Image Layout System for Dynamic Album Grouping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing methods for creating electronic albums often result in uncoordinated layouts when images are assigned to double-page spreads based solely on the order of capture, and may miss desired images captured outside predetermined periods.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that uses automatic layout processing to divide and classify images into groups based on time information, scoring, and user preferences, ensuring that desired images and priority subjects are included across double-page spreads, while optimizing the layout using scene division and merging techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If images are divided into groups based on predetermined periods (e.g., daily or monthly), then the layout organization is improved, but desired images captured outside these periods may be excluded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the image grouping dynamic by allowing period flexibility. Instead of rigid predetermined periods, the system dynamically adjusts grouping based on captured time spans and user preferences, ensuring desired images are included while maintaining organized layout structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of period division from fixed predetermined values to flexible adjustable ranges. By allowing users to specify preferred periods and by automatically adjusting based on actual capture time spans, the system ensures desired images are included while maintaining good layout organization.
2Loss of time
If images are laid out in order of capture, then the chronological sequence is maintained, but coordination between images on double-page spreads may be poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments images into thematic groups based on captured time spans and user preferences rather than strictly chronological order. This segmentation allows images with related content to be coordinated together on double-page spreads while still respecting the overall temporal progression through multiple spreads.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically balances chronological ordering with thematic coordination. By allowing flexible period specifications and adjusting groupings based on actual capture time spans, the system maintains chronological integrity across the album while ensuring coordinated imagery within each double-page spread.
3Productivity
If all images are divided into groups based on time information, then the layout structure is improved, but images of desired subjects may be missed in certain periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the grouping process dynamic by allowing users to specify preferred periods and by automatically adjusting groupings based on actual capture time spans. This dynamic approach ensures desired subjects are included in appropriate periods while maintaining efficient layout structure through automated processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where user preferences regarding desired subjects and preferred periods are considered in the grouping process. The system adjusts image assignments based on this feedback to ensure desired subjects are included while maintaining efficient automated layout generation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A technique for laying out images included in a plurality of image groups into which a plurality of images is divided in such a way that an image including an object of a type desired by a user is included in each of the image groups. A user instruction related to the object type is received, and a plurality of images is divided into image groups so that an image including an object corresponding to the object type is included in each of the plurality of image groups.