Image Evaluation Apparatus Using Cumulative Score Accumulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image evaluation using histogram-based feature descriptors requires high computational costs due to the calculation of feature descriptors for each pixel and their accumulation in an area, which is inefficient for large images or multiple area evaluations.
Innovation Solution
An image evaluation apparatus that calculates a cumulative score by accumulating scores in a quadrilateral area defined by half-lines extending from each pixel position, allowing for efficient evaluation of feature descriptors by reducing the need for repeated calculations across overlapping areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If histogram-based feature descriptors are used for image evaluation, then measurement precision is improved, but calculation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores cumulative feature descriptor values for all possible quadrilateral areas in advance. When evaluating a specific area, the system retrieves pre-computed values at the four corners and combines them using inclusion-exclusion principles, avoiding redundant calculations and significantly reducing computational cost while maintaining evaluation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the image into a grid structure where feature descriptors are calculated for each pixel position and accumulated in a cumulative feature descriptor map. This segmentation allows any quadrilateral area to be evaluated by combining only four corner values, transforming a complex area integration problem into simple retrieval and combination operations.
2Measurement precision
If feature descriptors are calculated for each pixel and accumulated in areas, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculation of cumulative feature descriptors for all pixel positions and stores them in advance. During actual area evaluation, it only needs to retrieve four pre-computed corner values and perform simple arithmetic operations, transforming an O(n*m) calculation into an O(1) operation where n and m are area dimensions, thereby dramatically improving processing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-computes cumulative feature descriptor values for the entire image before any area evaluation occurs. This preliminary action creates a lookup table that enables rapid evaluation of multiple areas without repeating expensive feature descriptor calculations, directly addressing the productivity issue while preserving measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If cumulative scores are calculated for multiple areas, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates cumulative feature descriptor values for all possible area combinations and stores them in a data structure that enables O(1) retrieval. When multiple areas need evaluation, the system simply looks up pre-computed values at the corner positions of each area and combines them, eliminating repeated calculations and significantly reducing evaluation time while maintaining accurate cumulative scores.
Solution Approach 2:
The cumulative feature descriptor map serves multiple functions simultaneously: it enables evaluation of any quadrilateral area of any size and position, supports multiple area evaluations, and provides the basis for both detection and tracking operations. This universal data structure eliminates the need for separate calculations for each area, reducing time loss while maintaining precision.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment, an apparatus includes a calculator, an pixel evaluator, an accumulator, and an area evaluator. The calculator is configured to calculate a feature of an image for each pixel in image data. The pixel evaluator is configured to produce a score that evaluates the feature for each pixel. The accumulator is configured to calculate, for each pixel, a cumulative score obtained by accumulating all scores in an area including a minor angle formed by a half line in a first direction from the each pixel position and another half line in a second direction from the each pixel position. The area evaluator is configured to calculate an evaluation value that is a total of the scores in a quadrilateral area enclosed by two lines of the first direction and two lines of the second direction based on the cumulative scores at pixel positions at vertexes of the quadrilateral area.