Automated Color Extraction from Item Images
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for extracting colors from item images face challenges due to unstructured and unrestricted color information provided by sellers, leading to inconsistencies and inefficiencies in mapping color names to a normalized set, especially with the vast number of unique color variations and shades, which complicates accurate color identification and search results.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that automatically extracts colors from item images by removing background pixels, identifying dominant colors, and mapping pixels to a predetermined color palette using thresholds and saliency maps, thereby eliminating the need for manual rule creation and improving color consistency and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sellers provide unstructured and unrestricted color information, then sellers have freedom in describing item colors, but color identification accuracy and consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary color extraction system that acts as a mediator between seller-provided unstructured color descriptions and the normalized color palette. The system automatically extracts colors from item images using image processing algorithms, serving as a bridge that translates diverse seller inputs into consistent standardized color outputs without requiring sellers to use specific terminology
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual color mapping mechanisms with automated image processing systems. Instead of relying on sellers to manually specify colors or requiring complex manual rule-based mapping systems, the invention uses computer vision and image analysis algorithms to automatically identify and extract colors from product images, substituting mechanical/manual processes with automated digital processing
2Ease of manufacture
If manual rule creation is used for color mapping, then color mapping can be customized, but system complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service color extraction system that automatically processes item images without requiring manual rule creation or configuration. The system uses built-in image processing algorithms to autonomously identify, extract, and map colors to the standardized palette, eliminating the need for manual system setup while maintaining consistent and accurate color mapping across all items
3Measurement precision
If automated color extraction is implemented, then color consistency and accuracy improve, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the color extraction process into distinct operational steps: image processing, color identification, color extraction, and mapping to the standardized palette. This segmentation allows each step to be optimized independently and enables progressive processing, where the system can handle images through multiple stages of analysis to achieve consistent results while managing processing time through structured approach
Data Source
AI summary
A system including one or more processors and one or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing computing instructions configured to run on the one or more processors and perform: obtaining an image of an item; removing background pixels from the image by removing white pixels from the image up to a first threshold; determining an item outline of the item in the image, wherein the item outline comprises aliased pixels along a periphery of the item in the image; removing grey pixels from the item outline in the image up to a second threshold to create a first updated image; removing shadows from the first updated image to create a second updated image based on a saliency map and a third threshold for shadow-like grey pixels; mapping each pixel in the second updated image to a respective mapped color in a predetermined color palette; and determining one or more dominant colors of the respective mapped colors based on one or more highest respective percentages of the respective mapped colors. Other embodiments are disclosed.