Image Layout Evaluation Using Output Size Parameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing methods fail to optimize layout according to paper size, leading to suboptimal printing results as they do not consider the impact of printing size on the layout evaluation.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that acquires image groups, creates layout candidates, evaluates them based on subject features including size, and outputs them at a predetermined size, ensuring optimal layout according to the output size by using an acquisition unit, creating unit, evaluating unit, and output unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If layout evaluation is performed without considering printing size, then the evaluation process is simple, but the layout optimality deteriorates for different paper sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces printing size as a variable parameter in the layout evaluation process. The evaluation unit calculates evaluation values based on both the layout parameters and the specified printing size, allowing the evaluation criteria to adapt dynamically to different paper sizes (A3, A4, A5, A6, etc.). This resolves the contradiction by making the evaluation process sensitive to printing size without requiring completely separate evaluation systems for each size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the layout evaluation dynamic by allowing the evaluation value to change based on the printing size. The system generates multiple layout candidates and re-evaluates them according to the target printing size, selecting the optimal layout adaptively. This dynamic approach ensures layout optimality across different paper sizes while maintaining a unified evaluation framework.
2Productivity
If the same layout is printed on different sheet sizes, then the printing process is simple, but the user impression and quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary layout optimization by selecting the best layout candidate based on the target printing size before actual printing. The evaluation unit assesses multiple layout candidates considering the specific printing size, and the system determines the optimal layout in advance. This preliminary optimization ensures high print quality for each paper size while maintaining efficient printing operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If layout parameters are changed to create multiple candidates, then the layout variety increases, but the evaluation accuracy deteriorates without size consideration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances evaluation accuracy by incorporating printing size as an additional evaluation parameter. When multiple layout candidates are generated with varied parameters, the evaluation unit assesses each candidate based on both its layout characteristics and suitability for the target printing size. This dual-parameter evaluation maintains layout variety while improving evaluation accuracy for size-specific optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire at least one image group including at least one image; a creating unit configured to create a layout candidate by laying out images included in an image group that has been acquired by the acquisition unit; an evaluating unit configured to evaluate the layout candidate created by the creating unit, based on individual evaluation of each of the images in accordance with a feature of a subject in the images that have been laid out in layouts; and an output unit configured to output the layout candidate created by the creating unit, at a predetermined output size. The feature of the subject in the images includes a size of the subject in the image identified by an output size of the layout candidate output by the output unit.