Character Identification in Images via Edge Detection and Outline Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for identifying characters in images, such as those in license plates and identity cards, require significant training data and are ineffective when characters are not clear or meet specific requirements.

Innovation Solution

A method involving an electronic device that extracts features from an image, enhances it through processes like color reversal and denoising, detects closed edges, and corrects rectangular outlines to accurately isolate and identify characters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a neural network model is used to identify characters in images, then character identification can be performed, but a large amount of training data is required and the method is ineffective when characters are not clear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharacter identification accuracyVSAvoidtraining data volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing image enhancement operations (denoising, deblurring, contrast adjustment) and character isolation before the actual identification process. This preprocessing ensures that characters meet quality requirements before being fed into the identification system, eliminating the need for large training datasets to handle poor-quality images.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If traditional character identification methods are used, then characters can be identified when clear, but the method fails when individual characters are not sufficiently clear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharacter identification accuracyVSAvoidhandling of unclear characters
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs parameter changes by adjusting image processing parameters such as noise threshold, blur kernel size, and contrast enhancement factors to optimize character visibility. These parameter adjustments transform unclear characters into clear, identifiable forms, enabling reliable recognition across varying image qualities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If character isolation is performed to identify characters one by one, then accurate identification can be achieved, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharacter identification precisionVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the image processing task into distinct stages: image enhancement, character isolation through edge detection and contour analysis, and individual character identification. This structured segmentation improves precision while optimizing processing efficiency through systematic workflow organization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If image enhancement techniques are applied to handle unclear characters, then character identification can be improved, but the processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharacter identification accuracyVSAvoidimage processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by using automated image enhancement algorithms that adaptively adjust processing parameters based on image characteristics. The system automatically detects image quality issues and applies appropriate enhancement techniques without manual intervention, improving reliability while managing complexity through automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12236697B2Method of identifying characters in images, electronic device, and storage medium
Publication Date: 2025.02.25 HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO LTD
  • US12236697B2 patent drawing
  • US12236697B2 patent drawing
  • US12236697B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of identifying characters in images extracts features of a detection image including characters. Enhancement processing is performed on the detection image according to the features to obtain an enhanced image. Closed edges of the characters are detected in the enhanced image. First rectangular outlines of the characters are determined according to the closed edges. The first rectangular outlines are corrected to obtain second rectangular outlines. The characters are cropped from the detection image according to the second rectangular outlines. The method identifies characters in images accurately and rapidly.