Multi-touch Gesture Image Editing with Simultaneous Constraint Specification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image editing systems require multiple serial inputs to apply different image processing constraints to various regions of an image, limiting efficiency and intuitiveness, as they can only specify a single action or command for multiple touches and necessitate switching between different modes for foreground and background selection.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using multi-touch gestures to specify multiple image processing constraints simultaneously, allowing users to apply different constraints to various image regions through stationary and mobile touch gestures, enabling the creation of complex masks and selections within a single editing mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional image editing systems use multiple serial inputs to specify different image processing constraints, then manufacturing precision of image editing is improved, but loss of time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image editing process into multiple simultaneous constraint specifications through multi-touch gestures. Each touch point can specify a different constraint (e.g., foreground, background, static, dynamic regions) that are all processed in parallel rather than requiring sequential mode switching. This segmentation allows precise control over different image regions while reducing the time required to apply multiple constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to the input interface by utilizing multiple touch points across the touchscreen surface. Instead of requiring sequential inputs through a single point (mouse or keyboard), the system interprets the spatial distribution of multiple simultaneous touches to specify multiple constraints in parallel. This dimensional expansion transforms the input paradigm from serial to parallel processing.
2Device complexity
If conventional image editing systems require mode switching for foreground and background selection, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal multi-touch gesture system that can specify multiple types of constraints (foreground, background, static, dynamic regions) simultaneously within a single editing mode. The same touchscreen interface and gesture recognition mechanism handle all constraint specifications, eliminating the need for separate modes or specialized tools for different editing tasks. This multi-functionality maintains system simplicity while dramatically improving ease of operation.
3Device complexity
If conventional systems allow multiple touches to specify only a single action, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different constraint types to different spatial locations of touch points. Each touch point's position, duration, and movement characteristics determine the specific constraint it specifies (e.g., stationary touches for static regions, moving touches for dynamic regions). This allows the system to interpret multiple simultaneous touches as multiple different constraints rather than a single uniform action, significantly enhancing adaptability while maintaining input system simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of a system and methods for processing digital images using multi-touch gestures are described. A multi-touch gestural input set which comprises a plurality of touch gestures may be applied to a display of an image. The gestural input set may include different gesture types, such as mobile and stationary gestures. Each gesture type may indicate a different image processing constraint that may be applied to modify the digital image. Stationary gestures may indicate constrained regions of the image that are not subject to modification. Mobile gestures may indicate regions of the image which may be subject to modification. Characteristics of the mobile gestures, such as velocity and/or pressure, may also indicate an amount by which an image may be modified over the region indicated by the mobile gesture. Image masks, which separate foreground and background regions of an image, may also be specified by the gestural input set.