Hairstyle Identification System Using Face Orientation Masking
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Solution Overview
Problem
In typical hairstyle search services, incorrect registration of hairstyle information can lead to inaccurate retrieval of captured images matching the specified hairstyle, failing to provide the intended search results.
Innovation Solution
A program and search system that extracts the head region and estimates the face orientation of a person in a captured image, generates a mask image to distinguish hair and non-hair regions, identifies the hairstyle using the face orientation estimation, and retrieves images based on the specified hairstyle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hairstyle information is registered based on user input, then the search system can retrieve images based on registered information, but the search result may be inaccurate when the registered information is incorrect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary automatic hairstyle identification system that mediates between the captured image and the search database. This system uses image processing to automatically identify hairstyles and generate registration information, acting as a mediator that ensures accuracy without relying solely on user input. The intermediary verification process compares automatic identification results with registered information to ensure reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the search system verifies registered hairstyle information by comparing it with automatic identification results from newly uploaded images. When discrepancies are detected, the system provides feedback to correct the registration information, ensuring continuous improvement of data accuracy and preventing propagation of incorrect information.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual hairstyle input is used for registration, then the system can store hairstyle data, but the retrieval accuracy decreases when the input does not match the actual hairstyle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to perform self-service by automatically identifying hairstyles from captured images without requiring manual user input. The automatic identification system processes images, extracts hairstyle features, and generates registration information autonomously. This self-service approach eliminates the mismatch between user perception and actual hairstyle characteristics, significantly improving identification precision while maintaining ease of operation.
3Reliability
If representative mask images are prepared for each face orientation and hairstyle, then retrieval accuracy improves, but the data storage requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the hairstyle identification approach from direct image comparison to feature parameter extraction. Instead of storing and comparing large numbers of representative mask images, the system extracts key hairstyle parameters (such as hair length, volume, shape characteristics) and uses these compressed parameter representations for matching. This reduces the quantity of stored data while maintaining or improving matching accuracy through standardized parameter comparison.
Data Source
AI summary
A search system and the like is capable of accurately retrieving a captured image of a hairstyle specified by a user. The search system includes: a head region extraction unit that extracts a head region of a person from a captured image; an orientation estimation unit that estimates a face orientation of the person from the head region; a mask image generation unit that generates a mask image in which a hair region and a remaining region in the head region are distinguished from each other; a hairstyle identification unit that identifies a hairstyle of the person from the mask image using a result of the estimation of the face orientation; an operation accepting unit that accepts an operation of specifying a hairstyle by a user; and a captured image extraction unit that extracts a captured image based on the hairstyle specified in the operation and the identified hairstyle.