Depth-Aware Color Compensation for Foreground-Background Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image processing technologies struggle to effectively implement distance-based effects and object tracking in color images due to their reliance solely on color data, failing to account for depth variations which affect object size and distance from the camera.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that utilizes a depth image to determine foreground and background regions, applying differential color compensation techniques such as histogram equalization, white balance adjustment, contrast, saturation, and hue adjustments to enhance image quality by emphasizing the foreground while blurring or adjusting the background based on depth values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional image processing technology uses only color image data, then the processing is simple, but distance-based effects and object tracking cannot be implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The image is segmented into foreground and background regions using depth information from the depth map. This segmentation enables different processing to be applied to different regions, allowing distance-based effects to be implemented while maintaining manageable processing complexity through region-specific operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces depth information as an additional dimension beyond the traditional color image data. By utilizing the depth map's Z-axis information, the system can distinguish foreground from background and apply depth-aware processing, enabling distance-based effects without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If histogram equalization is applied to the entire image, then overall contrast is improved, but foreground object colors become distorted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies histogram equalization selectively only to the background region rather than the entire image. By masking the foreground region and applying contrast enhancement only where needed in the background, the system maintains color accuracy of foreground objects while still achieving contrast improvement in the background areas.
3Manufacturing precision
If the same processing is applied to foreground and background regions, then processing is simple, but background distortion cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different processing parameters to foreground and background regions based on depth information. The background region receives differential processing including histogram equalization and white balance adjustment, while the foreground region is protected from these operations. This region-specific processing reduces background distortion while maintaining manageable complexity through depth-based segmentation.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus and method using a depth image are provided. The image processing apparatus may include a region determination unit to determine a foreground region and a background region in a color image using a depth image, and a color compensation unit to compensate a color with respect to the foreground region and the background region.