Patent ID: 8175390

Claim:
An automated, computerized method for processing an image, comprising the steps of: providing an image file depicting the image; identifying a boundary in the image; calculating a representation of the boundary extending to segments of the image at either side of the boundary; performing feature calculations on the representation, the feature calculations comprising performance of a series of spatio-spectral tests on pixels in the representation, to generate data indicating a likelihood as to whether the boundary is a material boundary, wherein the series of spatio-spectral tests are selected from a group of tests for measuring characteristics of the boundary including a fine similarity of illumination change along the boundary, a gross similarity of illumination change, local continuity in illumination conditions, a gross match analysis of a BIDR model prediction, overall qualities of a bi-illuminant, a degree of variation of color values, an indication of the quantity of information relevant to the nature of the boundary change, a spatial quality of changes in appearance, linearity predicted by the BIDR model and a combination of the measured characteristics from the group; and classifying the boundary as caused by a material change, as a function of the feature calculations.