Segmentation technique of an image
First Claim
1. A method for segmentation of an image into a plurality of image areas, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) determining a plurality of representative colors;
(b) determining a weight associated with each of the plurality of representative colors;
(c) calculating weighted color difference index values associated with the plurality of representative colors according to the weights, respectively, with respect to each pixel constituting the image, the weighted color difference representing difference in color between an individual color representing color of each pixel constituting the image and each of the plurality of representative colors; and
(d) performing segmentation of the image into the plurality of image areas according to the weighted color difference index values by classifying the individual color into one of a plurality of representative color regions associated with the plurality of representative colors.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention provides a technique to improve reliability of area segmentation result of an image into a plurality of image areas. A plurality of representative colors and a weight associated with each of the representative colors are determined. A weighted color difference index values associated with the representative colors are calculated according to the weights, respectively, with respect to each pixel constituting the image. The weighted color difference represents difference in color between an individual color representing color of each pixel constituting the image and each of the representative colors. Then, according to the weighted color difference index values, color of each pixel is classified into one of representative color regions associated with the representative colors, to perform segmentation of the image into the plurality of image areas.
3 Citations
9 Claims
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1. A method for segmentation of an image into a plurality of image areas, the method comprising the steps of:
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(a) determining a plurality of representative colors;
(b) determining a weight associated with each of the plurality of representative colors;
(c) calculating weighted color difference index values associated with the plurality of representative colors according to the weights, respectively, with respect to each pixel constituting the image, the weighted color difference representing difference in color between an individual color representing color of each pixel constituting the image and each of the plurality of representative colors; and
(d) performing segmentation of the image into the plurality of image areas according to the weighted color difference index values by classifying the individual color into one of a plurality of representative color regions associated with the plurality of representative colors. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. An apparatus for segmentation of an image into a plurality of image areas comprising:
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a representative color determination unit configured to determine a plurality of representative colors;
a representative color weight determination unit configured to determine a weight associated with each of the plurality of representative colors;
a weighted color difference calculation unit configured to calculate weighted color difference index values associated with the plurality of representative colors according to the weights, respectively, with respect to each pixel constituting the image, the weighted color difference representing difference in color between an individual color representing color of each pixel constituting the image and each of the plurality of representative colors; and
an area segmentation unit configured to perform segmentation of the image into the plurality of image areas according to the weighted color difference index values by classifying the individual color into one of a plurality of representative color regions associated with the plurality of representative colors.
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8. A method of inspecting a test object of which a defect appears on a test image captured by imaging the test object, the method comprising the steps of:
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(a) acquiring the test image of the test object;
(b) dividing the test image into a plurality of image areas; and
(c) detecting the defect in accordance with a result of division of the test image into the plurality of image areas, wherein the step (b) includes the steps of determining a plurality of representative colors;
determining a weight associated with each of the plurality of representative colors;
calculating weighted color difference index values associated with the plurality of representative colors according to the weights, respectively, with respect to each pixel constituting the test image, the weighted color difference representing difference in color between an individual color representing color of each pixel constituting the test image and each of the plurality of representative colors; and
performing segmentation of the test image into the plurality of image areas according to the weighted color difference index value by classifying the individual color into one of a plurality of representative color regions associated with the plurality of representative colors.
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9. A apparatus of inspecting a test object of which a defect appears on a test image captured by imaging the test object, the apparatus comprising:
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a test image acquisition unit configured to acquire the test image of the test object;
an image division unit configured to divide the test image into a plurality of image areas; and
a testing unit configured to detect the defect in accordance with a result of division of the test image into the plurality of image areas, wherein the image division unit includes;
a representative color determination unit configured to determine a plurality of representative colors;
a representative color weight determination unit configured to determine a weight associated with each of the plurality of representative colors;
a weighted color difference calculation unit configured to calculate weighted color difference index values associated with the plurality of representative colors according to the weights, respectively, with respect to each pixel constituting the test image, the weighted color difference representing difference in color between an individual color representing color of each pixel constituting the test image and each of the plurality of representative colors; and
an area segmentation unit configured to perform segmentation of the test image into the plurality of image areas according to the weighted color difference index values by classifying the individual color into one of a plurality of representative color regions associated with the plurality of representative colors.
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Specification