Image Processing Positioning Error Feedback and Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image processing methods do not consider the accuracy of positioning errors during further steps of image processing, despite estimating these errors for image registration, leading to potential inaccuracies in subsequent analyses.

Innovation Solution

The method allows for interactive adjustment and storage of positioning error values for image details, enabling their use in subsequent processing steps, including automatic computation and visualization, with the option to overlay graphic templates for improved accuracy and reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If positioning error values are estimated for image registration, then image registration accuracy is improved, but the positioning error information is not utilized in subsequent processing steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage registration accuracyVSAvoidpositioning error information utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by taking the positioning error values estimated during image registration and feeding them back into subsequent processing steps. The error values are stored in association with image details and automatically considered during measurements and computations, creating a closed-loop system where registration quality information continuously informs downstream operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary estimation of positioning error values during the image registration phase, before subsequent processing steps occur. These error values are pre-calculated and stored with reference to specific image detail positions, making the error information readily available for later use in measurements and computations without requiring re-estimation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If automatic computation of positioning errors is performed, then processing efficiency is improved, but user expertise and manual adjustment capability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoiduser adjustment capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic system where positioning error values can exist in multiple states: automatically computed values provide a efficient default, while users retain the ability to manually adjust or override these values when expertise intervention is needed. The system adapts between automated and manual modes based on user interaction, combining the benefits of both approaches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If positioning error values are stored for every detail, then measurement accuracy is improved, but data storage requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoiddata storage requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by storing positioning error values selectively associated with specific image details rather than uniformly across the entire image. Each detail that requires measurement or computation has its own error value stored with reference to its position, allowing error information to be maintained only where needed for subsequent processing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS7856132B2Method, a computer program, an apparatus and an imaging system for image processing

Publication Date: 2010.12.21 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV

AI summary

A method for processing an image comprising the steps of assigning a value of a positioning error to a detail in the image, wherein the value corresponds to a positioning uncertainty of a position of the detail in the image. The method includes visualizing the value of the positioning error enabling an interactive adjustment of the value. The method further includes storing the adjusted value of the positioning error with reference to a position of the detail in the image.