Image Masking for Synthetic Training Data Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The efficiency of collecting training images for image recognition models is low, leading to delayed improvement in model recognition ability due to the time-consuming process of manually gathering diverse images.

Innovation Solution

An image generation method that involves setting an image mask on a first image, randomly moving it to change the coverage area without exceeding the image edges, and extracting a second image for storage, allowing for the generation of multiple similar yet distinct images from a small set of initial images.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If developers manually collect a large number of training images to improve model recognition ability, then the model recognition ability is improved, but the time required for data collection increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodel recognition abilityVSAvoidtime required for data collection
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the copying principle by generating synthetic training images that replicate real images through image synthesis technology. The system creates virtual images that mimic real-world objects, scenes, and variations, thereby reproducing the diversity needed for training without requiring actual physical image collection. This resolves the contradiction by providing sufficient training data (improving model recognition ability) while eliminating the time-consuming manual collection process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical manual collection process with an automated image synthesis system. Instead of physically gathering images from various sources, the system uses computational algorithms to generate images programmatically. This substitution of mechanical human activity with automated digital processes eliminates the time loss while maintaining the quality and diversity of training data

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If developers collect diverse training images manually, then the training data diversity is improved, but the data collection efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraining data diversityVSAvoiddata collection efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a system that can generate diverse images dynamically through parameter adjustment. The image synthesis system allows for real-time variation in image characteristics such as lighting conditions, object positions, angles, and environmental factors. This dynamic generation capability enables the system to create an unlimited variety of training images on demand, achieving both high diversity and high efficiency simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying synthesis parameters (such as image resolution, color distribution, object orientation, and background characteristics) to generate diverse training images from a single base image or model. By systematically varying these parameters, the system produces a comprehensive dataset with diverse characteristics without requiring manual collection, thereby improving both diversity and efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20240320871A1Image generation method and image generation device
Publication Date: 2024.09.26 ASUSTEK COMPUTER INC
  • US20240320871A1 patent drawing
  • US20240320871A1 patent drawing
  • US20240320871A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An image generation method and an image generation device are disclosed. The method includes: reading a first image from a storage circuit; disposing an image mask on the first image, wherein the image mask covers a part of the image areas in the first image; moving, randomly, the image mask to change a covering range of the image mask in the first image; obtaining a second image from the first image according to the moved image mask; and storing the second image into the storage circuit.