Interpretable Image Translation with Conditioning Vector Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image transformation models lack fine-grained control over specific interpretable characteristics and require paired training data, limiting their ability to perform multiple transformations.

Innovation Solution

A machine-learned adversarial network using user-specified conditioning vectors and generative adversarial networks to perform parameterized image transformations without paired data, enabling control over characteristics such as transformation degree and type.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If machine-learned models are used to perform image transformations, then transformation speed and automation are improved, but fine-grained control over specific interpretable characteristics is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation of image transformationVSAvoidfine-grained control over characteristics
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The model segments the transformation control into multiple independent interpretable characteristics (e.g., season, weather, time of day, lighting conditions). Each characteristic can be controlled separately through the conditioning vector, allowing fine-grained adjustment of specific aspects while maintaining overall automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a conditioning vector that accepts continuous parameter values for each interpretable characteristic. By changing these parameters, users can precisely control the degree and type of transformation applied to each characteristic independently, bridging the gap between automation and fine-grained control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If single-type image transformation models are used, then model simplicity is maintained, but versatility and adaptability to multiple transformation types are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodel structure simplicityVSAvoidcapability to perform multiple transformations
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The generator model is designed with a universal structure that can perform multiple types of image transformations (seasonal changes, weather effects, time of day changes, lighting adjustments) through a single model. The conditioning vector allows the same model architecture to adapt to different transformation types by simply changing the input parameters.

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

3Manufacturing precision

If paired training data is required for image transformation, then transformation accuracy may be improved, but data collection complexity and resource consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransformation accuracyVSAvoiddata collection and processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts and removes the requirement for paired training data by using unpaired images with attribute labels. The conditioning vector is generated from image attributes rather than requiring corresponding paired images, simplifying the data collection process while maintaining transformation quality through the use of attribute-based conditioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3888062B1Image transformation using interpretable transformation parameters
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 GOOGLE LLC
  • EP3888062B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3888062B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3888062B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A computer-implemented method to perform image-to-image translation. The method can include obtaining one or more machine-learned generator models. The one or more machine-learned generator models can be configured to receive an input image and a user-specified conditioning vector that parameterizes one or more desired values for one or more defined characteristics of an output image. The one or more machine-learned generator models can be configured to perform, based at least in part on the user-specified conditioning vector, one or more transformations on the input image to generate the output image with the one or more desired values for the one or more defined characteristics. The method can include receiving the input image and the user-specified conditioning vector. The method can include generating, using the machine-learned generator model, an output image having the one or more desired values for the one or more characteristics.