Layout Apparatus Using Personalized Evaluation Databases

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for generating photo book layouts struggle to accurately match user preferences, particularly when dealing with large image groups, and are insufficient in adapting to individual user habits.

Innovation Solution

A layout apparatus and method that utilize user-specific and category-based databases to generate layouts based on personal and category evaluation values, allowing for personalized image arrangement and page composition, with options for weighting and combining evaluation values for existing and new users.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automatic layout generation is performed using predetermined calculation methods based on relative distance from reference position, then layout generation efficiency is improved, but the accuracy of matching user preferences deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelayout generation efficiencyVSAvoiduser preference matching accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating and storing layout evaluation values for different layout frames in a database before actual layout generation. These pre-computed evaluation values, which reflect user preferences, are stored and reused during automatic layout generation, allowing the system to maintain both high efficiency and accurate user preference matching without performing complex calculations in real-time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - a database storing layout evaluation values that acts as a mediator between user preferences and automatic layout generation. The evaluation values serve as intermediate data structures that capture user preference information, enabling the system to translate subjective user preferences into objective computational metrics that guide automatic layout generation while maintaining accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If layout generation is based on user history of replacing images in fixed layout frames, then some user preference information is captured, but the system remains insufficient in matching diverse user preferences

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser preference adaptationVSAvoiduser preference matching accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments user preferences into multiple independent evaluation dimensions by storing layout evaluation values for different layout frames separately in a database. Each layout frame's evaluation value is calculated and stored independently, allowing the system to consider multiple layout options simultaneously and select the most appropriate one, thereby improving the precision of user preference matching beyond single-history-based approaches

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes parameters by storing and utilizing layout evaluation values as numerical parameters that quantify user preferences. Instead of relying solely on qualitative history data, the patent transforms user preferences into quantifiable evaluation values that can be systematically compared and used to determine optimal layout frames, significantly improving the precision of preference matching

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If multiple databases storing personal and category layout information are used, then layout generation accuracy matching user preferences is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser preference matching accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a database system with a unified structure that serves multiple functions. The layout evaluation value database can store and retrieve data for different users and categories using the same storage mechanism and retrieval logic, reducing system complexity while maintaining the ability to provide personalized and category-based layout recommendations simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9378189B2Layout apparatus, layout method, and computer-readable recording medium

Publication Date: 2016.06.28 FUJIFILM CORP

AI summary

A layout apparatus includes: an item storage unit that stores items used in a layout; a first database that stores user's personal layout information and evaluation values with respect to each user; a second database that stores layout information and evaluation values of categories with respect to each category corresponding to attributes of the user; and a layout generation unit that generates a layout of a predetermined item using the predetermined item stored in the item storage unit based on at least either the personal layout information and evaluation values of a predetermined user stored in the first database or the layout information and evaluation values of a category corresponding to attributes of the predetermined user stored in the second database.