Image Processing Apparatus Code Segmentation for Imprint Marking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image processing technologies face challenges in combining code information with other images without interference, particularly when the code information is small and binary encoded, leading to recognition issues during reading.

Innovation Solution

An image processing apparatus and method that creates a frame image with code information added to it, allowing for the generation of imprint information by combining the frame image with a mark image, ensuring the code information does not interfere with the other image, and can be read accurately.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the size of code information is increased to improve recognition accuracy, then reading accuracy is improved, but the code information interferes with another image when combined

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereading accuracyVSAvoidimage interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The code information is segmented into multiple smaller code pieces that are distributed around the periphery of the mark image. Each code piece contains a portion of the encoded information, and collectively they form the complete code. This segmentation allows the code to be read accurately without requiring a large continuous area, thus avoiding interference with the mark image.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The code information is arranged in a two-dimensional pattern around the periphery of the mark image, utilizing the spatial dimension effectively. By placing code pieces at multiple locations (e.g., four corners or along edges) rather than concentrating them in one area, the solution transforms the spatial arrangement to achieve both accurate reading and minimal interference with the central mark image.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If the size of code information is decreased to reduce interference with other images, then image combination is improved, but information may not be recognized properly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage interferenceVSAvoidreading accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple small code pieces are merged in function to form a complete code system. Although each individual code piece is small and distributed around the periphery, their combined information content equals that of a single large code. The reading apparatus reads multiple code pieces and synthesizes them to retrieve the complete encoded information, thus achieving accurate recognition without requiring a large code size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If code information is combined with another image, then design flexibility is improved, but the code information may interfere with the other image

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidimage interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the code into multiple small pieces that can be placed at different locations around the mark image, the design achieves greater flexibility. The code pieces can be positioned in peripheral areas that do not conflict with the central mark image, allowing for creative designs while maintaining code functionality. This segmentation enables the code to adapt to various design requirements without causing interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9449263B2Image processing apparatus, stamp creation apparatus, image processing method and recording medium
Publication Date: 2016.09.20 CASIO COMPUTER CO LTD
  • US9449263B2 patent drawing
  • US9449263B2 patent drawing
  • US9449263B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An image processing apparatus includes: a frame image creating unit configured to create a frame image added with code information; and an imprint information generating unit configured to generate imprint information where a mark image for forming an imprint is combined with the frame image.