Image Editing Device Optimizing Page Assignment via Time Interval Constraints

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face difficulties in manually assigning images to pages of an album while adhering to editorial restrictions, such as image density and cost considerations, when electronically editing a photo book.

Innovation Solution

An image editing device and method that utilizes an image editing server to determine the optimal assignment of images to pages based on user input for maximum number of images per page and number of pages, using a page assignment algorithm that considers the interval between photographed times to ensure relevance and adherence to user-defined conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a large number of images are assigned to one page, then the image collection is efficiently utilized, but it becomes difficult to see each image clearly and editorial restrictions are violated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage assignment efficiencyVSAvoidimage visibility and editorial compliance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the parameter of image distribution by automatically determining the number of images per page based on editorial restrictions. Instead of manually setting a fixed number, the system dynamically adjusts the parameter to satisfy both efficiency and visibility requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The image assignment system performs self-service by automatically distributing images across pages without requiring manual user intervention. The system evaluates editorial restrictions and autonomously determines optimal assignments, reducing user workload while maintaining compliance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If there are a large number of pages in the album, then all images can be displayed individually, but the printing and binding cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage display qualityVSAvoidprinting and binding cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the parameter of page count by automatically optimizing the distribution of images across pages. It determines the minimum number of pages required to display images while satisfying editorial restrictions, thereby reducing printing and binding costs without compromising display quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies local quality by assigning different numbers of images to different pages based on specific editorial restrictions for each page. This allows optimal utilization of space on each page while maintaining overall cost efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Manufacturing precision

If images are assigned manually to each page, then editorial restrictions can be carefully considered, but the user workload and time consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeditorial restriction complianceVSAvoiduser workload and time consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The image assignment system performs self-service by automatically evaluating editorial restrictions and determining optimal image assignments without requiring manual user intervention. This maintains high compliance precision while eliminating time-consuming manual work.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the mechanical process of manual image assignment with an automated computational system. The computer-based system processes editorial restrictions and performs assignments that would otherwise require manual effort, significantly reducing time consumption while maintaining compliance accuracy.

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

4Productivity

If the number of images per page is not optimized, then the assignment process is simple, but the relevance of images on each page decreases and editorial quality suffers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage assignment speedVSAvoidimage relevance and editorial quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system optimizes the parameter of images per page by automatically determining the appropriate number based on editorial restrictions and image relevance. This dynamic parameter adjustment maintains both assignment efficiency and high editorial quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-evaluating image relevance and editorial restrictions before performing the actual assignment. This preliminary analysis enables the system to make optimal assignments quickly, maintaining both speed and quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2763391B1Image editing device, image editing method, program, and computer readable storage medium
Publication Date: 2018.04.04 RAKUTEN GROUP INC
  • EP2763391B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2763391B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2763391B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Provided is an image editing device that enables a user to easily assign images to a plurality of pages constituting an album or the like so as to satisfy editorial restrictions. In the image editing device: image data acquisition means (42) acquires a plurality of pieces of image data; page assignment means (43) determines, based on respective photographed times of the plurality of pieces of image data and a reference time interval, details of an assignment of the plurality of pieces of image data to each of the plurality of pages so that an interval between photographed times of pieces of image data to be assigned to the each of the plurality of pages is the reference time interval or smaller; and page image output means (44) outputs image output data on the each of the plurality of pages based on a result of the assignment. The page assignment means (43) changes the reference time interval, to thereby determine the assignment that satisfies at least a part of a condition for a number of pages of the plurality of pages and a condition for a maximum number of pieces of image data to be assigned to the each of the plurality of pages.