U.S. patent application number 12/731790 was filed with the patent office on 2010-07-15 for system and method for generating photo collages and photo album pages.
Invention is credited to Edward P. Szuszczewicz.
Application Number | 20100180234 12/731790 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42044711 |
Filed Date | 2010-07-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100180234 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Szuszczewicz; Edward P. |
July 15, 2010 |
System and Method for Generating Photo Collages and Photo Album
Pages
Abstract
A system and method that enables a user to efficiently manage
graphical information is disclosed. In one embodiment, tools are
provided that enable a user to creatively assemble, chronicle and
modify photo album pages having a variety of graphical
elements.
Inventors: |
Szuszczewicz; Edward P.;
(Fairfax, VA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LAW OFFICE OF DUANE S. KOBAYASHI
P.O. Box 4160
Leesburg
VA
20177
US
|
Family ID: |
42044711 |
Appl. No.: |
12/731790 |
Filed: |
March 25, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10721865 |
Nov 26, 2003 |
7689909 |
|
|
12731790 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
715/838 ;
715/853 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 1/00196 20130101;
H04N 1/00183 20130101; H04N 1/00132 20130101; H04N 1/00167
20130101; H04N 1/00188 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
715/838 ;
715/853 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/048 20060101
G06F003/048 |
Claims
1. A method for generating a photo album page, comprising the
following computer implemented steps: displaying a subset of layout
configurations from a library of layout configurations, each layout
configuration in said library defining a total number of photos to
be included on said photo album page, aspect ratios for each of
said total number of photos, and a position of each of said total
number of photos on said photo album page, said subset of layout
configurations having in common the same total number of photos,
the same first number of photos having a portrait orientation and
the same second number of photos having a landscape orientation;
receiving a selection of a layout configuration from said displayed
selectable subset of layout configurations; and receiving an
identification of a group of photos that are assigned to said
selected layout configuration.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising selecting a background
from a library of backgrounds.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein said assigning comprises
assigning a background image to said photo album page.
4. The method of claim 2, wherein said assigning comprises
assigning one of a solid color, blended color, textured, patterned,
thematic or mosaic background to said photo album page.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein said selecting comprises
selecting a layout configuration that includes placeholders for
photo images.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein said layout configuration further
defines sizes and positions of text entries.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein said receiving an identification
comprises receiving a sequential identification of a group of
photos.
8. The method of claim 1, further comprising automatically
adjusting dimensions of a frame border and a photo relative to each
other.
9. A photo album page generating method, comprising the following
computer implemented steps: receiving a user specification of a
total number of photos to be displayed on a photo album page;
receiving a user specification of a first number of said total
number of photos having a landscape orientation and a second number
of said total number of photos having a portrait orientation; and
displaying, in a graphical user interface, a plurality of thumbnail
images representative of a subset of a total library of layout
configurations that contain said user specified total number of
photos, said user specified first number of said total number of
photos having a landscape orientation and said user specified
second number of said total number of photos having a portrait
orientation, wherein said displayed thumbnail images are
individually selectable by a user to apply a pre-defined photo
layout configuration onto a photo album page.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein a layout configuration specifies
a placement of photos onto said photo album page.
11. The method of claim 9, wherein a thumbnail image shows a
relative placement of photos and an aspect ratio of said
photos.
12. A method of selecting a layout configuration of a photo album
page, comprising the following computer implemented steps:
receiving, from a user, a specification of a portrait or landscape
orientation criteria that is usable to generate a structured
hierarchy of layout configurations from a library of layout
configurations; identifying a subset of said library of layout
configurations using said portrait or landscape orientation
criteria, said subset of said library of layout configurations
including a plurality of layout configurations, each of said
plurality of layout configurations defining a set of photos that
have aspect ratios that match said portrait or landscape
orientation criteria; and displaying, in a graphical user
interface, a plurality of thumbnail images representative of a
subset of said library of layout configurations, wherein said
displayed plurality of thumbnail images are individually selectable
by said user to apply a pre-defined photo layout configuration onto
a photo album page.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein said specification is a
portrait orientation criteria.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein said specification is a
landscape orientation criteria.
15. The method of claim 12, further comprising receiving a total
number of photos, wherein said identifying comprises identifying a
subset of said library layout configurations that also match said
total number of photos.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of non-provisional
application Ser. No. 10/721,865, filed Nov. 26, 2003, which is
incorporated by reference herein, in its entirety, for all
purposes.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to graphical editing
systems and more particularly to photography, photo-journaling, and
scrapbook and photo album page construction.
[0004] 2. Introduction
[0005] It has been the nature of humankind to establish a lasting
record of the times, the people and the events that manifested the
culture, thoughts, desires, experiences, and technologies of an
era. Witness, for example, the inscriptions and art forms in the
hieroglyphics of the Egyptian Empire and in the carvings on the
walls of the cliff dwellings of early native-American Indians. With
varying venues these records have historical, educational, and
personal value, and manifest the skill sets of artists, sculptors,
engravers, and artisans in general.
[0006] Since the invention of the photographic imaging technique in
the early 1800s, photography and photographic images have played an
ever-increasing role in chronicling people, events and life
styles--with the camera and photos having become the tools of
choice for the largest part of humankind. With the price of
cameras, film, and film processing finding its way into virtually
everyone's budget, the proliferation of photos has given rise to
its own information glut, with the associated technologies for
storing, archiving, displaying, and journaling the photographic
images markedly lagging behind the technology developments in
cameras and in the photographic process itself. As a result,
personal photos--with all their qualities in color and resolution,
and their immeasurable personal value--all too often pass through
an initial round of show-and-tell with friends, family members and
associates, and end up in a drawer or stored in a box. This result
is not from lack of interest, but rather a lack of time and
appropriate user-friendly technologies to archive, display and
journal the photos in a way fitting their role in documenting
life.
[0007] The need for easier and faster techniques for archiving,
displaying and journaling has grown more critical with the
burgeoning market in digital cameras and the hastening pace of
society. People now take more pictures than ever before. And with
this new capability comes an increased workload that is simply a
function of scale.
[0008] To appreciate the increased volume in pictures, one need
only compare the conventional analog film approach of 12, 24 or 36
pictures per roll of film with the storage (i.e., memory) capacity
of a digital camera. Typical "starter" memories (i.e., the memory
provided with a newly purchased camera) begin at 4 MB, scaling up
from there to 16, 32, 64, 128 MB, and higher. At 4 MB, a
photographer can take approximately 60 pictures with a
640.times.480 pixel resolution using JPEG compression. And with a
64 MB memory, one can take approximately 900 pictures before
needing to "reload" the camera.
[0009] What is needed therefore are tools that enable a user to
cope with the volume of photos in a quick, easy and creative manner
that leverages existing skill sets for purposes of documenting,
recording, archiving and displaying the photos.
SUMMARY
[0010] The principles of the present invention satisfy the
above-mentioned needs by providing a tool that enables a user to
efficiently manage graphical information. In one embodiment, tools
are provided that enable a user to creatively assemble, chronicle
and modify photo album pages having a variety of graphical
elements.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited
and other advantages and features of the invention can be obtained,
a more particular description of the invention briefly described
above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof
which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that
these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and
are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the
invention will be described and explained with additional
specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings
in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a flowchart of a process of creating a
page including graphical images, text, picture configurations, and
backgrounds;
[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a portion of a user
interface for selection of a background; and
[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a portion of a user
interface for selection of a layout configuration.
[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a user interface that
enables editing of multiple candidate pages.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] Various embodiments of the invention are discussed in detail
below. While specific implementations are discussed, it should be
understood that this is done for illustration purposes only. A
person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other
components and configurations may be used without parting from the
spirit and scope of the invention.
[0017] Various aspects of the present invention described below
enable a user to realize that a photo-album page or photo-collage
can be created quickly, easily, and artistically in a manner
heretofore unforeseen for a personal computer with minimal system
requirements and for a user with novice-level computer skills. The
quickness and ease results from the construction, organization, and
implementation of appropriate tools and databases that adhere to
prescribed rules of geometry, form, function and format as well as
prevailing aspect ratios consistent with digital images,
photographic papers and printers.
[0018] The adherence to these rules makes it possible for even a
novice computer user, equipped with a ubiquitous word-processing
application-software (e.g., Microsoft Word), to construct a
pleasing professional-quality photo album page that incorporates
the user's own personal creativity. This can be done with any
reasonable number of digital images (or any other graphical
representation in digital form) and with user-defined or
user-selected companion text that helps describe, document, or
otherwise journal the people, places, and events captured in the
images.
[0019] In one embodiment, the present invention incorporates the
aforementioned geometrical rules, keys on the number and formats of
the photos selected by the user for a given photo album page, and
builds on a multiplicity of background and layout-configuration
templates with a copy-and-paste methodology. In accordance with the
principles of the present invention, the user need not re-position,
size or re-size, crop, or otherwise adjust the dimensions of a
single photo. In general, the ease with which the user can insert
photos in a selected template is analogous to inserting photos into
a conventional vinyl-sleeve album. This ease and speed of use
allows the user, in just a matter of minutes, to completely re-do a
given album page in pursuit of a better or otherwise different
artistic combination of backgrounds and borders that might better
complement the photos in a given photo album page.
[0020] Prior to describing details of the present invention, it
should be noted that use of the term photo album page should not be
construed as limiting the present invention. The term photo album
page is used to generically describe a photo collage or any other
collection of graphical elements that incorporates one or more
photos.
[0021] To illustrate the various aspects of the present invention,
reference is made to the flowchart of FIG. 1, which illustrates the
basic steps by which a user can create a photo album page. The
process begins at step 102 where the user begins with a blank page.
In various embodiments, this blank page can be represented as part
of a larger collection of pages or as a single stand-alone
page.
[0022] For example, consider an embodiment that is based on a word
processing program such as Microsoft Word. In this embodiment, the
blank page can appear as a new page within a multi-page word
processing document or as a whole new document itself. Either
scenario would be acceptable in its familiarity with the user.
[0023] Here, it should be noted that leveraging the functions of a
word processing program can provide distinct advantages. First, due
to the ubiquitous nature of word processing programs such as
Microsoft Word, a huge installed base of users can be leveraged.
This base of users need not learn new skills as they have already
developed a deep-rooted familiarity with the basic structure and
workflow of the word processing program. Second, the ubiquitous
nature of the word processing program reduces the requirements for
the software to be installed on the user's computer. As the bulk of
the program elements are already pre-existent on the user's
computer, only a relatively light weight software install would be
required. In general, these advantages can often be in sharp
contrast to conventional stand-alone software programs that are
dedicated to photo album page creation.
[0024] Once the user is presented with a blank page, the process
then continues at step 104, where the user selects or otherwise
generates a background for the new album page. In one embodiment,
the background can be represented by a generic item such as a
solid, blend, texture, pattern, mosaic, etc. In another embodiment,
the background can be represented by a theme specific item such as
an image relating to sports or celebrations/events such as
birthdays, anniversaries, graduation, holidays, seasons, leisure,
etc. In general, the background can be represented by any item that
would be desirable to include in the portions of the album page
that are not obscured in some manner by the photos on the album
page.
[0025] In one embodiment, the user selects from a plurality of
potential backgrounds that can be presented to the user as a
collection of thumbnail images. FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a
portion of a graphical user interface that can be used to provide
the user with various background selections. Here, these thumbnail
images can represent specific background elements that are stored
in a database (or any general digital library) as image files
(e.g., JPEG), word processing files (e.g., DOC files in Microsoft
Word), or files in any other format suitable for retrieval by the
image-editing program.
[0026] As would be appreciated, the specific user interface used to
transfer the selected background to the album page would be
implementation dependent. In one embodiment, the simple selection
of a particular thumbnail would be sufficient to load the data from
a background file in the library onto the album page. In other
embodiments, the user can be invited to drag-and-drop,
copy-and-paste, or perform any other action that would be
intuitively recognized by the user as accomplishing the desired
function of association.
[0027] After the background for the image is applied to the blank
page, the user then proceeds to step 106, where a layout
configuration for the album page is selected. In general, the
layout configuration can be used to define the relative positions
of images, text, or any other graphical elements that would be
desirable to be included on the album page. As would be
appreciated, multiple layout configurations can also be defined for
specific groupings of graphical elements to thereby achieve an
increased level of granularity and inherent control.
[0028] In one embodiment, the layout configuration is used to
define the relative locations of images and text. Within this
framework, a collection of layout configurations can be predefined
that would cover the range of possibilities that would be
considered desirable to the user. This collection of layout
configurations would be stored in a database (or library) of
configuration files.
[0029] Here, it should be noted that, in one embodiment, the layout
configurations are stored in a separate database as compared to the
database of backgrounds. In one sense, this separation between the
layout configuration and background databases is illustrative of an
element of artistic control desired by most users. In general, the
desirability of the layout configurations would often be determined
independently of the background selection. While it would be the
case that some backgrounds would complement certain layout
configurations or a certain subset of photos, the separation of the
two design elements provides increased functionality, flexibility
and creativity to the user. This increased functionality is
primarily evident in the editing phase where the user can modify a
background/layout configuration combination by changing one or more
of the design elements.
[0030] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a portion of a graphical
user interface that can be used to provide the user with various
layout configuration selections. Here, these thumbnail images can
represent specific layout configurations that are stored in a
database (or any general digital library). As illustrated in FIG.
3, the collection of layout configurations that are presented to
the user include four layout configurations that deal with various
permutations of five images and associated text. In one embodiment,
the layout configurations can be defined based on consideration of
industry standard aspect ratios of photo images (e.g.,
640.times.480, 1024.times.768, 1260.times.980, etc.). This
consideration would seek to minimize the need for moving,
re-sizing, or cropping of images in the page layout.
[0031] By presenting the user with a variety of layout
configurations, the user can quickly scan the included selections
and select the one that seems appropriate. The need for individual
placement, movement, and adjustments of individual graphical
elements would thereby be averted.
[0032] In general, it should be noted that the collection of layout
configurations can also be presented to the user in a structured
hierarchical manner. This organized presentation would enable the
user to navigate through a greater number of potential layout
configurations as the user quickly and intuitively drills down to
the particular layout configuration that meets his/her needs. For
example, a structured hierarchy can be defined based on the number
of photos, the orientation of the photos (e.g., portrait or
landscape mode), the size of the photos, or any other element of
categorization that would be recognizable to the user.
[0033] It should also be noted that the specific content and format
of the layout configurations would be implementation dependent. In
one embodiment that is based on a word processing program such as
Microsoft Word, the layout configurations can be stored as
independent word processing files (e.g., DOC files) that define the
configuration elements. Here, each file can, for example, include
placeholders for the photo images and text.
[0034] Alternatively, of course, a single master configuration file
can be used to store the configuration elements for all layout
configurations. The master file could then be accessed when the
particular layout configuration needs to be generated for
application to the album page.
[0035] Once the particular layout configuration is selected, it can
then be applied to the album page. This application can be an
iterative process (i.e., repeating of steps 102 and/or 104) as the
ultimate desirability of the layout configuration can often be
determined only in association with the background. For example, a
particular generic background featuring an asymmetric pattern may
seem desirable only in association with a complementing asymmetric
layout configuration.
[0036] As would be appreciated, the specific user interface used to
transfer the selected layout configuration to the album page would
be implementation dependent. In one embodiment, the simple
selection of a particular thumbnail would be sufficient to load a
particular layout configuration stored in a layout configuration
database onto the album page. In other embodiments, the user can be
invited to drag-and-drop, copy-and-paste, or perform any other
action that would be intuitively recognized by the user as
accomplishing the desired function.
[0037] After the background and layout configurations have been
selected, the user then proceeds to step 108, where pictures and
text are inserted into the album page. In contrast to conventional
album creation solutions, this process can proceed quickly due to
the existing application of a layout configuration onto the album
page. With existing placeholders evident on the album page, the
process at step 108 can simply require the association of images
and text to the existing placeholders.
[0038] For image files (e.g., photos or clip art), this process can
be designed to proceed with the aid of a user interface similar to
those illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. Here, a library of photos
and/or clip art images would be accessed and corresponding
thumbnail images displayed. The user can then select the desired
image or group of images that would be applied to the particular
album page. Where individual images are selected, manual
association of images and placeholders can be invoked using various
selection, drag-and-drop, and copy-and-paste techniques. Where a
group of images are selected, an automatic association routine can
be invoked. Movement of pictures between the locations can then be
effected to modify inaccuracies in the automatic associations.
[0039] In one embodiment, the process of associating images to a
layout configuration includes the automatic sizing of a picture
relative to a picture border. Various picture border options can be
included to represent a desired set of conventional framing styles
(e.g., double matting). The process of automatically sizing a
picture relative to the picture border can be performed in various
ways. In one embodiment, the formats of the image and the image
place-holder are matched, and the size, geometry, and location of
the image place-holder dominates. In other words, no matter how
big/small the image, it is perfectly fit within the defined bounds
of the image place-holder. In effect, what you see is what you get.
If the formats do not match, then the place-holder locks the
horizontal dimension (of its geometry) and automatically adjusts
the vertical dimension to accommodate the mismatched image format.
The result may still be acceptable to the user and be allowed to
stand as automatically accommodated. If the result is too big/small
or somehow visually incompatible with the rest of the album page
components, then the user can easily re-size the result (e.g., by
"grabbing" the corner), maintaining the required image aspect ratio
constant. Further, the user can drag the "final" image placeholder
with its image to a more accommodating location on the page.
[0040] After the process of step 108 is completed, the user is now
presented with an album page that is suitable for printing or
publishing. Prior to printing or publishing, however, the user can
also decide to exercise a "what if" modification of any given album
page in pursuit of a "better" or different artistic presentation of
the same photo set.
[0041] In accordance with the present invention, this process is
equally easy and fast. In one embodiment, the "what if" scenario
can be enabled through the simultaneous display of a second
candidate page, which can be based on a duplicate of a selected
album page. With this simultaneous display of candidate pages, the
user can iteratively modify the two candidate pages and choose the
desired combination of graphical elements based on a side-by-side
comparison. See, for example, the illustration of FIG. 4. It is a
feature of the present invention that the simultaneous display of
candidate album pages enables a user to more discriminately
determine the suitable combination of graphical elements on the
album page. This discrimination is greatly aided by the user's
ability to immediately see the comparative result of a change on
one or more of the candidate pages. Side-by-side comparisons are
particularly suitable when discriminating between fine issues of
subjective taste.
[0042] In an embodiment that is based on word processing program
components, the candidate pages can be effected through the
creation of a new document that includes a copy or variant of a
selected page. Once the copy or variant is placed in the newly
created document, the two candidate pages can be simultaneously
viewed side-by-side.
[0043] At this point, the user can then choose to modify individual
graphical components on the two candidate pages. For example, the
user can modify the background on the first candidate page and
modify the layout configuration on the second candidate page.
Clearly, the user is permitted to perform any amount of
modifications on any of the two pages, being constrained only to
the degree that the user intends to compare pages with similar
graphical compositions. If the user intends to compare two highly
variant designs, then no constraints in the amount of modifications
would be apparent.
[0044] Regardless of the amount of modifications selected by the
user, the side-by-side comparison enables effective decision making
through a clear understanding of the differences between two
candidate designs. Clarity abounds through the simultaneous
display.
[0045] Once the desired graphical combination is selected, the
unselected candidate can be deleted simply through the closing of
the document. Again, it is worth noting that these functions are
all familiar to the user who is familiar with the conventional
functions of a word processing program. The limited learning curve
leads to increased confidence and a lower barrier to product
adoption and competency development.
[0046] One benefit of leveraging the installed base of software and
users is the ability to further leverage complementary functions in
a word processing environment. For example, in one embodiment,
features of the word processing program such as image editing,
image sizing, border definition, font control, print control, etc.
can all be included with minimal product development and subsequent
training of the adopting users. All of these features and learning
accrue to a new graphical editing application.
[0047] As would be appreciated, the "what if" scenario can also be
applied to more than two candidate designs. Indeed no limitation on
the number of album page duplications would be envisioned beyond
the likely limitations of the permissible screen area of
display.
[0048] It should also be noted that the description of the editing
process for a candidate page should not be construed as limiting
the scope of the present invention. Indeed, it is contemplated that
the side-by-side comparison of candidate pages can be applied to
any graphical environment that seeks to examine viable
alternatives. It is believed that an application of significant
effectiveness would reside in those contexts where discrete
combinations of graphical elements (e.g., background, layout
configuration, etc.) can be quickly swapped.
[0049] Although the above description may contain specific details,
they should not be construed as limiting the claims in any way.
Other configurations of the described embodiments of the invention
are part of the scope of this invention. However, the invention may
have applicability in a variety of environments. Therefore, the
invention is not limited to any particular application.
Accordingly, the appended claims and their legal equivalents only
should define the invention, rather than any specific examples
given.
* * * * *