Color Mark Detection via Tone Level Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional techniques for detecting a specific color mark in printed images face difficulties when the background color is not constant and is surrounded by characters or lines of different colors, requiring extensive color space conversion calculations.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that eliminate information of other colors from the tone level of a specific primary color by correcting it based on tone levels of two other primary colors, allowing for efficient detection of the marked area by specifying the mark based on the adjusted tone level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If color space conversion is performed for each pixel to separate a specific color area, then the detection accuracy of the mark is improved, but the calculation complexity increases enormously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the color detection process by first identifying candidate regions based on simple color thresholds, then applying more complex color space conversion only within those segmented regions rather than across the entire image. This divides the computational workload into manageable segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary color filtering using simple threshold comparisons to identify potential mark regions before conducting the computationally intensive color space conversion. This preliminary action reduces the data volume that requires complex processing.
2Ease of operation
If a uniform color mark is used for easy detection, then the detection process is simplified, but the mark becomes easily noticeable and less aesthetically acceptable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes color theory by selecting mark colors that are complementary to the background (e.g., yellow mark on blue background). This color relationship allows the mark to blend visually with the background while maintaining distinct color properties that facilitate automated detection through color space analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameters dynamically based on the mark color and background color relationship. Different color combinations require different detection thresholds and color space conversion approaches, allowing the system to adapt to various mark designs while maintaining detection effectiveness.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the mark design is optimized for aesthetic purposes, then the visual acceptability is improved, but the detection of the mark becomes difficult when background color is not constant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic detection parameters that adapt to the local background color characteristics. Instead of using fixed thresholds, the system adjusts detection parameters based on the actual background color in each region, enabling reliable mark detection even when the background color varies across the image.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the detected background color information is used to adjust the detection parameters for the mark. The system continuously refines its detection by using the identified background characteristics to optimize the search for the mark, improving detection reliability in variable backgrounds.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus detects an area specified based on a mark of a specific color out of three primary colors in pigment or three primary colors in light from an image. An other-color-information eliminating unit eliminates information of other colors from a tone level of the specific color by correcting the tone level of the specific color based on tone levels of two colors other than the specific color out of the three primary colors in pigment or the three primary colors in light. An area detecting unit detects the area by specifying the mark based on the tone level from which the information of other colors is eliminated.