Abstract

Adaptive Color-Captioning Technology (hereinafter "AC-CT") is able to artificially determine the most appropriate color(s) to use when captioning a photograph or other visual media. AC-CT is also able to impose imaging optimizations for improved readability by those with eye impairments. Adaptive Color-Captioning Technology automatically determines all attributes with the user only needing to supply the media (e.g. JPEG image or video), caption text, and specifying any eye impairments (if available). AC-CT can be used for such things as applying captions to family photographs, or embedded with a media player can make it easier to read DVD subtitles.

Background

With the advent of digital cameras and imagery scanners, more and more novice computer users are venturing into the world of digital photography and videography. However, for those that are new to this field, the process of simply adding text to a family or nature photograph can be daunting. Many of the commercially available applications require a great deal of learning even to carry out the simplest of tasks, and then a great deal of practice is often needed until one can begin to produce a quality looking photograph or edited video.

Adaptive Color-Captioning Technology not only makes it easy to caption any media, but it ensures the caption will be legible and easy to read by those with eye impairments. With more than 161 million people worldwide having some type of eye impairment, AC-CT is capable of optimizing text for those with such conditions. Not only is the color optimized depending upon the image, but the font type, font size, and drop shadow are all determined based upon this technology.

Process

With the media (e.g. JPEG image or home video) and text caption supplied, the AC-CT sample program will address the rest of the captioning process automatically and present the user with a finished image. Among the factors that affect the photo's caption are the length of the caption, size of image, and the general distribution of colors across the captioned area.

The basic premise behind the process of determining the general distribution of colors across the captioned area is by splitting the "captioned area" into smaller independent coordinate grid systems, and then based upon the general contrast will determine the number of pixels to poll as well as the random locations. In other words, a photograph of a solid colored object will be polled less than a picture of a forest or class photograph. Likewise, the longer the caption, the greater number of pixels that will be polled.

If the user had specified any eye impairments, additional steps are taken to "fine tune" the color (such as creating a greater contrast between the image and the captioned text). Additional work is also being carried out for ensuring the most appropriate font type and size. AC-CT also is capable of determining the most appropriate drop-shadow color.

Usage

While Adaptive Color-Captioning Technology is functional, it is not yet completed. This technology is working through integration with another electronic system targeted for use by the elderly.

Some of the applied applications for this technology could include creating more effective watermarks, dynamically and quickly captioning photographs, and embedding this technology into media/DVD players so that those with eye impairments can more easily read DVD sub-titles. An example of an eye impairment would be Macular Degeneration.

Adaptive Color-Captioning Technology could also be integrated into programs that are either web-based or run on a client machine and used for photo album management or image editing. The end-user does not need to be challenged by eye impairments in order to benefit from this technology, but AC-CT allows users to quickly and easily produce a caption on a photograph for friends and family. The existing captioning systems in commercially available applications can be ineffective and challenging for novice users.

Examples

Conclusion

Presently there is no similar technology on the market for optimizing photograph captions, DVD subtitles, and other types of visual media for the elderly and those with eye impairments; however, Adaptive Color-Captioning Technology addresses this issue. This technology is able to address the new needs presented by the baby boomer generation retiring in this new technology era.

If you are interested in this technology or have additional questions, they can be directed to Michael Larabel <Michael [at] MichaelLarabel.com> or www.michaellarabel.com. More information on Adaptive Color-Captioning Technology will be available shortly.