Image Processing System Layout Data Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image processing systems face challenges in reducing the amount of data to be sent during the generation and transmission of photo albums, leading to complex control processes and increased communication time.

Innovation Solution

An image processing system that includes a first and second information processing apparatus, each with templates and identification information, generates layout images and layout information, and sends this data using file names with consecutive numbers, reducing the amount of data transmitted.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If images and layout position data are associated and sent together, then the photo album can be generated accurately, but the amount of data to be sent becomes very large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephoto album generation accuracyVSAvoiddata amount
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data transmission process into two parts: (1) sending only essential layout information (template IDs, slot positions, image file names) without embedding actual image data, and (2) keeping image data separate. This segmentation reduces the data amount in the layout information file while maintaining the ability to accurately reconstruct the photo album layout on the server side.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes redundant information from the data set. Instead of sending complete image data and detailed layout position data together, it extracts only the necessary layout structure information (template identification, slot arrangement, file name mappings) and leaves the actual image data to be referenced separately by file names, thereby reducing the transmitted data amount.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Manufacturing precision

If complete layout position data is sent, then image composition control becomes accurate, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage composition control accuracyVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the layout control data into hierarchical segments: template-level identification information and slot-level position data. This segmentation allows the server to process layout information in a structured manner, reducing control complexity while maintaining composition accuracy through the organized data structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses template identification information as a reference copy that points to predefined layout templates stored on the server. Instead of transmitting complete layout control instructions, the system sends template IDs that serve as references, allowing the server to retrieve and apply the corresponding layout structure, thereby simplifying control while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Manufacturing precision

If detailed layout information is transmitted, then photo album generation quality is maintained, but communication time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephoto album generation qualityVSAvoidcommunication time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential layout structure information from the complete data set and transmits it, while removing redundant details. This extraction approach maintains the necessary information for high-quality photo album generation while significantly reducing the communication time by minimizing the data transmission volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses compact template identification copies instead of transmitting full layout descriptions. The template IDs serve as efficient references that enable the server to reconstruct the layout structure quickly, thereby maintaining generation quality while reducing communication time through compressed data representation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS10225415B2Image processing system, information processing apparatus, and method of controlling the same
Publication Date: 2019.03.05 CANON KK
  • US10225415B2 patent drawing
  • US10225415B2 patent drawing
  • US10225415B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An image processing system causes a first information processing apparatus (i) to acquire a plurality of images, (ii) to lay out images out of the acquired plurality of images, respectively, in slots of templates out of a plurality of stored templates so as to generate a plurality of layout images, (iii) to generate layout information in which pieces of identification information respectively assigned to the templates used in the generated layout images are included, wherein the layout information does not include any templates themselves, (iv) to generate a data set in which the images used in generating the layout images are included, wherein the data set does not include any template themselves, and (v) to send the generated layout information and the generated data set, wherein no templates themselves are sent with the generated layout information and the generated data set.