Background separated images for print and on-line use

摘要

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.

主权项

1. A method of producing an image of an item suitable for combining with a background image, the method comprising:
capturing at least one image with an image formation and processing device, the device comprising:
a camera under the control of a processor for capturing at least one image of an item;image processing software stored in a first memory device accessible by the processor that when executed by the processor produces an item-only image from the captured at least one image of an item;a lighting element for illuminating the item;a second memory device for storing the at least one captured image; andan enclosure for the device; detecting an outline of the item with the image processing software; aligning the outline of the item with the boundary of the item in each of the at least one image; extracting the image content within the aligned outline of the item, providing the item-only image; and storing the item-only image in an image library disposed in at least one of the first and second memory devices.