# US 9,014,476 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 9,014,476 B2 - Document ID: US9014476B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 14/106,119 - Filed: 2013-12-13 - Published: 2014-10-16 - Granted: 2015-04-21 - 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/US9014476B2 ## 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: providing a substantially horizontal platform for supporting an item to be photographed, the platform: comprising a translucent material, and being rotatably supported by a stationary frame; providing a multi-section light diffusing panel mounted on the frame, the panel forming a vertically elongated backdrop extending from above the horizontal platform interior to below the horizontal platform interior, a first section disposed substantially above the interior and a second section disposed substantially below the interior; illuminating the panel opposite the item to provide a substantially uniform background for the item, thereby forming a silhouette of the item when viewed from a first perspective; and capturing an image of the item and the background from the first perspective, such that the captured image comprises an item silhouette that determines the boundary of the item. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, further comprising placing the item on the platform and acquiring an image of the item. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The method of claim 2, further comprising acquiring a plurality of images of the item, the plurality of the images collectively comprising a video of the image. ### Claim 4 (depends on 2) The method of claim 2, further comprising identifying and removing an image defect from the image. ### Claim 5 (depends on 2) The method of claim 2, further comprising identifying an item portion and a background portion of the acquired image. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, further comprising processing the captured image to detect a separation between the silhouette and the background, thereby providing an edge mask of the item. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The method of claim 6, further comprising removing a background portion of the image, thereby producing an item-only image. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) The method of claim 7, wherein removing the background portion of the image comprises aligning the edge mask to the image silhouette. ### Claim 9 (depends on 7) The method of claim 7, wherein removing the background portion of the image comprises keeping only the image content contained within the edge mask. ### Claim 10 A system comprising: a substantially horizontal platform having an interior for supporting an item to be photographed on the interior, the platform: comprising a translucent material, and being rotatably supported by a stationary frame; a background light source; a multi-section light diffusing panel mounted on the frame, the panel forming a vertically elongated backdrop extending from above the horizontal platform interior to below the horizontal platform interior, a first section disposed substantially above the interior and a second section disposed substantially below the interior, and the panel being positioned between the background light source and the interior of the platform forming a substantially uniform illuminated backdrop for the item; a camera disposed to capture an image of a portion of the platform and the backdrop, such that the captured image comprises a silhouette of the item that determines the boundary of the item. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The system of claim 10, further comprising an ambient light source for uniformly illuminating the platform. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) The system of claim 11, in which at least one of the ambient light source and the background light source have controllable brightness. ### Claim 13 (depends on 10) The system of claim 10, further the camera in data communication with an image processor. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) The system of claim 13, in which the image processor is configured to apply an edge mask to the silhouette image acquired by the camera. ### Claim 15 (depends on 13) The system of claim 13, in which the image processor is configured to identify an item portion and a background portion of an image acquired by the camera. ### Claim 16 (depends on 15) The system of claim 15, in which the image processor is further configured to remove the background portion, thereby producing an item-only image. ### Claim 17 (depends on 13) The system of claim 13, in which the camera is a high resolution camera. ### Claim 18 (depends on 13) The system of claim 13, in which the camera is a video camera. ### Claim 19 (depends on 13) The system of claim 13, in which the camera is operable to receive configuration settings prior to acquiring an image. ### Claim 20 (depends on 13) The system of claim 13, in which the image processor is configured to remove a defect from an image acquired by the camera.