Automatic Object Replacement in Images Using CNN Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for replacing sky or other object regions in images require extensive manual intervention, including segmentation and color adjustment, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive, especially for professionals and amateurs alike.

Innovation Solution

An automatic object replacement system using a convolutional neural network (CNN) for image segmentation, composition, and color adjustment, allowing for the replacement of sky or other object regions without manual input, by generating probability maps to identify regions and applying transfer functions for seamless integration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual segmentation and composition techniques are used to replace sky regions, then users can achieve precise control over image editing, but the process requires a huge amount of manual work and time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of sky replacementVSAvoidtime for sky replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic segmentation, composition, and color matching without requiring manual user input. The algorithm independently identifies sky regions, separates them from foreground objects, and blends the replaced regions, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring continuous user intervention at each step

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-processes images by automatically segmenting sky regions and storing them for quick retrieval. When sky replacement is needed, the pre-segmented regions are ready for immediate composition, eliminating the need for users to perform segmentation manually at the time of editing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If manual segmentation is performed to identify sky and foreground regions, then users can accurately separate regions, but the process is daunting and requires professional expertise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of region identificationVSAvoidcomplexity of segmentation process
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical manual process of pixel-by-pixel labeling with an automated computer vision system. The algorithm uses image analysis and machine learning to automatically identify and segment sky regions, substituting the manual mechanical process with an automated computational approach that maintains precision while eliminating complexity for the user

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an automated segmentation algorithm as an intermediary between the user's request for sky replacement and the actual image editing process. This intermediary automatically performs the complex task of identifying and separating sky regions from foreground objects, shielding users from the underlying complexity while delivering precise results

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If sky regions are manually segmented and composed, then users can create composite images, but the results look manipulated and require further manual color adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed of composite image creationVSAvoidease of achieving natural appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically analyzes the color characteristics of both the original sky region and the foreground region, then adjusts the color of the replaced sky to match the surrounding environment. This feedback mechanism ensures that the composite image blends naturally without requiring manual color adjustment, as the system continuously refines the color matching based on the visual context

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent automatically adjusts color parameters such as hue, saturation, and brightness of the replaced sky region to match the foreground environment. By dynamically changing these color parameters based on the surrounding image context, the system achieves natural-looking composites that blend seamlessly without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11042990B2Automatic object replacement in an image
Publication Date: 2021.06.22 ADOBE INC
  • US11042990B2 patent drawing
  • US11042990B2 patent drawing
  • US11042990B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and techniques for automatic object replacement in an image include receiving an original image and a preferred image. The original image is automatically segmented into an original image foreground region and an original image object region. The preferred image is automatically segmented into a preferred image foreground region and a preferred image object region. A composite image is automatically composed by replacing the original image object region with the preferred image object region such that the composite image includes the original image foreground region and the preferred image object region. An attribute of the composite image is automatically adjusted.