Patent ID: 8270731
Filing Date: 2012-09-18
Classification: G06K

Abstract:
1. A method of identifying an image classification for an input digital image comprised of image pixels, comprising a digital image processor for performing the following: a) receiving an input digital image for a captured scene; b) receiving a range map which represents range information associated with the input digital image, wherein the range information represents distances between the captured scene and a known reference location; c) identifying the image classification using both the range map and the input digital image, wherein step c) includes: i) associating a distance from a viewpoint with each image pixel in the input digital image responsive to an analysis of the range map; ii) grouping pixels of the input digital image into distance layers responsive to analysis of distances from the viewpoint, wherein each distance layer is a subset of image pixels representing points in the scene where the distance from the viewpoint falls within defined range intervals; iii) extracting visual features from each distance layer in the input digital image; iv) extracting distance features from each distance layer in the range map; v) combining the extracted visual features and the distance features in each distance layer to form layer features; and vi) identifying an image classification for the input digital image using the layer features; and d) storing the image classification in association with the input digital image in a processor-accessible memory system.