Image Processing Apparatus Clarity Quantification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image processing systems lack a quantitative method to determine the clarity of binary image regions, which is crucial for identifying character strings on labels in warehouse or shop inventory management, as the clarity affects the readability and focus of the images.

Innovation Solution

An image processing apparatus that calculates the Standard Error Ratio (SER) based on standard deviation and entropy of pixel tone information, comparing it to reference values to determine the clarity of binary image regions, and adjusts the image capture parameters to maintain appropriate focus.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If no quantitative clarity determination method is used, then the image processing system is simple, but the clarity of binary image regions cannot be determined, leading to poor character string identification

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclarity determination precisionVSAvoidimage processing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces subjective visual assessment of image clarity with an automated computational system that calculates clarity indices using standard deviation and entropy of pixel tone information. This substitution of mechanical/computational methods for human judgment enables precise quantitative measurement while maintaining operational simplicity through algorithmic processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces specific measurable parameters (standard deviation of pixel tones and entropy) to quantify image clarity. By transforming the abstract concept of 'clarity' into concrete mathematical parameters that can be calculated from pixel data, the system achieves precise measurement without requiring complex hardware modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If image capture parameters are not adjusted, then the operation is simple, but the binary image region clarity is insufficient, affecting character string readability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebinary image region clarityVSAvoidimage capture operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the calculated clarity index is compared against a reference value, and based on this comparison, image capture parameters are automatically adjusted. This closed-loop control system ensures that binary image regions achieve sufficient clarity for character identification while automating the parameter adjustment process to maintain operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10257406B2Image processing apparatus and computer-readable storage medium

Publication Date: 2019.04.09 TOSHIBA TEC KK

AI summary

An image processing system according to an embodiment includes a cart having a first processor and a camera mounted on the cart. The camera photographs an object and generates an image. The first processor corrects focus of the camera based on correction information to bring the camera into focus with the object to be photographed. A second processor: calculates a standard deviation and an entropy based on tone information of pixels in the image, calculates a ratio between the standard deviation and the entropy, compares the ratio and a reference value, determines the correction information based on the comparison result, and provides the correction information to the first processor.