then image quality is improved, but storage capacity requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidstorage capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple similar images into a single compressed representation by identifying common features and storing only the differences. This combining approach reduces the total storage capacity needed while preserving the quality of individual images, directly resolving the contradiction between maintaining image quality and reducing storage requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal base image that serves multiple functions - it acts as the foundation for multiple similar images, allowing efficient storage and retrieval of any image in the group. This multi-functional approach enables high-quality image storage with reduced capacity requirements

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

2Quantity of substance

If compression is applied to reduce storage needs, then storage efficiency is improved, but image quality may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage efficiencyVSAvoidimage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by storing only the specific differences between similar images rather than compressing entire images uniformly. This selective compression approach maintains high image quality in critical areas while achieving efficient storage through targeted compression of only the varying portions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses partial action by compressing only the difference portions of images rather than applying full compression to entire images. This partial compression strategy maintains image quality by preserving the base image in full quality while only compressing the minimal necessary difference data

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Quantity of substance

If groups of similar images are compressed using a base image, then storage capacity is optimized, but processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the compression process into distinct phases: identifying similar images, selecting a base image, calculating differences, and storing compressed data. This segmentation of the processing workflow reduces overall complexity by breaking down the complex task into manageable, systematic steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9286696B2Compression within a set of images
Publication Date: 2016.03.15 AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL SALES PTE LTD
  • US9286696B2 patent drawing
  • US9286696B2 patent drawing
  • US9286696B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure relates generally to a system and method for file compression. More specifically, the disclosure introduces to a method for file compression wherein a group of files is identified by comparing a plurality of similarity characteristics. The group of files may then be compressed relative to at least one base file to improve compression efficiency.