Image Layer Stack Interface for Offline Editing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current image editing technologies lack the ability to efficiently generate and manipulate layered images without network connectivity, limiting the functionality of image editing applications in standalone environments.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for generating, manipulating, and displaying an image layer stack using a client-server arrangement, where layers and sub-layers can be organized, filtered, and toggled, allowing for the creation of complex image compositions that can be edited and stored with an edit history, and displayed on web pages without requiring continuous network connectivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If image editing is performed using standalone application without network connectivity, then offline capability is improved, but functionality and ability to manipulate layered images deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoffline capabilityVSAvoidfunctionality
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments image data into multiple independent layers that can be individually manipulated, filtered, and composed. Each layer represents a discrete editable unit, allowing the application to provide complex image editing functionality offline by processing individual layers rather than requiring network access to centralized editing services.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-processing images into layered structures and caching layer data locally on the client device. This preliminary organization of image data into editable layers enables the application to function independently offline, as all necessary layer information is already available locally without requiring network connectivity during editing operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple layers and sub-layers are organized in an image layer stack, then image composition capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage composition capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested layer structure where layers can contain sub-layers, creating a hierarchical organization system. This nesting approach allows complex multi-layer compositions to be managed through a structured hierarchy, where each layer can independently contain additional sub-layers, enabling sophisticated image composition while maintaining organized data structures that are manageable despite increased complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a hierarchical dimension to image layer organization by introducing sub-layers within layers. This dimensional transformation from flat layer structures to hierarchical nested structures enables more complex image compositions by organizing layers in multiple levels, allowing users to manage complexity through hierarchical grouping rather than flat enumeration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If layers are filtered to reveal underlying layers, then image manipulation flexibility is improved, but processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage manipulation flexibilityVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies filtering operations to specific local regions or portions of layers rather than requiring global processing of entire images. This local quality approach allows selective filtering of individual layers or layer portions, enabling flexible image manipulation where only affected regions are processed, thereby reducing overall processing complexity while maintaining high manipulation flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS8731319B2Image layer stack interface
Publication Date: 2014.05.20 ADOBE INC
  • US8731319B2 patent drawing
  • US8731319B2 patent drawing
  • US8731319B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In an example embodiment, a system and method is illustrated that includes receiving a layering instruction that includes an image, the image including a layer. Further, the system and method includes generating a sub layer through filtering the layer, the sub layer including a property of the layer. Additionally, the system and method includes editing the property to create an edit, the edit including a change to the property of the layer. Also the system and method includes storing the edit into the sub layer as an edit associated with the sub layer. A system and method is also shown to receive a layered image that includes an image layer stack, the image layer stack including an image with a layer and a sub layer, and an edit associated with the sub layer. The system and method also includes displaying the layered image in a display area.