Patent US6026182A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6026182A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Feature segmentation
Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC
•
Filing: 1996-06-04
•
Granted: 2000-02-15
•
Expires: 2016-06-04
Abstract
Abstract A segmentation method segments selected objects from other objects within a video image frame. The objects may be of arbitrary configuration and preferably represent distinct image features in a display image. An interior outline is formed within the interior of the object perimeter. The interior outline is expanded automatically to form an exterior outline. Pixels between the interior outline and the exterior outline are classified according to predefined attributes as to whether they are within object interior, thereby to identify automatically a conformed outline that is fitted to the object perimeter.
Inventors
- 👤 Ming-Chieh Lee
- 👤 David Gray
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 05:03
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04N; H04N19/00; G; G06; G06F; G06F17/00; G06F17/10; G06F17/15; G06F17/153; G06T; G06T7/00; G06T7/20; G06T7/223; G06T9/00; G06T9/20; G06V; G06V10/00; G06V10/70; G06V10/74; G06V10/75; G06V10/751; G06V10/7515; H04N19/10; H04N19/169; H04N19/186; H04N19/20; H04N19/23; H04N19/50; H04N19/503; H04N19/51; H04N19/513; H04N19/517; H04N19/537; H04N19/54; H04N19/543; H04N19/563; H04N19/60; H04N19/61; H04N19/63; H04N19/649; G06T2207/00; G06T2207/10; G06T2207/10016
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 43
Claim 1
Independent Claim
138 words
A method of segmenting an arbitrary first image feature in a video image frame from an adjacent second image feature in the image video frame, the arbitrary first image feature having an interior that is bounded by a perimeter and has a first image characteristic and the second image feature having a second image characteristic different from the first image characteristic, comprising: obtaining within the interior an interior outline of the perimeter of the arbitrary first image feature, the interior outline being generally within a predetermined distance of the perimeter; and expanding the interior outline of the perimeter according to a predetermined factor to form a conformed outline representing the perimeter of the arbitrary first image feature; wherein the predetermined factor includes relative multi-dimensional proximity to the first and second image characteristics of selected pixels adjacent the outline.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
138 words
A method of segmenting an arbitrary first image feature in a video image frame from an adjacent second image feature in the image video frame, the arbitrary first image feature having an interior that is bounded by a perimeter and has a first image characteristic and the second image feature having a second image characteristic different from the first image characteristic, comprising: obtaining within the interior an interior outline of the perimeter of the arbitrary first image feature, the interior outline being generally within a predetermined distance of the perimeter; and expanding the interior outline of the perimeter according to a predetermined factor to form a conformed outline representing the perimeter of the arbitrary first image feature; wherein the predetermined factor includes relative multi-dimensional proximity to the first and second image characteristics of selected pixels adjacent the outline.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 in which the predetermined factor includes a change from the first image characteristic in the interior of the arbitrary first image feature.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 1 in which the predetermined factor includes a predetermined distance transverse to the interior outline of the perimeter of the arbitrary first image feature.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method of claim 1 in which the predetermined factor includes a weighted combination of a change from the first image characteristic in the interior of the arbitrary first image feature and a predetermined distance transverse to the interior outline of the perimeter of the arbitrary first image feature.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
203 words
A method of segmenting an arbitrary first image feature in a video image frame from an adjacent second image feature in the image video frame, the arbitrary first image feature having an interior that is bounded by a perimeter and has a first image characteristic and the second image feature having a second image characteristic different from the first image characteristic, in which the video image frame includes plural pixels from which the image features and the interior outline are formed, the method comprising: obtaining within the interior an interior outline of the perimeter of the arbitrary first image feature; and expanding the interior outline of the perimeter according to a predetermined factor to form a conformed outline representing the perimeter of the arbitrary first image feature, where expanding the interior outline of the perimeter includes: obtaining an exterior outline of pixels that bounds the perimeter of the first image feature and the interior outline, associating the pixels bounded by the interior and exterior outlines with one or the other of the interior and exterior outlines according to the predetermined factor, and identifying as the conformed outline the pixels associated with the interior outline and adjacent a pixel associated with the exterior outline.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
203 words
A method of segmenting an arbitrary first image feature in a video image frame from an adjacent second image feature in the image video frame, the arbitrary first image feature having an interior that is bounded by a perimeter and has a first image characteristic and the second image feature having a second image characteristic different from the first image characteristic, in which the video image frame includes plural pixels from which the image features and the interior outline are formed, the method comprising: obtaining within the interior an interior outline of the perimeter of the arbitrary first image feature; and expanding the interior outline of the perimeter according to a predetermined factor to form a conformed outline representing the perimeter of the arbitrary first image feature, where expanding the interior outline of the perimeter includes: obtaining an exterior outline of pixels that bounds the perimeter of the first image feature and the interior outline, associating the pixels bounded by the interior and exterior outlines with one or the other of the interior and exterior outlines according to the predetermined factor, and identifying as the conformed outline the pixels associated with the interior outline and adjacent a pixel associated with the exterior outline.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 5 in which the predetermined factor includes image display characteristics of the pixels in the video image frame.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 6 in which the image display characteristics include color component values.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 5 in which the predetermined factor includes the distances between a pixel and the interior and exterior outlines.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method of claim 5 in which the predetermined factor includes a weighted combination of a change from the first image characteristic in the interior of the arbitrary first image feature and a predetermined distance transverse to the interior outline of the perimeter of the arbitrary first image feature.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
105 words
The method of claim 5 in which each pixel is represented by red, green, and blue color component values r, g, and b, and a pixel location x, y, and the predetermined factor includes for each pixel bounded by the interior and exterior outlines a minimum of absolute distances d imin and d jmin to pixels i and j in the respective interior and exterior outlines determined as: d.sub.imin =w.sub.color (|r-r.sub.i |+|g-g.sub.i |+|b-b.sub.i |)+w.sub.coord (|x-x.sub.i |+|y-y.sub.i |) d.sub.jmin =w.sub.color (|r-r.sub.j |+|g-g.sub.j |+|b-b.sub.j |)+w.sub.coord (|x-x.sub.j |+|y-y.sub.j |) in which w color and w coord are weighting factors for the respective color component values and pixel positions.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
223 words
A computer-readable medium storing computer-executable programming for segmenting an arbitrary first image feature in a video image frame from an adjacent second image feature in the image video frame, the arbitrary first image feature having an interior that is bounded by a perimeter and has a first image characteristic and the second image feature having a second image characteristic different from the first image characteristic, in which the video image frame includes plural pixels from which the image features and the outline are formed, the medium comprising: programming for obtaining as user-manipulated input a first outline of the perimeter of the arbitrary first image feature, the first outline being generally within a predetermined distance of the perimeter; programming for fitting the outline of the perimeter according to a predetermined factor to represent the perimeter bounding the interior of the arbitrary first image feature, where the first outline is formed of pixels of generally one image characteristic, and the programming for fitting the outline of the perimeter includes: programming for obtaining a second outline of pixels opposite the perimeter of the first image feature from the first outline, one of the first and second outlines bounding the other; and programming for associating the pixels bounded by the interior outline with the inner and outer outlines according to the predetermined factor to determine the perimeter.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
223 words
A computer-readable medium storing computer-executable programming for segmenting an arbitrary first image feature in a video image frame from an adjacent second image feature in the image video frame, the arbitrary first image feature having an interior that is bounded by a perimeter and has a first image characteristic and the second image feature having a second image characteristic different from the first image characteristic, in which the video image frame includes plural pixels from which the image features and the outline are formed, the medium comprising: programming for obtaining as user-manipulated input a first outline of the perimeter of the arbitrary first image feature, the first outline being generally within a predetermined distance of the perimeter; programming for fitting the outline of the perimeter according to a predetermined factor to represent the perimeter bounding the interior of the arbitrary first image feature, where the first outline is formed of pixels of generally one image characteristic, and the programming for fitting the outline of the perimeter includes: programming for obtaining a second outline of pixels opposite the perimeter of the first image feature from the first outline, one of the first and second outlines bounding the other; and programming for associating the pixels bounded by the interior outline with the inner and outer outlines according to the predetermined factor to determine the perimeter.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
163 words
A computer-readable medium storing computer-executable programming for segmenting an arbitrary first image feature in a video image frame from an adjacent second image feature in the image video frame, the arbitrary first image feature having an interior that is bounded by a perimeter and has a first image characteristic and the second image feature having a second image characteristic different from the first image characteristic, in which the video image frame includes plural pixels from which the image features and the outline are formed, the medium comprising: programming for obtaining as user-manipulated input an outline of the perimeter of the arbitrary first image feature, the outline being generally within a predetermined distance of the perimeter; programming for fitting the outline of the perimeter according to a predetermined factor to represent the perimeter bounding the interior of the arbitrary first image feature; and wherein the predetermined factor includes relative multi-dimensional proximity to the first and second image characteristics of selected pixels adjacent the outline.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
163 words
A computer-readable medium storing computer-executable programming for segmenting an arbitrary first image feature in a video image frame from an adjacent second image feature in the image video frame, the arbitrary first image feature having an interior that is bounded by a perimeter and has a first image characteristic and the second image feature having a second image characteristic different from the first image characteristic, in which the video image frame includes plural pixels from which the image features and the outline are formed, the medium comprising: programming for obtaining as user-manipulated input an outline of the perimeter of the arbitrary first image feature, the outline being generally within a predetermined distance of the perimeter; programming for fitting the outline of the perimeter according to a predetermined factor to represent the perimeter bounding the interior of the arbitrary first image feature; and wherein the predetermined factor includes relative multi-dimensional proximity to the first and second image characteristics of selected pixels adjacent the outline.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
155 words
A computer-readable medium storing computer-executable programming for segmenting an arbitrary first image feature in a video image frame from an adjacent second image feature in the image video frame, the arbitrary first image feature having an interior that is bounded by a perimeter and has a first image characteristic and the second image feature having a second image characteristic different from the first image characteristic, in which the video image frame includes plural pixels from which the image features and the outline are formed, the medium comprising: programming for obtaining as user-manipulated input an outline of the perimeter of the arbitrary first image feature, the outline being generally within a predetermined distance of the perimeter; programming for fitting the outline of the perimeter according to a predetermined factor to represent the perimeter bounding the interior of the arbitrary first image feature; and wherein the predetermined factor includes a relative distance between pixels and the outline.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
155 words
A computer-readable medium storing computer-executable programming for segmenting an arbitrary first image feature in a video image frame from an adjacent second image feature in the image video frame, the arbitrary first image feature having an interior that is bounded by a perimeter and has a first image characteristic and the second image feature having a second image characteristic different from the first image characteristic, in which the video image frame includes plural pixels from which the image features and the outline are formed, the medium comprising: programming for obtaining as user-manipulated input an outline of the perimeter of the arbitrary first image feature, the outline being generally within a predetermined distance of the perimeter; programming for fitting the outline of the perimeter according to a predetermined factor to represent the perimeter bounding the interior of the arbitrary first image feature; and wherein the predetermined factor includes a relative distance between pixels and the outline.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
173 words
A computer-readable medium storing computer-executable programming for segmenting an arbitrary first image feature in a video image frame from an adjacent second image feature in the image video frame, the arbitrary first image feature having an interior that is bounded by a perimeter and has a first image characteristic and the second image feature having a second image characteristic different from the first image characteristic, in which the video image frame includes plural pixels from which the image features and the outline are formed, the medium comprising: programming for obtaining as user-manipulated input an outline of the perimeter of the arbitrary first image feature, the outline being generally within a predetermined distance of the perimeter; and programming for fitting the outline of the perimeter according to a predetermined factor to represent the perimeter bounding the interior of the arbitrary first image feature, where the predetermined factor includes relative multi-dimensional proximity to the first and second image characteristics of selected pixels adjacent the outline and a relative distance of such pixels to the outline.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
173 words
A computer-readable medium storing computer-executable programming for segmenting an arbitrary first image feature in a video image frame from an adjacent second image feature in the image video frame, the arbitrary first image feature having an interior that is bounded by a perimeter and has a first image characteristic and the second image feature having a second image characteristic different from the first image characteristic, in which the video image frame includes plural pixels from which the image features and the outline are formed, the medium comprising: programming for obtaining as user-manipulated input an outline of the perimeter of the arbitrary first image feature, the outline being generally within a predetermined distance of the perimeter; and programming for fitting the outline of the perimeter according to a predetermined factor to represent the perimeter bounding the interior of the arbitrary first image feature, where the predetermined factor includes relative multi-dimensional proximity to the first and second image characteristics of selected pixels adjacent the outline and a relative distance of such pixels to the outline.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
258 words
A computer-readable medium storing computer-executable programming for segmenting an arbitrary first image feature in a video image frame from an adjacent second image feature in the image video frame, the arbitrary first image feature having an interior that is bounded by a perimeter and has a first image characteristic and the second image feature having a second image characteristic different from the first image characteristic, in which the video image frame includes plural pixels from which the image features and the first outline are formed, the medium comprising: programming for obtaining as user-manipulated input a first outline of the perimeter of the arbitrary first image feature, the outline being generally within a predetermined distance of the perimeter; and programming for fitting the outline of the perimeter according to a predetermined factor to represent the perimeter bounding the interior of the arbitrary first image feature, where the first outline is formed of pixels of generally one image characteristic, and the programming for fitting the outline of the perimeter includes: programming for obtaining a second outline of pixels opposite the perimeter of the first image feature from the first outline, one of the first and second outlines bounding the other, programming for associating the pixels bounded by the first and second outlines with one or the other of the first and second outlines according to the predetermined factor, and programming for identifying as the perimeter the pixels associated with the one of the first and second outlines bounded by the other and adjacent a pixel associated with the other outline.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
258 words
A computer-readable medium storing computer-executable programming for segmenting an arbitrary first image feature in a video image frame from an adjacent second image feature in the image video frame, the arbitrary first image feature having an interior that is bounded by a perimeter and has a first image characteristic and the second image feature having a second image characteristic different from the first image characteristic, in which the video image frame includes plural pixels from which the image features and the first outline are formed, the medium comprising: programming for obtaining as user-manipulated input a first outline of the perimeter of the arbitrary first image feature, the outline being generally within a predetermined distance of the perimeter; and programming for fitting the outline of the perimeter according to a predetermined factor to represent the perimeter bounding the interior of the arbitrary first image feature, where the first outline is formed of pixels of generally one image characteristic, and the programming for fitting the outline of the perimeter includes: programming for obtaining a second outline of pixels opposite the perimeter of the first image feature from the first outline, one of the first and second outlines bounding the other, programming for associating the pixels bounded by the first and second outlines with one or the other of the first and second outlines according to the predetermined factor, and programming for identifying as the perimeter the pixels associated with the one of the first and second outlines bounded by the other and adjacent a pixel associated with the other outline.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
219 words
A computer-readable medium storing computer-executable programming for segmenting an arbitrary first image feature in a video image frame from an adjacent second image feature in the image video frame, the arbitrary first image feature having an interior that is bounded by a perimeter and has a first image characteristic and the second image feature having a second image characteristic different from the first image characteristic, in which the video image frame includes plural pixels from which the image features and the interior outline are formed, the medium comprising: programming for obtaining as user-manipulated input an interior outline formed within the interior of the first image feature, such outline being generally within a predetermined distance of the perimeter; and programming for fitting the outline of the perimeter according to a predetermined factor to represent the perimeter bounding the interior of the arbitrary first image feature, such programming including: programming for obtaining an exterior outline of pixels that bounds the perimeter of the first image feature and the interior outline, programming for associating the pixels bounded by the interior and exterior outlines with one or the other of the interior and exterior outlines according to the predetermined factor, and programming for identifying as the perimeter the pixels associated with the interior outline and adjacent a pixel associated with the exterior outline.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
219 words
A computer-readable medium storing computer-executable programming for segmenting an arbitrary first image feature in a video image frame from an adjacent second image feature in the image video frame, the arbitrary first image feature having an interior that is bounded by a perimeter and has a first image characteristic and the second image feature having a second image characteristic different from the first image characteristic, in which the video image frame includes plural pixels from which the image features and the interior outline are formed, the medium comprising: programming for obtaining as user-manipulated input an interior outline formed within the interior of the first image feature, such outline being generally within a predetermined distance of the perimeter; and programming for fitting the outline of the perimeter according to a predetermined factor to represent the perimeter bounding the interior of the arbitrary first image feature, such programming including: programming for obtaining an exterior outline of pixels that bounds the perimeter of the first image feature and the interior outline, programming for associating the pixels bounded by the interior and exterior outlines with one or the other of the interior and exterior outlines according to the predetermined factor, and programming for identifying as the perimeter the pixels associated with the interior outline and adjacent a pixel associated with the exterior outline.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
22 words
The medium of claim 16 in which the predetermined factor includes image display characteristics of the pixels in the video image frame.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
15 words
The medium of claim 17 in which the image display characteristics include color component values.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
22 words
The medium of claim 16 in which the predetermined factor includes the distances of a pixel to the interior and exterior outlines.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
210 words
A method of identifying an arbitrary first image feature in first and second video image frames, the arbitrary first image in the first video image frame being adjacent a second image feature, the arbitrary first image feature having an interior that is bounded by a perimeter and has a first image characteristic and the second image feature having a second image characteristic different from the first image characteristic, in which the video image frame includes plural pixels from which the image features and the outline are formed, comprising: obtaining as user-manipulated input an outline of the perimeter of the arbitrary first image feature in the first video image frame, the outline being generally within a predetermined distance of the perimeter; fitting the outline of the perimeter according to a predetermined factor to represent the perimeter bounding the interior of the arbitrary first image feature in the first video image frame, such fitting including associating the pixels bounded by the interior outline with the interior outline according to the predetermined factor; and tracking the arbitrary first image feature from the first video image frame to the second video image frame; wherein the predetermined factor includes relative multi-dimensional proximity to the first and second image characteristics of selected pixels adjacent the outline.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
210 words
A method of identifying an arbitrary first image feature in first and second video image frames, the arbitrary first image in the first video image frame being adjacent a second image feature, the arbitrary first image feature having an interior that is bounded by a perimeter and has a first image characteristic and the second image feature having a second image characteristic different from the first image characteristic, in which the video image frame includes plural pixels from which the image features and the outline are formed, comprising: obtaining as user-manipulated input an outline of the perimeter of the arbitrary first image feature in the first video image frame, the outline being generally within a predetermined distance of the perimeter; fitting the outline of the perimeter according to a predetermined factor to represent the perimeter bounding the interior of the arbitrary first image feature in the first video image frame, such fitting including associating the pixels bounded by the interior outline with the interior outline according to the predetermined factor; and tracking the arbitrary first image feature from the first video image frame to the second video image frame; wherein the predetermined factor includes relative multi-dimensional proximity to the first and second image characteristics of selected pixels adjacent the outline.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method of claim 20 in which tracking the arbitrary first image feature includes identifying a feature point of the arbitrary first image feature in the first video image frame and determining a motion transformation of the feature point between the first and second video image frames.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
253 words
A method of identifying an arbitrary first image feature in first and second video image frames, the arbitrary first image in the first video image frame being adjacent a second image feature, the arbitrary first image feature having an interior that is bounded by a perimeter and has a first image characteristic and the second image feature having a second image characteristic different from the first image characteristic, in which the video image frame includes plural pixels from which are formed the image features, an outline, and a feature point, the method comprising: obtaining as user-manipulated input an outline of the perimeter of the arbitrary first image feature in the first video image frame, the outline being generally within a predetermined distance of the perimeter; fitting the outline of the perimeter according to a predetermined factor to represent the perimeter bounding the interior of the arbitrary first image feature in the first video image frame; and tracking the arbitrary first image feature from the first video image frame to the second video image frame, where such tracking includes identifying a feature point of the arbitrary first image feature in the first video image frame and determining a motion transformation of the feature point between the first and second video image frames; wherein determining the motion transformation includes identifying a first plurality of pixels that encompass the feature point in the first video image frame and identifying a corresponding second plurality of pixels that encompass the feature point in the second video image frame.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
253 words
A method of identifying an arbitrary first image feature in first and second video image frames, the arbitrary first image in the first video image frame being adjacent a second image feature, the arbitrary first image feature having an interior that is bounded by a perimeter and has a first image characteristic and the second image feature having a second image characteristic different from the first image characteristic, in which the video image frame includes plural pixels from which are formed the image features, an outline, and a feature point, the method comprising: obtaining as user-manipulated input an outline of the perimeter of the arbitrary first image feature in the first video image frame, the outline being generally within a predetermined distance of the perimeter; fitting the outline of the perimeter according to a predetermined factor to represent the perimeter bounding the interior of the arbitrary first image feature in the first video image frame; and tracking the arbitrary first image feature from the first video image frame to the second video image frame, where such tracking includes identifying a feature point of the arbitrary first image feature in the first video image frame and determining a motion transformation of the feature point between the first and second video image frames; wherein determining the motion transformation includes identifying a first plurality of pixels that encompass the feature point in the first video image frame and identifying a corresponding second plurality of pixels that encompass the feature point in the second video image frame.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 22 in which all the pixels in at least one of the first and pluralities of pixels are within the interior of the arbitrary first image feature.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
188 words
A method of identifying an arbitrary first image feature in first and second video image frames, the arbitrary first image in the first video image frame being adjacent a second image feature, the arbitrary first image feature having an interior that is bounded by a perimeter and has a first image characteristic and the second image feature having a second image characteristic different from the first image characteristic, in which the video image frame includes plural pixels from which the image features and the outline are formed, comprising: obtaining as user-manipulated input an outline of the perimeter of the arbitrary first image feature in the first video image frame, the outline being generally within a predetermined distance of the perimeter; fitting the outline of the perimeter according to a predetermined factor to represent the perimeter bounding the interior of the arbitrary first image feature in the first video image frame, such factor including relative multi-dimensional proximity to the first and second image characteristics of selected pixels adjacent the outline; and tracking the arbitrary first image feature from the first video image frame to the second video image frame.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
188 words
A method of identifying an arbitrary first image feature in first and second video image frames, the arbitrary first image in the first video image frame being adjacent a second image feature, the arbitrary first image feature having an interior that is bounded by a perimeter and has a first image characteristic and the second image feature having a second image characteristic different from the first image characteristic, in which the video image frame includes plural pixels from which the image features and the outline are formed, comprising: obtaining as user-manipulated input an outline of the perimeter of the arbitrary first image feature in the first video image frame, the outline being generally within a predetermined distance of the perimeter; fitting the outline of the perimeter according to a predetermined factor to represent the perimeter bounding the interior of the arbitrary first image feature in the first video image frame, such factor including relative multi-dimensional proximity to the first and second image characteristics of selected pixels adjacent the outline; and tracking the arbitrary first image feature from the first video image frame to the second video image frame.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
233 words
A method of identifying an arbitrary first image feature in first and second video image frames, the arbitrary first image in the first video image frame being adjacent a second image feature, the arbitrary first image feature having an interior that is bounded by a perimeter and has a first image characteristic and the second image feature having a second image characteristic different from the first image characteristic, in which the video image frame includes plural pixels from which the image features and the interior outline are formed, comprising: obtaining as user-manipulated input an interior outline of the perimeter of the arbitrary first image feature in the first video image frame, the outline being generally within a predetermined distance of the perimeter; tracking the arbitrary first image feature from the first video image frame to the second video image frame; fitting the outline of the perimeter according to a predetermined factor to represent the perimeter bounding the interior of the arbitrary first image feature in the first video image frame, where fitting includes: obtaining an exterior outline of pixels bounds the perimeter and the interior outline, associating the pixels bounded by the interior and exterior outlines with one or the other of the interior and exterior outlines according to the predetermined factor, and identifying as the perimeter the pixels associated with the interior outline and adjacent a pixel associated with the exterior outline.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
233 words
A method of identifying an arbitrary first image feature in first and second video image frames, the arbitrary first image in the first video image frame being adjacent a second image feature, the arbitrary first image feature having an interior that is bounded by a perimeter and has a first image characteristic and the second image feature having a second image characteristic different from the first image characteristic, in which the video image frame includes plural pixels from which the image features and the interior outline are formed, comprising: obtaining as user-manipulated input an interior outline of the perimeter of the arbitrary first image feature in the first video image frame, the outline being generally within a predetermined distance of the perimeter; tracking the arbitrary first image feature from the first video image frame to the second video image frame; fitting the outline of the perimeter according to a predetermined factor to represent the perimeter bounding the interior of the arbitrary first image feature in the first video image frame, where fitting includes: obtaining an exterior outline of pixels bounds the perimeter and the interior outline, associating the pixels bounded by the interior and exterior outlines with one or the other of the interior and exterior outlines according to the predetermined factor, and identifying as the perimeter the pixels associated with the interior outline and adjacent a pixel associated with the exterior outline.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 25 in which the predetermined factor includes image display characteristics of the pixels in the video image frame.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 26 in which the image display characteristics include color component values.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 25 in which the predetermined factor includes the distances between a pixel and the interior and exterior outlines.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
48 words
The method of claim 25 in which the predetermined factor includes a weighted combination of a change from the first image characteristic in the interior of the arbitrary first image feature and a predetermined distance transverse to the outline of the perimeter of the arbitrary first image feature.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
105 words
The method of claim 25 in which each pixel is represented by red, green, and blue color component values r, g, and b, and a pixel location x, y, and the predetermined factor includes for each pixel bounded by the interior and exterior outlines a minimum of absolute distances d imin and d jmin to pixels i and j in the respective interior and exterior outlines determined as: d.sub.imin =w.sub.color (|r-r.sub.i |+|g-g.sub.i |+|b-b.sub.i |)+w.sub.coord (|x-x.sub.i |+|y-y.sub.i |) d.sub.jmin =w.sub.color (|r-r.sub.j |+|g-g.sub.j |+|b-b.sub.j |)+w.sub.coord (|x-x.sub.j |+|y-y.sub.j |) in which w color and w coord are weighting factors for the respective color component values and pixel positions.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 20 in which the first video image frame precedes the second video image frame.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3873972A
Cited
US4307377A
Cited
US4630306A
Cited
US4833721A
Cited
US4751742A
Cited
US4727422A
Cited
US4754492A
Cited
US4783833A
Cited
US4802005A
Cited
US4745633A
Cited
US4905295A
Cited
US4961231A
Cited
US5070465A
Cited
US4729020A
Cited
US5136659A
Cited
US5031225A
Cited
US4912549A
Cited
EP0395293A1
Cited
US5073955A
Cited
US5103305A
Cited
US5067014A
Cited
WO1991011782A1
Cited
US5214504A
Cited
US5148497A
Cited
US5117287A
Cited
US5103306A
Cited
US4999705A
Cited
US5155594A
Cited
US5086477A
Cited
US5020121A
Cited
EP0474307A2
Cited
EP0497586A2
Cited
US5258836A
Cited
US5251030A
Cited
US5294979A
Cited
US5684886A
Cited
US5471535A
Cited
US5259040A
Cited
US5570436A
Cited
US5684509A
Cited
US5295201A
Cited
US5731849A
Cited
US5469226A
Cited
US5706417A
Cited
US5467442A
Cited
US5376971A
Cited
US5424783A
Cited
EP0614318A2
Cited
US5500933A
Cited
US5329311A
Cited
EP0625853A2
Cited
US5598215A
Cited
US5459519A
Cited
US5517327A
Cited
US5477272A
Cited
US5572258A
Cited
US5594504A
Cited
US5642166A
Cited
US5574572A
Cited
US5761341A
Cited
US5619281A
Cited
US5689306A
Cited
US5581308A
Cited
US5617144A
Cited
US5694487A
Cited
US5598216A
Cited
US5673339A
Cited
US5734737A
Cited
US5621660A
Cited
US5546129A
Cited
US5612743A
Cited
US5654771A
Cited
US5668608A
Cited
US5627591A
Cited
US5692063A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-02-14 | 2003-08-16 | 2004-02-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-02-14 | 2007-08-16 | 2008-02-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-02-14 | 2011-08-16 | 2012-02-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |