Layout Editing Device with Preference Estimation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face significant time and effort when creating photo books from large numbers of images, either by manually selecting images or using automatic layout functions, as they need to review and edit numerous unused images to achieve the desired layout.

Innovation Solution

A layout editing device and method that estimates user preferences based on image analysis and editing results, assisting the selection of desired images by calculating evaluation values and displaying assist information to simplify the editing process, including an image analysis unit, preference estimation unit, image evaluation unit, and edit assisting unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual image selection is used to create photo books from large numbers of images, then image selection quality can be controlled, but it takes a lot of time and effort for the user to select desired images

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage selection qualityVSAvoidtime and effort for image selection
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically analyzes the user's editing operations (additions and deletions) to infer image selection preferences without requiring explicit user input. The preference estimation unit processes the user's implicit feedback from editing actions to automatically determine which images the user prefers, eliminating the need for manual selection while maintaining selection quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the user's editing operations as feedback to continuously refine preference estimation. By monitoring which images the user adds or deletes from the layout, the system adjusts the preference values and re-ranks unused images, creating a closed-loop system that learns from user behavior to improve subsequent image recommendations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If automatic layout function is used to create photo books, then layout creation speed is improved, but the user still needs to review and edit numerous unused images to achieve the desired layout

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelayout creation speedVSAvoidtime to review and edit unused images
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically re-ranks unused images based on the user's preference inferred from editing operations, presenting the most relevant images at the top of the list without requiring the user to manually search through all unused images. This self-organizing mechanism adapts to user preferences and continuously improves image presentation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary ranking of unused images based on initial preference estimation before the user even begins editing. As the user performs editing operations, the system proactively re-ranks images in advance, so that when the user needs to select additional images, the most suitable candidates are already positioned for easy access

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the system provides assist information based on user preference estimation, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to image analysis and preference estimation functions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of image selectionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex image analysis and preference estimation functions operate automatically in the background without requiring user intervention. The system self-manages the analysis of editing operations, automatic preference calculation, and image re-ranking, presenting a simple interface to the user while handling complexity internally

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The preference estimation unit acts as an intermediary layer between the user's editing operations and the image selection process. It translates simple user actions (add/delete operations) into complex preference models, which then guide the image re-ranking mechanism, shielding the user from the underlying complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2779099B1Layout editing device, layout editing method and program thereof
Publication Date: 2020.04.29 FUJIFILM CORP
  • EP2779099B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2779099B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2779099B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a layout editing device, a layout editing method, and a program. The layout editing device includes a layout editing unit editing a layout, which is displayed on an editing screen of a screen display unit, based on the instruction of a user, an image analysis unit performing image analysis of each of a plurality of images, a preference estimation unit estimating the preference of the user based on the layout editing result and the image analysis result, an image evaluation unit calculating the evaluation value of each of the plurality of images based on the preference of the user and the image analysis result, and an edit assisting unit displaying assist information, which is for assisting the editing work of the layout by the user, on the editing screen of the screen display unit based on the evaluation value of each of the plurality of images.