# US 10,616,477 B2 · Background separated images for print and on-line use > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 10,616,477 B2 - Document ID: US10616477B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 16/214,366 - Filed: 2018-12-10 - Published: 2019-04-11 - Granted: 2020-04-07 - Earliest claimed: 2006-09-05 - Assignees: PC Connection, Inc. - Applicants: PC Connection, Inc. - Inventors: Matthew J. Wheeler; Steven R. Koontz; Robert C. Williams - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10616477B2 ## CPC - H04N 23/64: {Computer-aided capture of images, e.g. transfer from script file into camera, check of taken image quality, advice or proposal for image composition or decision on when to take image} - G06F 16/50: of still image data - G06Q 30/0643: {graphically representing goods, e.g. 3D product representation} - G06T 5/50: using two or more images, e.g. averaging or subtraction - G06T 7/12: Edge-based segmentation - G06T 7/13: Edge detection - G06T 7/194: involving foreground-background segmentation - H04N 1/3871: {the composed originals being of different kinds, e.g. low- and high-resolution originals} - H04N 1/6086: {by scene illuminant, i.e. conditions at the time of picture capture, e.g. flash, optical filter used, evening, cloud, daylight, artificial lighting, white point measurement, colour temperature} - H04N 5/2723: {Insertion of virtual advertisement; Replacing advertisements physical present in the scene by virtual advertisement (data processing systems or methods specially adapted for marketing G06Q30/02)} - H04N 23/56: provided with illuminating means - H04N 23/62: Control of parameters via user interfaces - G06T 2207/10004: Still image; Photographic image - G06T 2207/10012: Stereo images - G06T 2207/10024: Color image - G06T 2207/10152: Varying illumination - H04N 5/272: Means for inserting a foreground image in a background image, i.e. inlay, outlay - H04N: PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION - G06F: ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING (computer systems based on specific computational models G06N) - G06Q: INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR - G06T: IMAGE DATA PROCESSING OR GENERATION, IN GENERAL ## Abstract In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for producing background separated product images for print and on-line display. An image formation system provides lighting of a product to facilitate acquiring images that can be automatically processed to generate high resolution item-only images free of quality defects and imaging artifacts. Image processing programs accurately detect an outline of an item in a set of digital images taken using the image formation system and automatically store processed images in an image library. The images in the library may be repurposed for print, sales display, transmission to a user, on-line customer support, and the like. A user display configured with an adaptable user interface facilitates user interaction with images in the library. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A system comprising: a digital library of images, the library comprising one or more background-less images generated through processing a single camera image of an item and a background, the processing extracting item content from the single camera image via outline detection that distinguishes the item from the background, the digital library adapted to facilitate retrieving a background-less image from the digital library based, at least in part, on at least one aspect of the item; and a product display interface that renders a background-less image retrieved from the library based, at least on part, on the at least one aspect of the item while facilitating virtual-reality responsiveness of the item to indications of user interactions with the rendered background-less image of the item. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein facilitating virtual-reality responsiveness of the item comprises retrieving from the library and rendering at least one different background-less image of the item. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The system of claim 2, wherein the at least one different background-less image of the item is selected based on the indications of user interactions. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) The system of claim 3, wherein the at least one different background-less image of the item comprises an image captured from at least one different perspective. ### Claim 5 (depends on 4) The system of claim 4, wherein the at least one different perspective comprises a rotated perspective of the item. ### Claim 6 (depends on 4) The system of claim 4, wherein the at least one different perspective comprises an open-door perspective of the item. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein the product display interface comprises a functional pointer adapted to perform product interaction functions equivalent to a human hand. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) The system of claim 7, wherein the functional pointer is rendered in a shape of a human hand. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein the indications of user interactions include at least one of a user opening a door, operating the item, turning the item and examining a portion of the item. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein the product display interface receives the indication of user interactions from a virtual reality user interface device operated by the user. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, further comprising a virtual reality user interface device through which the user interacts with the rendered background-less image of an item. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein the digital library is adapted to facilitate automated storage and retrieval of background-less images based on at least one aspect of an item captured in a background-less image of the digital library. ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein the product display interface facilitates a user performing at least one of touching the item, turning the item, operating the item, opening the item, tilting the item, activating the item, observing the item, and retrieving item information. ### Claim 14 A method comprising: generating at least one entry in a digital library of background-less images through processing a single camera image of an item and a background, the processing including extracting item content from the single camera image via outline detection that distinguishes the item from the background; retrieving a background-less image from the digital library based, at least in part, on at least one aspect of the item; and rendering the a least one background-less image with a product display interface, the product display interface facilitating responsiveness by the item to indications of user interactions with an aspect of the item rendered in the background-less image. ### Claim 15 (depends on 14) The method of claim 14, wherein facilitating responsiveness comprises: determining an aspect of the item from the indication of user interaction; selecting, based on at least the aspect of the item from the indication of user interaction, at least one other background-less image of the item; and rendering at least a portion of the selected background-less images of the item. ### Claim 16 (depends on 15) The method of claim 15, wherein the at least one other background-less image of the item is selected based on the indications of user interactions. ### Claim 17 (depends on 14) The method of claim 14, wherein the indications of user interactions include at least one of a user opening a door, operating the item, rotating the item and examining a portion of the item.