Image Difference Confirmation Using Aligned Reference Markers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current image processing systems lack an efficient method to accurately detect and display differences between two images, particularly in specifying corresponding areas and maintaining relative positions of references across images, which hampers effective comparison and correction of image misregistration.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus with an image display unit, area specifying unit, and reference specifying unit that displays and aligns corresponding areas and references between two images, using techniques such as transparent overlays and inverted pixel values to facilitate precise detection and correction of differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If image processing systems display two images side by side for comparison, then users can view both images simultaneously, but it becomes difficult to accurately identify corresponding areas and detect differences between the images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a copy of the first area from the first image and displays it as a second area on the second image. This copying approach allows direct visual comparison of corresponding areas between two images, enabling users to easily identify differences while maintaining accurate area correspondence. The copied area serves as a reference overlay that facilitates precise difference detection without requiring users to manually track corresponding regions.
2Measurement precision
If reference marks are displayed in images to help with alignment, then users can identify corresponding positions, but maintaining consistent relative positions of references across different areas becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent displays reference marks with different visual characteristics based on their location and function. First references and second references are displayed with distinct styles, and references are adaptively displayed only in areas where they are needed for alignment. This local differentiation simplifies reference position management by providing visual cues only where necessary, rather than uniformly displaying all references across the entire image.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces reference marks as intermediary elements that mediate between the first image and second image for alignment purposes. These reference marks serve as visual mediators that help users identify corresponding positions without requiring complex coordinate transformations or manual alignment procedures. The references act as intermediate reference points that simplify the alignment process.
3Loss of information
If the system displays detailed difference information between images, then users can identify added or deleted portions, but the display becomes cluttered and difficult to interpret
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color changes to visually encode different types of differences between images. Added portions are displayed with one color indication while deleted portions are displayed with another color indication. This color-coding approach allows users to quickly comprehend difference information without being overwhelmed by detailed data, maintaining both information completeness and visualization clarity through intuitive color-based differentiation.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes an image display unit, an area specifying unit, an area display unit, a reference specifying unit, and a reference display unit. The image display unit displays a first image and a second image. The area specifying unit specifies a first area which is at least a portion of the first image. The area display unit displays a second area on the second image. The second area corresponds to the first area. The reference specifying unit specifies a first reference in the first area. The reference display unit displays a second reference in the second area in such a manner that a relative position of the first reference with respect to the first area matches a relative position of the second reference with respect to the second area.