Edge detection using multiple color channels
First Claim
1. A computer-implemented method for detecting edges in a multicolor digital image, the method comprising:
- receiving a source image, wherein the source image is a multicolor digital image that comprises a plurality of pixels, each one of the plurality of pixels having a color;
characterizing each of the plurality of pixels in terms of three color parameters that define the color of the pixel;
determining an edge snapping vector field for the source image based on the three color parameters, the edge snapping vector field comprising a direction of maximum color difference and a magnitude of color difference in the direction; and
locating an edge in the source image based on the edge snapping vector field, wherein the edge passes through a point where the magnitude of color difference is greater than it is at neighboring points.
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Abstract
Techniques are provided for detecting edges in a color image by analyzing variations in multiple color channels. No greyscale conversion is performed, thereby preserving color differences which might be lost in greyscale conversion. Gradients in multiple color channels are merged to compute a single edge snapping vector field from which edge locations are derived. By retaining the multidimensional characterization of the colors that comprise the processed image, a maximum color difference can be calculated using parameters which closely correspond to human perceptions of color. Maximum color difference is formulated using an LUV color model. The Euclidian distance between two pixels characterized using a multidimensional color model more closely approximates a perceived color difference between as compared to the Euclidian distance between the same pixels characterized using a greyscale color model. An edge snapping vector field is derived from these Euclidian distances, thereby providing a more accurate basis for edge detection.
29 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A computer-implemented method for detecting edges in a multicolor digital image, the method comprising:
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receiving a source image, wherein the source image is a multicolor digital image that comprises a plurality of pixels, each one of the plurality of pixels having a color; characterizing each of the plurality of pixels in terms of three color parameters that define the color of the pixel; determining an edge snapping vector field for the source image based on the three color parameters, the edge snapping vector field comprising a direction of maximum color difference and a magnitude of color difference in the direction; and locating an edge in the source image based on the edge snapping vector field, wherein the edge passes through a point where the magnitude of color difference is greater than it is at neighboring points. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. An edge detection system comprising:
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a processor; a memory; a user interface module configured to receive a source image and display edge data associated with the source image, wherein the source image is a multicolor digital image that comprises a plurality of pixels, each one of the plurality of pixels having a color that is defined in terms of three color parameters; and an edge detection module configured to generate the edge data, wherein the edge data establishes a location of a detected edge in the source image, wherein the edge detection module uses the processor to determine an edge snapping vector field for the source image based on the three color parameters, and wherein the location of the detected edge is based on a pixel in the edge snapping vector field where a magnitude of color difference is greater than it is at neighboring pixels; wherein at least one of the user interface module and the edge detection module are further configured to store the edge data in the memory. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A non-transitory computer readable medium having instructions encoded thereon that, when executed by one or more processors, causes an edge detection process to be carried out, the edge detection process comprising:
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receiving a source image, wherein the source image multicolor digital image that comprises a plurality of pixels, each one of the plurality of pixels having a color; characterizing each of the plurality of pixels in terms of three color parameters that define the color of the pixel; determining an edge snapping vector field for the source image based on the three color parameters, the edge snapping vector field comprising a direction of maximum color difference and a magnitude of color difference in the direction; and locating an edge in the source image based on the edge snapping vector field, wherein the edge is located at a point where the magnitude of color difference is greater than it is at neighboring points. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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Specification