Raster Image Vectorization With Localized Control And Semantic Segmentation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vectorization methods fail to accurately convert raster images to vector images due to noise interference, inaccurate representation of visually apparent features, and improper filling or shading, resulting in unsatisfactory vector images.

Innovation Solution

An enhanced vectorization system that includes an image vectorization module capable of localized user control, using edge detection, semantic element recognition, and hierarchical segmentation to convert raster images into vector images with improved noise reduction and feature accuracy, allowing for localized adjustments such as denoising, segment splitting, and merging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional vectorization methods are used to convert raster images to vector images, then the conversion process is simple and fast, but the resulting vector images contain noise interference, inaccurate feature representation, and improper filling or shading

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevectorization accuracyVSAvoidvectorization system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the vectorization process into distinct modules: edge detection module, semantic element recognition module, hierarchical segmentation module, and localized control module. Each module handles specific aspects of the conversion, allowing complex processing to be broken down into manageable, targeted operations that improve accuracy without overwhelming system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary actions before final vectorization by first detecting edges, recognizing semantic elements, and creating hierarchical segmentations. These preparatory steps organize the raster image data into structured representations that guide the subsequent vectorization process, ensuring accurate feature representation while maintaining systematic control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If noise reduction is applied during vectorization, then the visual quality of the vector image improves, but the processing time and computational resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise reduction qualityVSAvoidvectorization processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by implementing localized control that allows different regions of the image to receive different levels of noise reduction processing. The system identifies areas with significant noise interference and applies enhanced denoising only to those specific regions, while areas with less noise receive minimal or no processing, thereby improving overall quality while reducing total processing time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary hierarchical segmentation structure that mediates between the raw raster image and the final vector output. This intermediate representation organizes semantic elements and edges into structured segments, allowing noise reduction to be applied selectively at appropriate levels of the hierarchy, balancing quality improvement with processing efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If edge detection and semantic element recognition are performed to improve feature accuracy, then the vector image better represents the original picture, but the device complexity and processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefeature representation accuracyVSAvoidprocessing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the complex tasks of edge detection and semantic element recognition into separate, specialized modules. The edge detection module focuses solely on identifying boundaries, while the semantic element recognition module identifies meaningful objects and features. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for its specific function, improving feature accuracy while managing system complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a hierarchical dimension to the vectorization process by organizing detected edges and semantic elements into hierarchical segmentations with multiple levels of organization. This dimensional addition allows the system to manage complex feature relationships systematically, improving feature representation accuracy while providing structured control over the complexity of processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Manufacturing precision

If localized user control is implemented for denoising, segment splitting, and merging, then the user can achieve better visual quality, but the ease of operation decreases due to increased control complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual quality controlVSAvoiduser control simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control interface into distinct, localized controls for different operations (denoising, segment splitting, segment merging) and different regions of the image. Users can access and adjust specific controls for the operations they need, rather than being presented with a single complex global control system. This segmentation makes the interface more manageable and easier to navigate while maintaining precise control capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality in the control interface by allowing users to apply different control settings to different localized regions of the image. Users can select specific areas and apply denoising, splitting, or merging operations with parameters optimized for that region, providing precise visual quality control while keeping the interaction simple through context-sensitive controls

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS10521889B2Enhanced vectorization of raster images
Publication Date: 2019.12.31 ADOBE INC
  • US10521889B2 patent drawing
  • US10521889B2 patent drawing
  • US10521889B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Enhanced vectorization of raster images is described. An image vectorization module converts a raster image with bitmapped data to a vector image with vector elements based on mathematical formulas. In some embodiments, spatially-localized control of a vectorization operation is provided to a user. First, the user can adjust an intensity of a denoising operation differently at different areas of the raster image. Second, the user can adjust an automated segmentation by causing one segment to be split into two segments along a zone marked with an indicator tool, such as a brush. Third, the user can adjust an automated segmentation by causing two segments to be merged into a combined segment. The computation of the vector elements is based on the adjusted segmentation. In other embodiments, semantic information gleaned from the raster image is incorporated into the vector image to facilitate manipulation, such as joint selection of multiple vector elements.