Dynamic Skin Color Threshold for Pulse Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for estimating pulse information from images face challenges in unstable illumination conditions and varying face orientations, leading to noise in skin color change cycles and inaccurate pulse estimation.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus dynamically specifies a skin color threshold value by setting an ellipse region around a detected face, acquiring color information, determining if it satisfies a predetermined condition, and adjusting the threshold value based on statistical values of the color information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed skin color threshold value is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates under unstable illumination conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed skin color threshold value to a dynamically adjustable threshold value that adapts to changing illumination conditions. The threshold value is automatically adjusted based on statistical analysis of color information from the image, allowing the system to maintain measurement precision under varying environmental conditions without increasing operational complexity for the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the skin color threshold value based on statistical parameters derived from the image data. The system calculates statistical values (such as mean and standard deviation) of color information and uses these to dynamically adjust the threshold value, enabling accurate pulse estimation across different illumination conditions through parameter adaptation.
2Device complexity
If a fixed ellipse region is used for color information acquisition, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates when face orientation varies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the ellipse region adaptive rather than fixed. The ellipse region is dynamically adjusted based on the detected face orientation and position in the image. This allows the system to maintain consistent and accurate skin color change detection regardless of how the person positions their face, improving measurement precision without requiring complex manual region configuration.
3Measurement precision
If skin color threshold value is dynamically adjusted, then the measurement precision is improved under unstable conditions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to automatically adjust the skin color threshold value without requiring external intervention or complex configuration. The system performs self-adjustment by analyzing the statistical properties of color information from the captured image and autonomously determining the appropriate threshold value, thereby improving measurement precision while minimizing the increase in operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback by using the statistical analysis results of color information to adjust the skin color threshold value. The system calculates statistical values from the image data, uses this feedback to determine the optimal threshold value, and applies this adjusted threshold for pulse estimation. This closed-loop approach improves measurement precision through automatic adaptation to environmental conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
An appropriate skin color range can be promptly set. An image processing apparatus configured to estimate a pulse of a person detected from an image includes a setting unit configured to set an ellipse region including a face detected from the image, an acquisition unit configured to acquire color information about a pixel included in the set ellipse region, a determination unit configured to determine whether the acquired color information satisfies a predetermined condition, and a specifying unit configured to specify a threshold value indicating a skin color range based on the color information in the ellipse region in a case where the determination unit determines that the acquired color information satisfies the predetermined condition.