FR2865049A1 - Files creating method for data transmitting field, involves registering function to detect request for changing display size of image, in file, and registering functions to transfer image data necessary for responding to request, in file - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves registering data permitting access to data constituting an image, in a specific file. A function adapted to detect a request for changing display size of the image in a hypertext document, is registered in the file. The request is formulated by a client machine. Functions adapted to transfer image data necessary for responding to the request, from a server machine, is registered in the file. Independent claims are also included for the following: (A) a communication apparatus including a files creating device (B) a communication apparatus including files reading device (C) information storing unit readable by a computer or a microprocessor preserving instructions of a computer program, to implement files creating method (D) information storing unit readable by a computer or a microprocessor preserving instructions of a computer program, to implement files reading method (E) a computer program product including sequences of instructions for implementing a files creating method (F) a computer program product including sequences of instructions for implementing a files reading method.

Description

CHANGING THE SIZE OF AN IMAGE IN A DOCUMENT

HYPER

  The present invention relates to the modification of the size of an image in a hypertext document.

  The invention belongs to the field of the transmission of compressed data corresponding to digital images and their display via an Internet browser software. The invention uses Macromedia's Flash technology, which makes it possible to transmit and display animations via the Internet. Finally, the technology is also linked to the standardized compression format JPEG2000, used in the preferred embodiment of the invention, as well as to the JPIP (JPEG2000 Internet Protocol) communication protocol, which makes it possible to transfer JPEG2000 data through the Internet network. A detailed description of the JPIP protocol can be found on the website http: / lwww. kakadusoftware.com/jpip-links-and-info.html and the description of the JPEG2000 file format can be found on the www address web site. jpeg.org.

  Via Internet browser software such as Explorer (available on the website http://www.microsoft.com/ windows / ie_intl / ar / default.htm) or Netscape (available on the site Web address www.netscape.com), it is known to modify in a general way the dimension of the visual information presented in the navigation window itself. However, in most cases, this update of the information size is limited to text. The size of the images is usually not changed. This results in a significant difference in size and consistency in the display between text and images.

  With other browser software, such as Opera (available on the website www.opera.com), it is possible to enlarge the size of the visual information, including images. However, the images are then simply oversampled, which induces a degradation of their visual quality.

  The object of the present invention is to overcome this drawback by proposing a solution consisting in including a JPEG2000 image in a SWF file (Flash format, defined by the Macromedia company, available on the website of address http: llwww.macromedia .comisoftwarelflashl or by consulting the Flash MX guide of Guylaine MONNIER entitled "Flash MX", published by Dunod, Paris, 2002) to the simplified structure: this file contains only the image at its original resolution, as well as a function that allows to retrieve additional data to display the image at a higher resolution when a zoom on the web page is requested by the user.

  For this purpose, the present invention proposes a method of creating files describing a digital image to be displayed in a hypertext document on a client machine, the image being stored on a server machine, this method being remarkable in that it includes steps of: - register in a specific file data to access the data constituting the image; - Write in this specific file a function adapted to detect a request, made by the client machine, to change the display size of the image in the hypertext document; and - register in this specific file functions adapted to repatriate from the server machine the image data necessary to meet the display size change request.

  Thus, the invention makes it possible to maintain an image size proportional to that of the text on an Internet page. This makes it possible to improve the quality of the displayed image, without requiring modification of the Internet browser software. In addition, it is not necessary to add a significant amount of data to the image file to achieve this functionality.

  In a particular embodiment, the file creation method further comprises a step of writing in the specific file a display size detection function of the image.

  This makes it possible to precisely adapt the new image size to the new size of the other display elements, whether text or graphics.

  In a particular embodiment, the file creation method further comprises a step of entering in the specific file a function of identifying the data to be repatriated following a display size change request.

  This makes it possible for the identification of the data to be repatriated to be carried out in the client machine and not in the server machine, the latter being very much in need of operations to be performed if many clients issue requests.

  In a particular embodiment, the file creation method further comprises a step of writing in the specific file functions of construction of the image to its new size following a request for size change of display.

  This allows the operation of constructing the image to its new size to be performed in the client machine and not in the server machine, the latter being very busy in terms of operations to be performed if many clients issue requests .

  In a particular embodiment of the file creation method, the image is in JPEG2000 format and the specific file is in SWF format.

  These formats are standards supported by many software, which facilitates wide dissemination of images.

  For the same purpose as that mentioned above, the present invention also proposes a method of reading files describing a digital image to be displayed in a hypertext document on a client machine, the image being stored on a server machine, this method being remarkable in that it comprises the steps of: - detecting a display size change order of the image, coming from the client machine; identifying the additional data necessary to satisfy the order of change of display size; obtaining from the server machine the additional data previously identified; and - display on the client machine the image at its new size.

  The reading method has advantages similar to those mentioned above for the file creation method.

  In a particular embodiment, the file reading method further comprises, after the step of detecting a display size change order and prior to the step of identifying the additional data, a step of determine whether or not the requested size change requires additional image data.

  This makes it possible to start the procedure succinctly described above only if the requested size change is an enlargement, which avoids unnecessary calculations.

  In a particular embodiment, the file reading method further comprises, prior to the step of displaying the image at its new size, a step of constructing the image after obtaining the additional data.

  In a particular embodiment of the reading method, the image is in JPEG2000 format.

  As this standardized format is widely used, the dissemination of images is facilitated.

  Still for the same purpose, the present invention also proposes a file creation device describing a digital image to be displayed in a hypertext document on a client machine, the image being stored on a server machine, this device being remarkable in that it includes: - a unit for entering into a specific file data allowing access to the data constituting the image; a unit for writing in said specific file a function adapted to detect a request, made by the client machine, of a change in the size of the display of the image in the hypertext document; and - a unit for registering in the specific file functions adapted to repatriate from the server machine the image data necessary to respond to the display size change request.

  Still for the same purpose, the present invention also proposes a device for reading files describing a digital image to be displayed in a hypertext document on a client machine, the image being stored on a server machine, this device being remarkable in that it comprises: - a unit for detecting an order of change of size of display of the image, coming from the client machine; a unit for identifying the additional data necessary to satisfy the display size change order; a unit for obtaining from the server machine the additional data previously identified; and a unit for displaying on the client machine the image at its new size.

  The present invention also provides a communication apparatus comprising a file creation device as above.

  The present invention also provides a communication apparatus comprising a file reading device as above.

  The present invention also provides a computer-readable information storage means or a microprocessor retaining instructions of a computer program, allowing the implementation of a file creation method as above.

  The present invention also aims at a means for storing removable information, partially or totally, readable by a computer or a microprocessor retaining instructions of a computer program, allowing the implementation of a file creation method such as ci -above.

  The present invention also provides a computer program product that can be loaded into a programmable apparatus, including instruction sequences for implementing a file creation method as above, when this program is loaded and executed by the user. programmable device.

  The present invention also relates to a computer-readable information storage means or a microprocessor retaining instructions of a computer program, allowing the implementation of a file reading method as above.

  The present invention also aims at a means of removable information storage, partially or completely readable by a computer or a microprocessor retaining instructions of a computer program, allowing the implementation of a file reading method as ci -above.

  The present invention is also directed to a computer program product which can be loaded into a programmable apparatus, comprising instruction sequences for implementing a file reading method as above, when this program is loaded and executed by the user. programmable device.

  The particular characteristics and advantages of the file creation device, the file reading device, the communication device, the storage means and the computer program product being similar to those of the creation and reading processes of files, respectively, they are not repeated here.

  Other aspects and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows of a particular embodiment, given by way of non-limiting example. The description refers to the accompanying drawings, in which: - Figure 1 is schematically illustrates a server and a client adapted to implement the present invention, in a particular embodiment; FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the main steps of the coding phase of a method for modifying the size of an image in a hypertext file according to the present invention, in a particular embodiment; FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the main steps of the decoding phase of a method for modifying the size of an image in a hypertext file according to the present invention, in a particular embodiment; - Figure 4 schematically shows the structure of a compressed file comprising the data to be decoded according to the present invention, in a particular embodiment; and FIG. 5 schematically represents a device adapted to implement the present invention, in a particular embodiment.

  The invention is described here by way of non-limiting example in its application to JPEG2000 standard format images.

  Flash MX is a content creation software in Flash format.

  Figure 1 presents a simulation of the invention. An Internet server 11 is connected to a client 12 such as a personal computer. The Internet server 11 contains at least one Internet page 13 which is in the form of an HTML file and which has a reference to a file 15 of the SWF type.

  The Internet client 12 (typically a personal computer connected via the telephone network) is connected to the Internet server 11. This client 12 makes a request on the Internet page present on the server. The HTML file 13 corresponding to the requested web page is transmitted from the server 11 to the client 12.

  On the client 12, all the information relating to this page is processed by an Internet browser 16 (such as Microsoft Explorer, Netscape, Mozilla or Opera). This Internet browser 16 includes an HTML display 18, capable of interpreting the previously transmitted HTML file 13. The web page will be displayed. While interpreting the HTML file, the browser's HTML 18 viewer will find a link to a SWF file. This link causes the launch of a Flash 20 plug-in. The Flash 20 plug-in is a sub-program of the browser that is added to the browser by its user. The sub-program executes the reading of the SWF files and the display, on the Internet page currently being displayed, via a graphical interface 22, of an animation whose description is contained in the SWF file.

  We will now describe, in conjunction with FIG. 2, the coding phase of the method for modifying the size of an image in a hypertext file according to the present invention, in a particular embodiment.

  At first, the content creator who wishes to put a website online will create at least one HTML file (step 200). This file, called filel.html, will be downloaded by the client computers connecting to its site. In the example described here, it is assumed that the Internet page corresponding to this file contains, on the one hand, text and on the other hand an image. The text is contained in the HTML file. In HTML, text is written between tags represented by the <> signs. For example, the HTML file may contain the following line: <p> This is the text </ p> On the other hand, this page is placed on a server, which has an Internet address, for example the address http: / /www.myserveur.fr, and it is accessible by typing the server address followed by the path to the HTML file, for example: httpilwww. monserveur.fr/mondossierlfichierl.htmI.

  As for the image, it is transmitted and displayed using the SWF file format. A step 202 is thus to include in the HTML file a reference or link to the SWF file. The HTML file can contain the following line: <embed SRC = "myclass / animl.swf" TYPE = "applicationlxshockwave-flash" WIDTH = "250" HEIGHT = "250" QUALITY = "high"> </ embed> The step Next is to create on the server the SWF file, a file referenced by the Internet page, called animl.swf in the example described here, and to store it on the server.The SWF file can be created using the software Macromedia Flash MX The steps 2040 to 2050 concern the construction of this SWF file.

  Step 2040 is to link the JPEG2000 image that is on the server with the SWF file. One of the characteristics of the JPEG2000 format is that the same file can contain different resolutions of the same image, these resolutions differing by a factor of 2 in each dimension. Thus, it is assumed that the JPEG2000 image present on the server, in a file called imagel.jp2, is in the form of at least two resolutions: a 500x500 pixel version and a 1000x1000 pixel version. Part of the data in the imagel.jp2 file is used to decode the image at 500x500 resolution, and the rest of the data in the file allows, in addition to the previous data, to decode the image at 1000x1000 resolution. .

  Figure 4 shows the structure of the compressed file. The data is classified by resolution, here two resolutions R1 and R2. Inside a given resolution, the data is organized by quality layer, here ten layers Q1 to Q10. The first layers of quality are those that bring the most quality gain for a given resolution.

  During step 2040 illustrated in FIG. 2, a reference to the image on the server corresponding to the 500 × 500 resolution is written in the SWF file. In ActionScript, which is the construction language for SWF animations, this consists of: - creating an empty clip object called "container" in the SWF file, - creating a function for loading the image in the SWF file via the loadMovie function (described in the Flash MX guide, which is used to load images or videos either): container.loadMovie (imagel.jp2, 500, 500). This function specifies the resolution of the requested image.

  The next step 2042 consists in writing in the SWF file a function that makes it possible to know the initial display size of the Internet browser window. For example, it is possible to do this using the System functions. capabilities.screenResolutionX and System.capabilities.screenResolutionY (described in the Flash MX guide) that return the height and width of the on-screen display. The registered function stores these values for further processing.

  The next step 2044 is to write in the SWF file a function of detecting a change of size event of the display window of the Internet browser on the client. This is done by the on function (change_detail) (described in the Flash MX guide).

  Step 2046 then consists in writing in the SWF file the identification function of the JPEG2000 data which must be repatriated if the display window is enlarged. To do this, you must first detect the magnification ratio of the display window. Indeed, we will then try to enlarge the image in the same proportions.

  First, the SWF file is written with a function that measures the new display size of the navigation window. For example, the same functions as the registration step of the display size detection function may be used. We will also include in the SWF file functions for calculating the new display size of the image. These functions consist in calculating this size according to the ratio between the old display size of the browser and the new one; for example, if the display width and height of the browser window are each increased by 20%, the size of the JPEG2000 image will be increased by 20%. If the display size change of the browser is different in width and height, then we will favor the width, and deduce the increase in size of the display of the image that of the width of the window display navigation.

  The function identifying the parts of the JPEG2000 file to be requested is then entered. The progress of this function is explained in the "Identification of additional data" step 3046 of the decoding.

  Since the data to be requested is identifiable, the next step 2048 consists in writing in the SWF file the function making it possible to request the identified JPEG2000 data. This problem is known and is solved by the JPIP communication protocol. The course of the function in question is described below in the context of decoding, when describing the request step 3048 of the additional data necessary.

  Finally, the step 2050 consists in writing in the SWF file functions for reconstructing the enlarged image. The description of these functions is made below in the context of the decoding, during the description of the step 3050 of construction of the new reconstructed image.

  FIG. 3 illustrates the decoding phase of the method for modifying the size of an image in a hypertext file according to the present invention, in a particular embodiment.

  At first (step 300), the client makes a request to obtain the HTML file located on the server. The user makes this request, for example by typing, in the address zone of his Internet browser, the address of the HTML page. The HTML file is then transferred from the server to the client via the Internet. It is interpreted by the Internet browser software. During this interpretation, the corresponding web page is displayed on the client computer.

  When interpreting the HTML file, the browser realizes that it contains a link to a SWF file. As a result, the SWF file in question is transferred from the server to the client and is received by the client (step 302). This SWF file is interpreted by the Flash plug-in present in the Internet browser software.

  The following steps 3040 to 3052 form the operation of executing the SWF file.

  During the interpretation of the SWF file, the plug-in interprets the loading function of a JPEG2000 image. The image at its original resolution (500x500) is thus loaded and displayed on the Internet page (step 3040).

  When the user changes the size of the browser display window, this event is detected by the on () function of the SWF animation (step 3042). This order triggers a test 3044 which evaluates the need to request additional data.

  In test 3044, it is judged whether or not the size change of the display window makes a request to the server to transfer additional JPEG2000 data to display the image at the modified size. The rule here is simply that if the size change is a reduction, there is no need to ask for additional data (test 3044 negative). In this case, the next step is the step 3050 of constructing the new image, described hereinafter. If the size change is an enlargement, it is necessary to request additional data (test 3044 positive). In this case, the next step is the step 3046 of identifying the additional data required.

  When the test 3044 is positive, the next step 3046 is to identify the additional data to be requested.

  It is assumed in the following that the user has for example requested 120% zoom of the Internet page. As a result, the height and width of the image will be increased by 20% each. The user therefore wishes to obtain an image of 600x600 pixels. The resolution immediately higher than the resolution requested by the user is determined. This is the resolution R2 of 1000x1000 pixels. The data to be requested are determined as follows. A percentage of the data of the resolution R2 is determined according to the number of pixels in the resolution RI already present on the client, the number of pixels present in the resolution R2, and the percentage of zoom. Let's call P this percentage. The request will relate to P% of the data of the predetermined resolution immediately greater than the resolution selected by the user.

  In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the coded data contained in the JPEG2000 file is organized into resolution levels and within each level of resolution, in quality layers. In this case, it is easy to decode an integer number of quality layers. Therefore, the data to be requested is the integer number of quality layers of the resolution 1000x1000 pixels which corresponds most to P% of additional data. Suppose it represents four layers of quality. These four layers are the layers R2Q1, R2Q2, R2Q3 and R2Q4.

  The next step 3048 is to load the encoding data of the previously determined layers R2Q1, R2Q2, R2Q3 and R2Q4, as a result of a request sent from the client terminal to the server. The request is made by the JPIP command: GET http: //www.monserver. en / myclass / imagel.jp2? R = 1000,1000 & C = R2Q1, R2Q2, R2Q3, R2Q4.

  If the size change order is a reduction, then the image is simply downsampled.

  If the size change order is an enlargement, the image to be displayed in the display window is reconstructed using the data received previously (step 3050). The first step is to decode the image at the 1000x1000 resolution, from the 500x500 resolution data and the quality layers R2Q1, R2Q2, R2Q3, R2Q4 of the 1000x1000 resolution. Then the resulting image is downsampled at 600x600 resolution.

  The image thus reconstructed is displayed on the Internet page (step 3052).

  A device 10 implementing the client software of the invention is illustrated in FIG.

  This device may be for example a microcomputer 10 connected to different peripherals, for example a digital camera 107 (or a scanner, or any means of acquiring or storing an image) connected to a graphics card and providing information to be treated according to the invention.

  The device 10 comprises a communication interface 112 connected to a network 113 capable of transmitting digital information. The device 10 also comprises a storage means 108 such as for example a hard disk. It also includes a floppy disk drive 109. The diskette 110, like the hard disk 108, may contain software layout data of the invention as well as the code of the invention which, once read by the device 10, will be stored in the hard disk 108. Alternatively, the program allowing the device to implement the invention can be stored in ROM 102 (called ROM in the drawing). The same is true for coding methods. In the second variant, the program can be received to be stored in a manner identical to that previously described via the communication network 113.

  The device 10 is connected to a microphone 111 via an input / output card 106. The data to be processed according to the invention will in this case be an audio signal.

  This same device has a screen 104 for viewing the information to be processed or to interface with the user who will be able to set certain processing modes, using the keyboard 114 or any other means (mouse for example).

  The CPU 100 (called the CPU in the drawing) executes the instructions relating to the implementation of the invention, instructions stored in the read-only memory 102 or in the other storage elements. When powering up, the programs and processing methods stored in one of the (non-volatile) memories, for example the ROM 102, are transferred into the RAM RAM 103, which then contains the executable code of the invention as well as the variables necessary for the implementation of the invention. Alternatively, the methods of treatment can be stored in different places. Indeed, it is possible to improve the invention by adding new methods transmitted by the communication network 113 or by means of floppy disks 110. Of course, the diskettes can be replaced by any information medium such as CD -ROM or memory card.

  The communication bus 101 allows communication between the various sub-elements of the microcomputer 10 or linked to it. The representation of the bus 101 is not limiting and in particular, the central unit 100 is able to communicate instructions to any sub-element of the microcomputer 10 directly or via another sub-element of the microcomputer 10 .

  The device described here is likely to contain all or part of the treatment described in the invention.

Claims (26)

  A method of creating files describing a digital image to be displayed in a hypertext document on a client machine (12), the image being stored on a server machine (11), said method being characterized in that it comprises steps consisting of: - registering (2040) in a specific file data allowing access to the data constituting the image; register (2044) in said specific file a function adapted to detect a request, made by the client machine (12), to change the size of the display of the image in the hypertext document; and - register (2048) in said specific file functions adapted to repatriate from the server machine (11) the image data necessary to meet the display size change request.   2. File creation method according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a step of writing (2042) in said specific file a display size detection function of the image.   3. A method of creating files according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it further comprises a step of writing (2046) in said specific file a function of identification of the data to be repatriated following a request for change of display size.   4. A method of creating files according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that it further comprises a step of writing (2050) in said specific file functions of construction of the image to its new size to following a request to change the display size.   5. File creation method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the image is JPEG2000 format and said specific file is in SWF format.   6. A method of reading files describing a digital image to be displayed in a hypertext document on a client machine (12), the image being stored on a server machine (11), said method being characterized in that it comprises steps comprising: - detecting (3042) a display size change order of the image from the client machine (12); identifying (3046) the additional data necessary to satisfy the display size change order; obtaining (3048) from the server machine (11) the additional data previously identified; and - display (3052) on the client machine (12) the image at its new size.   7. File reading method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it further comprises, after the step (3042) of display size change order detection and prior to step (3046). ) identifying the additional data, a step of determining (3044) whether or not the requested size change requires additional image data.   8. A method of reading files according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that it further comprises, prior to the step of displaying (3052) the image to its new size, a step of building ( 3050) the image after obtaining the additional data.   9. File reading method according to claim 6, 7 or 8, characterized in that the image is in JPEG2000 format.   Device for creating files describing a digital image to be displayed in a hypertext document on a client machine (12), the image being stored on a server machine (11), said device being characterized in that it comprises: means for writing data into a specific file making it possible to access the data constituting the image; means for registering in said specific file a function adapted to detect a request, made by the client machine (12), to change the size of the display of the image in the hypertext document; and means for registering in said specific file functions adapted to repatriate from the server machine (11) the image data necessary to respond to the display size change request.   11. Device for creating files according to claim 10, characterized in that it further comprises means for writing in said specific file a display size detection function of the image.   12. Device for creating files according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that it further comprises means for entering in said specific file a function of identifying the data to be repatriated following a request for change of display size.   13. Device for creating files according to claim 10, 11 or 12, characterized in that it further comprises means for writing in said specific file functions of construction of the image to its new size after a request to change the display size.   14. File creation device according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the image is in JPEG2000 format and said specific file is in SWF format.   15. Device for reading files describing a digital image to be displayed in a hypertext document on a client machine (12), the image being stored on a server machine (11), said device being characterized in that it comprises: means for detecting a display size change order of the image from the client machine (12); means for identifying the additional data necessary to satisfy the order of change of display size; means for obtaining from the server machine (11) the additional data previously identified; and - means for displaying on the client machine (12) the image at its new size.   16. Device for reading files according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it further comprises means for determining whether the requested size change requires additional image data or not.   17. A file reading device according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that it further comprises means for constructing the image after obtaining additional data.   18. A file reading device according to claim 15, 16 or 17, characterized in that the image is in JPEG2000 format.   19. Communication apparatus, characterized in that it comprises a file creation device according to any one of claims 10 to 14.   20. Communication device, characterized in that it comprises a file reading device according to any one of claims 15 to 18.   21. Computer-readable information storage medium or microprocessor retaining instructions of a computer program, characterized in that it allows the implementation of a file creation method according to any one of the claims. 1 to 5.   22. A partially or totally removable information storage medium readable by a computer or a microprocessor retaining instructions from a computer program, characterized in that it allows the implementation of a method of creating files according to any of claims 1 to 5.   23. A computer program product that can be loaded into a programmable device, characterized in that it comprises sequences of instructions for implementing a file creation method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, when this program is loaded and executed by the programmable device.   24. Computer-readable information storage medium or microprocessor retaining instructions of a computer program, characterized in that it allows the implementation of a file reading method according to any one of the claims. 6-9.   25. A partially or totally removable information storage medium readable by a computer or a microprocessor retaining instructions from a computer program, characterized in that it allows the implementation of a method of reading files according to any of Claims 6 to 9.   26. Computer program product that can be loaded into a programmable device, characterized in that it comprises sequences of instructions for implementing a file reading method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, when this program is loaded and executed by the programmable device.