Printing Device Image Grouping and Selection Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image printing devices face challenges in efficiently selecting and printing desired images from large collections, particularly when numerous similar images are stored, as they require lengthy processes to determine human subjects and sort through numerous images, making the selection of a preferred image time-consuming and laborious.
Innovation Solution
A printing device equipped with an evaluation value determining module, grouping process module, and recommended image designating module that classifies images into groups of similar images and designates a recommended image for each group based on evaluation values, facilitating easy selection and printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If all images are displayed on the display for user selection, then the user can select from all available images, but the user has to select from a large number of similar images which is extremely laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large set of images into multiple groups based on similarity criteria (subject, composition, shooting conditions). By dividing the images into groups of similar images, the user only needs to select from a small number of representative images from each group rather than browsing through all images individually, thereby significantly reducing selection effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses thumbnail images as inexpensive representations of the actual images. Instead of displaying and requiring user interaction with all full-resolution images, thumbnail images serve as surrogates for initial selection, reducing the complexity and time of the selection process while maintaining user ability to identify desired images.
2Measurement precision
If determination of human subjects is performed for each image individually, then accurate identification of images with human subjects is achieved, but it takes a relatively long time to complete the determination process for all images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary determination of human subjects and image similarity attributes before the actual image selection process. By pre-analyzing images for human subject presence and grouping similar images together in advance, the system prepares the data structure so that when users need to select images, the work of identification and categorization has already been completed, significantly reducing the time required at the point of user interaction.
3Quantity of substance
If a large number of similar images of the same person are stored on the memory card, then comprehensive coverage of the subject is achieved, but all of the considerable number of images will be displayed on the display requiring user selection from this large number of similar images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent automatically segments the large collection of similar images into groups based on similarity metrics. Instead of presenting all images individually to the user, the system organizes them into logical groups where each group contains similar images. The user then interacts with group representatives rather than individual images, reducing the perceived complexity and number of items to evaluate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of image representation from individual full images to grouped thumbnail representations. By transforming how images are presented (from detailed to summarized, from individual to grouped), the system maintains comprehensive coverage of all stored images while simplifying the user interface and selection process complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing device comprises an evaluation value determining module, a grouping process module, a recommended image designating module, and a printing process module. The evaluation value determining module determines, for each image, a first evaluation value for a prescribed evaluation item. The grouping process module performs a sorting process to sort the plurality of images into groups of similar images. The recommended image designating module designates, for each group, a recommended image from among the images belonging to the group, based on the first evaluation value. The printing process module prints the designated recommended image.