Hue-Based Color Naming for Image Search

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current computing-centric commerce models lack efficient methods to automatically associate color names with color images, making it difficult for consumers to search for items by color, as existing technologies do not effectively determine representative hues and corresponding color names for images.

Innovation Solution

An image processing service that extracts hue values from color images, determines a representative hue, identifies corresponding colors, and matches them with color names, using a mapping derived from human surveys, to facilitate color-based item indexing and search functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual color naming methods are used, then color name association accuracy is high, but processing time and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor name association accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual color naming processes with an automated image processing system that uses hue extraction algorithms. The system automatically determines representative hues from color images and maps them to color names, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining high accuracy in color name association.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The image processing service autonomously performs color analysis without requiring human input. The system extracts hue values from color images, determines representative hues, and automatically associates color names based on predefined mappings, enabling self-service operation that reduces processing time while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If automated hue extraction is implemented, then processing speed increases, but color name matching precision may decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidcolor name matching precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where extracted hue values are compared against predefined color name mappings. The automated process continuously refines its matching based on the relationship between extracted hues and established color theory, ensuring high precision in color name association while maintaining fast processing speeds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms color data from various parameter representations (RGB, HSB) to standardized hue values that can be directly mapped to color names. By normalizing color parameters and using threshold-based matching, the system achieves both high processing speed and precise color name matching through parameter transformation and comparison.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If comprehensive color name mappings are used, then color search accuracy improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor search accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the color name mapping process into distinct components: hue extraction, representative hue determination, and color name matching. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, managing system complexity while maintaining comprehensive color name mappings for accurate search functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary layer of representative hues that bridges the gap between raw color data and final color name mappings. This intermediary representation simplifies the matching process by providing a standardized intermediate form that can be efficiently compared against color name databases, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9633448B1Hue-based color naming for an image
Publication Date: 2017.04.25 AMAZON TECH INC
  • US9633448B1 patent drawing
  • US9633448B1 patent drawing
  • US9633448B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods are provided for associating colors or color names with a color image based on hue. A set of hue values can be extracted from color data, such as a color palette, corresponding to a color image. A representative hue can be derived from the set of hue values. Colors included in the color data that are attributable to the representative hue can be identified and one or more colors can be derived therefrom as representative of a subject depicted by the color image. Color names matching the representative colors can be identified and associated with the color image. In particular, a common color name can be determined therefrom and associated with the subject of the color image.