Automated Image Processing System for Background Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for generating high-quality product images are time-consuming and costly, requiring skilled professionals and manual manipulation to separate objects from backgrounds, which limits the efficiency and affordability of creating a library of images for online advertising and shopping.
Innovation Solution
An automated image formation and processing system that uses digital cameras and image processors to acquire and process images with uniform background illumination, automatically detecting and separating the object from the background, and storing the resulting high-quality, background-separated images in a library for various display and advertising needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual manipulation and skilled specialists are used to separate objects from backgrounds, then image quality is improved, but time consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical manipulation with automated image processing systems. Computer algorithms automatically detect object boundaries, separate objects from backgrounds, and generate edited images without human intervention, thereby reducing time consumption while maintaining image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The image processing system performs self-service by automatically analyzing input images, detecting objects, generating separation masks, and producing final edited images independently without requiring skilled specialists, thus eliminating the time and cost associated with manual processing
2Manufacturing precision
If manual manipulation and skilled specialists are used to separate objects from backgrounds, then image quality is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive manual labor with automated computer-based processing. Image processing software performs separation tasks that previously required skilled photographers and editors, significantly reducing operational costs while maintaining or improving image quality consistency
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies and representations of objects through automated detection and masking techniques. Instead of requiring physical manipulation and manual editing, the system generates precise digital models of object boundaries and uses these to produce cleaned-up images, reducing dependency on human expertise and associated costs
3Productivity
If additional specialists are employed to increase throughput, then productivity is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces human specialists with automated image processing systems that can operate continuously without fatigue. The computer-based system processes multiple images simultaneously and sequentially, providing unlimited scalability in throughput without the need to hire additional human resources, thereby improving productivity without increasing labor costs
Data Source
AI summary
In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for producing background separated product images for print and on-line display. An image formation system provides lighting of a product to facilitate acquiring images that can be automatically processed to generate high resolution item-only images free of quality defects and imaging artifacts. Image processing programs accurately detect an outline of an item in a set of digital images taken using the image formation system and automatically store processed images in an image library. The images in the library may be repurposed for print, sales display, transmission to a user, on-line customer support, and the like. A user display configured with an adaptable user interface facilitates user interaction with images in the library.