Dynamic Color Parameter Ranges for Image Region Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image processing devices struggle to set an optimum color parameter range for specific colors in images due to variations in color parameters, leading to inaccurate region specification, especially under different illumination and reflectance conditions, requiring trial and error and skilled intuition.

Innovation Solution

An image processing device that allows users to easily set an optimum color parameter range by selecting specific color ranges using a user-friendly interface, allowing for precise specification of hue, value, and chroma parameters, enabling accurate extraction of specific colors from images.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If conventional image processing devices use fixed color parameters for region specification, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to color parameter dispersion under different illumination conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor parameter setting complexityVSAvoidregion specification precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic color parameter ranges that automatically adapt to different images and illumination conditions. Instead of using fixed color parameters, the system calculates optimal color parameter ranges (minimum and maximum values for each color component) based on the actual image content, allowing the specification criteria to dynamically adjust to varying lighting and reflectance conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the color parameters from fixed values to variable ranges. By introducing minimum and maximum color parameter values that define a range rather than a single point, the system can accommodate color variations caused by different illumination and reflectance conditions while maintaining accurate region specification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the color parameter range is widened to accommodate color variations, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inclusion of incorrect regions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor variation toleranceVSAvoidregion extraction accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different color parameter ranges to different regions of the image based on local characteristics. By analyzing the actual color distribution in the image and setting region-specific minimum and maximum color parameters, the system achieves accurate region specification that adapts to local variations in illumination and reflectance without incorrectly including unrelated regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Manufacturing precision

If trial and error methods are used to set color parameters, then the manufacturing precision can be improved for specific cases, but the productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming adjustment processes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor parameter accuracyVSAvoidparameter setting efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the image processing device to automatically determine optimal color parameter ranges without requiring manual trial and error adjustment by skilled personnel. The system self-calibrates by analyzing the image data and calculating appropriate minimum and maximum color parameter values, thereby achieving high precision region specification while maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary calculation of optimal color parameter ranges before actual region specification. By pre-calculating the minimum and maximum color parameters based on image analysis, the system prepares the optimal specification criteria in advance, eliminating the need for subsequent trial and error adjustments and enabling immediate accurate region extraction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP1876809B1Image processing device
Publication Date: 2018.05.23 OMRON CORP
  • EP1876809B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1876809B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1876809B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A color image configured by a plurality of pixels is displayed on an image display region, and an arbitrary region of the image displayed in the image display region is specified using a mouse and the like. A two-dimensional specific color map based on hue parameter and chroma parameter and a one-dimensional specific color map based on value parameter are displayed in a specific color map region. The color parameters of each pixel included in the specified region are acquired, and the corresponding position of each pixel included in the specified region is displayed in the specific color map based on the acquired color parameters. The specific range of the specific color is set by adjusting the range of hue, chroma, and value parameters in the specific color map, and the image having the color included in the specific range is extraction-processed according to an instruction.