Image Processing Apparatus Automatic Color Region Determination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image processing methods lack the ability to automatically determine extraction color regions using color information from input image signals, limiting the implementation of specific effects like partial color processing.

Innovation Solution

An image processing apparatus with an extraction color region determination unit that analyzes color information to identify and downsize image regions, assigning pixels or blocks to color regions and determining extraction regions based on frequency thresholds, allowing for automatic determination and user selection of preferred color regions for processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automatic determination of extraction color region using color information is implemented, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to difficulty in accurately determining color regions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic determination of extraction color regionVSAvoidaccuracy of color region determination

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the image processing into multiple stages: first determining a candidate extraction color region based on color information, then verifying and refining this region through additional processing steps. This segmentation allows automatic determination while maintaining reliability through systematic validation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary determination of candidate extraction color regions using color information before final processing. This preliminary action enables automatic identification of potential regions that can then be refined through subsequent verification steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If image region is downsized for determination, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to loss of detail information

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of extraction color region determinationVSAvoidprecision of color region boundaries

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent processes the image in two resolutions: a downsized version for reliable candidate region determination and the full-resolution version for precise boundary refinement. This segmentation of processing stages allows both reliability and precision to be achieved

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The downsized image acts as an intermediary that facilitates reliable determination of candidate regions. The results from this intermediary processing are then transferred to and refined using the full-resolution image, combining the benefits of both approaches

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9916518B2Image processing apparatus, image processing method, program and imaging apparatus

Publication Date: 2018.03.13 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

An image processing apparatus with at least one circuit provided to perform a process of determining a candidate color region including at least a partial region in an image using color information of an input image signal, prompt a user to select an extraction color region in case a plurality of color regions are determined as the candidate color region, and perform image processing on at least one of the extraction color region of the input image signal and the remaining region of the input image signal excluding the extraction color region, to obtain an output image signal.