Method and apparatus for segmenting an image using a combination of image segmentation techniques
US6941014B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 15, 2000 |
| Grant date | Sep 6, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 9, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06T2207/30176
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
This invention relates to a method and apparatus for segmenting an image using a combination of image segmentation techniques. More particularly, the invention is directed to an improved image segmentation technique for use in an image processing system that performs at least two distinct image segmentation processes on an image and combines the results to obtain a combined multi-layer representation of the image that can be suitably processed. In a specific example, a block based segmentation technique is performed on an image to generate a MRC (mixed raster content) representation—having foreground, background and selector layers. A pixel based segmentation technique is also performed on the image to generate rendering hints. The MRC representation and the rendering hints are then combined to obtain a four (4) layer representation of the image. The four layer representation is subsequently processed as required by the image processing system, e.g. compressed and stored.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.