Image Layout Candidate Generation for Variable Photo Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image processing systems lack the ability to efficiently arrange selected images in a layout based on the number of images selected, requiring manual user intervention for layout selection and adjustment.

Innovation Solution

An image processing device and method that displays layout candidates with frames arranged according to the number of selected images, allowing for automatic allocation and real-time adjustment based on user input, including deletion and addition of images, and supports output to various media.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual user intervention is used for layout selection and adjustment, then layout customization flexibility is improved, but operation time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelayout customization flexibilityVSAvoidoperation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-generates multiple layout candidates with different frame arrangements before the user makes a selection. This preliminary preparation of layout options allows the user to quickly choose from predefined arrangements rather than manually creating layouts from scratch, significantly reducing operation time while maintaining customization flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically adjusts layout parameters such as frame arrangement, number of columns, and row distribution based on the number of selected images. By dynamically changing these parameters according to the image count, the system adapts the layout to match user needs without requiring manual intervention, thus reducing operation time while preserving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If automatic layout allocation is implemented, then operation speed is improved, but layout precision and user control may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation speedVSAvoidlayout precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system displays multiple layout candidates to the user and allows selection and modification of the chosen layout. This feedback mechanism ensures that automatic allocation produces results that meet user expectations for precision, while the initial automatic generation maintains high operation speed. The user can review and adjust the automatically generated layouts to achieve desired precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple layout candidates are displayed, then user choice and adaptability are improved, but screen complexity and information overload increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser choiceVSAvoidscreen complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the display by showing multiple layout candidates as distinct, separable options rather than presenting a single complex layout. Each layout candidate is presented as an independent choice with clear visual distinction, allowing users to easily compare and select without feeling overwhelmed by screen complexity or information overload.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4687337A1Image processing device, terminal device, editing method, image processing method, and program
Publication Date: 2026.02.04 FUJIFILM CORP
  • EP4687337A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4687337A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4687337A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided are an image processing device, a terminal device, an editing method, an image processing method, and a program capable of obtaining a layout image in which selected images are arranged in a layout according to the number of selected images. An image processing device (40, 110) includes a processor (48). The processor (48) is configured to display, on a screen (34), a layout candidate (76) in which a plurality of frames (76) are arranged in a layout according to the number of one or more selected images (66A) selected from a plurality of images (66). The processor (48) is configured to output a layout image (84) obtained by allocating the selected image (66A) into the frame (76) in response to a given output instruction (86, 88).