# US 8,611,659 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 8,611,659 B2 - Document ID: US8611659B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 13/090,857 - Filed: 2011-04-20 - Published: 2011-12-22 - Granted: 2013-12-17 - Earliest claimed: 2006-09-05 - Assignees: PC Connection, Inc. - Applicants: Robert C. Williams; Matthew J. Wheeler; Steve R. Koontz - Inventors: Robert C. Williams; Matthew J. Wheeler; Steve R. Koontz - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8611659B2 ## 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 method comprising: creating a set of item-only images from a set of images of an item and a first background; after creating the set of item-only images, receiving an item request from a user; after receiving the item request, and in response to the item request: automatically selecting the set of item-only images including a plurality of perspective views of the item that satisfies the item request from a library of item-only images of items; combining a second background image with at least one automatically selected item-only image from the set of item-only images using the image processor, thereby generating a repurposed image of the item for presentation in response to the item request; and presenting the repurposed image to the user. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the repurposed image of the item comprises a first perspective view of the item. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, further including in response to receiving a request for a different perspective view of the item, selecting a second item-only image from the set of item-only images that satisfies the request for a different perspective view and combining the second item-only image with a background, providing a second perspective view of the item. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the item request is in association with an on-line product purchase activity. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the item request is in association with an on-line product support activity. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the item-only image includes a representation of an interior of a product. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the background includes one or more of icons that represent aspects of the item. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) The method of claim 7, wherein the aspects represented by the one or more icons comprise at least one of an internal view of the item, a manual, one or more accessories, assembly instructions, product packaging, service plans, peripherals, and alternate configurations of the item. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the item request is associated with a product support activity that is selected from the group consisting of trouble shooting, assembly, accessory installation, home service, upgrading, and returning the item. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein presentation in response to the item request includes at least one of displaying the repurposed image on a computer, rendering a video comprising the repurposed image, printing the repurposed image, sending the repurposed image as an email attachment, posting the repurposed image to a web site, and storing the repurposed image on a server. ### Claim 11 A system comprising: a library comprising at least one set of item-only images of an item that includes a plurality of perspective views of the item; a selection of background images for combining with item-only images; a set of images comprising a set of item-only images from the library and a first background image; a processor for receiving an item request from a user and in response to the item request performing the steps of: automatically selecting the set of images; combining a second background image from the selection of background images with at least one item-only image from the automatically selected set of images using the image processor, thereby generating a repurposed image of the item for presentation in response to the item request; and presenting the repurposed image to the user. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) The system of claim 11, wherein the repurposed image of the item comprises a first perspective view of the item. ### Claim 13 (depends on 11) The system of claim 11, wherein the at least one item-only image and the item request reference substantially the same perspective view of the item. ### Claim 14 (depends on 11) The system of claim 11, wherein the item request is in association with an on-line product purchase activity. ### Claim 15 (depends on 11) The system of claim 11, wherein the item request is in association with an on-line product support activity. ### Claim 16 (depends on 11) The system of claim 11, wherein the item-only image includes a representation of an interior of a product. ### Claim 17 (depends on 11) The system of claim 11, wherein the background includes one or more of icons that represent aspects of the item.