Non-linear Image Navigation via Content-Dependent Thumbnails
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing navigation methods for large images, such as panoramas, are inefficient as they often result in reduced resolution when resizing, making it difficult for users to locate specific content within the image.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that enable non-linear image-content-dependent navigation, allowing users to quickly and intuitively move within an image by identifying and displaying target areas based on image content, independent of user action kinematics, using processors and memory to process and display image content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the image is rescaled so that its longest dimension matches the display image dimension, then the image fits the display window, but the resolution is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large image into multiple smaller thumbnail images arranged in a grid layout. Each thumbnail represents a portion of the original large image, allowing the display window to show multiple segments simultaneously without resizing the entire image, thereby maintaining resolution while improving display coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from displaying a single large image in one dimension to displaying multiple thumbnail images in a two-dimensional grid arrangement. This dimensional change allows efficient use of display space while preserving the resolution of each thumbnail by avoiding aggressive scaling.
2Ease of operation
If linear scrolling is used to navigate through the image, then all areas can be accessed, but the navigation is inefficient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-processes the large image by creating multiple thumbnail representations that are ready for immediate display. When a user navigates, they can directly select from these pre-prepared thumbnails rather than scrolling through the entire image sequentially, significantly reducing the time to locate desired content.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables users to skip directly to specific portions of the image by selecting individual thumbnails in the grid. This allows non-linear navigation where users can jump to areas of interest without having to scroll through or wait for sequential loading of image portions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method comprising: enabling display at a first target location in a display image of a first portion of an image; and enabling, in response to a defined user action, non-linear image-content-dependent navigation to a second portion of the image to change the display image to include at a second target location in the display image the second portion of the image, wherein the second portion of the image is dependent upon a content of the image.