Mosaic Image Recognition via Edge Degree Block Assignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mosaic images generated in an uncompleted state lack high recognizability of the original image due to the absence of a specific standard for determining block placement, leading to material images not being placed in regions that contribute to improved recognizability.

Innovation Solution

An image providing device that acquires images from users, determines candidate regions based on color information, calculates edge degrees, and preferentially assigns images to regions with high edge degrees to enhance the recognizability of the original image, even in an uncompleted state.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If material images are assigned to regions based on color tone similarity, then the mosaic image can be generated, but the recognizability of the original image picture is not improved when the mosaic is in an uncompleted state

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecognizability of original image pictureVSAvoidcomplexity of block determination method
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the determination parameter from color tone similarity to edge degree. By calculating edge degrees of blocks and preferentially selecting blocks with higher edge degrees for material image placement, the system improves picture recognizability while maintaining a relatively simple determination method.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary calculation of edge degrees for all blocks before assigning material images. This preliminary action allows the system to identify which blocks contribute most to picture recognizability in advance, enabling better placement decisions even when the mosaic is incomplete.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If blocks are determined without specific standards, then the assignment process is simple, but material images are not placed in regions that contribute to improved recognizability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecognizability of original image pictureVSAvoidease of image assignment process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces edge degree as a specific determination parameter. By calculating and comparing edge degrees of different blocks, the system objectively identifies which blocks should receive material images to maximize picture recognizability, replacing the previous lack of specific standards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically calculates edge degrees and determines block assignments based on these calculations, eliminating the need for manual determination while improving recognizability. The automated process handles the complexity internally, keeping the interface simple for users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If color correction is applied to material images, then color consistency is improved, but the processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor consistency of mosaic imageVSAvoidprocessing time for mosaic generation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies color correction only to the extent necessary for achieving color consistency. By using automated edge degree-based block selection, the system reduces the number of iterations and adjustments needed, thereby limiting the time loss while maintaining color consistency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP2610812B1Providing a mosaic image of an original image
Publication Date: 2015.07.29 RAKUTEN GROUP INC
  • EP2610812B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2610812B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2610812B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

Even a mosaic image in an uncompleted state, it makes a mosaic image having high recognizability of a picture of an original image displayed. An image providing device includes an image acquisition means that acquires an image specified by a user, a candidate determination means that, on the basis of color information of the acquired image and color information of the regions, determines regions to be candidates for a region to which the acquired image is assigned, an edge degree acquisition means that acquires edge degrees indicating degrees of edges in the regions determined as the candidates, an assignment determination means that, on the basis of the acquired edge degrees, determines a region to which the acquired image is assigned from the regions determined as the candidates, and a presentation means that, on the basis of assignment determined by the assignment determination means, causes a mosaic image in which the acquired image is placed to be presented.