Digital Image Scaling Using Segmented Visual Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing digital image scaling methods often result in loss of clarity and sharpness, especially when resizing images, and are limited to reducing image size rather than enlarging it, while also requiring excessive storage for multiple versions of images.

Innovation Solution

A method that separates visual elements into groups and applies different scaling techniques, using a combination of algorithms and pre-drawn images to resize elements, allowing for both enlargement and reduction of image size while maintaining clarity and managing file size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional scaling algorithms are used to resize images, then image size can be changed, but clarity and sharpness of visual elements are lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage size adjustmentVSAvoidimage clarity and sharpness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the image into multiple visual elements and groups them based on their characteristics (e.g., small detailed elements vs. large elements). Different scaling techniques are then applied to different groups: pre-drawn images are used for small elements to maintain sharpness, while traditional scaling algorithms are applied to large elements. This segmentation allows the system to preserve image quality while achieving size adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different scaling methods to different parts of the image based on their specific requirements. Small visual elements that require sharpness are handled differently from large elements. By selecting appropriate scaling techniques for each local region, the system maintains overall image quality while enabling flexible size adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple versions of images at all possible resolutions are prepared, then image quality is maintained, but storage requirements become excessive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidstorage space
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-creates a library of pre-drawn images at multiple resolutions for small visual elements. This preliminary preparation allows the system to quickly select appropriate pre-drawn images during resizing operations rather than generating new versions on demand. The pre-drawn images are stored efficiently and can be rapidly retrieved based on the required output size, reducing the need to maintain all possible image versions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of creating multiple versions of the entire image at all resolutions, the patent uses copies of pre-drawn visual elements that can be selectively combined. This approach maintains image quality by using high-resolution pre-drawn elements when needed while reducing storage requirements by only storing the pre-drawn elements rather than complete image versions at all resolutions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Ease of operation

If existing scaling methods are used, then image size can be reduced, but the ability to enlarge images is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage size reductionVSAvoidimage size enlargement capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic scaling system that can adapt its behavior based on the required output size. When enlargement is needed, the system selects from pre-drawn images at appropriate resolutions. When reduction is needed, the system uses traditional scaling algorithms. This dynamic approach allows the same system to handle both enlargement and reduction operations effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal image scaling system that can perform multiple functions: enlargement, reduction, and quality preservation. By combining pre-drawn image libraries with traditional scaling algorithms, the system becomes multi-functional, capable of handling various resizing scenarios that were previously addressed by separate tools or methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9542079B2System and method for scaling digital images
Publication Date: 2017.01.10 RATIONAL INTELLECTUAL HLDG
  • US9542079B2 patent drawing
  • US9542079B2 patent drawing
  • US9542079B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods, computer devices, and computer readable media containing instructions for executing such methods are provided for the modification of digital images having a plurality of visual elements.