Automated Representative Image Generation for Webtoon Content

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Solution Overview

Problem

Service providers face high costs and resource inefficiencies in generating representative images for webtoons, illustrations, and other content due to the need for manual selection and extraction of main images from large collections, especially when displaying multiple episodes or features, which limits the size and quality of representative images.

Innovation Solution

A representative image generation method that recognizes objects within content using an image matching model, automatically extracting and generating representative images by processing target images with object recognizers, such as character face, speech balloon, and text recognizers, and selecting optimal image sizes and positions for display.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual selection and extraction of main images is performed from large collections, then representative images can be generated, but time and effort costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequality of representative imageVSAvoidtime and effort for image selection
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic image selection and extraction without human intervention. The server independently analyzes webtoon episodes, identifies key frames, and generates representative images using automated algorithms, eliminating the need for manual verification and selection by service providers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical operations (human viewing, selecting, and extracting images) are replaced with automated computer-based image processing algorithms. The system uses technical means such as frame analysis, object recognition, and automated composition to substitute human labor in the image selection process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If multiple webtoons and episodes are displayed on a single screen, then information density increases, but representative image size is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation display capacityVSAvoidrepresentative image size
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system generates multiple representative images of different sizes and types for different display contexts. Instead of using a single large image that cannot fit in limited spaces, the system creates segmented versions (thumbnail, medium, large) that can be appropriately sized for various screen real estate while maintaining quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system varies parameters such as image size, aspect ratio, and composition based on the specific display context and requirements. Different representative images are generated with optimized parameters for their intended use, allowing high information density while maintaining adequate image quality where space permits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If various types of representative images are generated for different features, then user expectations are met, but resource requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevariety of representative imagesVSAvoidcomputational resources required
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

A single automated image generation system performs multiple functions: it generates representative images for different webtoons, different episodes, different size requirements, and different display contexts. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate processing systems, reducing overall resource consumption while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary analysis and processing of webtoon content once, extracting key visual elements and generating base representative images that can then be reused or adapted for multiple purposes. This preliminary action avoids redundant processing when generating images for different features or displays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11462018B2Representative image generation
Publication Date: 2022.10.04 NAVER WEBTOON LTD
  • US11462018B2 patent drawing
  • US11462018B2 patent drawing
  • US11462018B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Representative image generation technology is provided. A representative image generation method according to embodiments of the present invention includes automatically generating a representative image for a relevant content by recognizing an object in the content, such as a webtoon, an illustration, multiple images related to a particular product, or a user's photograph album.