Image Preprocessing for Embedded Element Decoding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image processing technologies face challenges in efficiently decoding embedded elements in cluttered images, particularly in resource-constrained environments such as portable devices, due to high computational resource requirements.

Innovation Solution

A method for preprocessing images that involves selecting a color channel, processing it to generate data distribution information, determining a threshold, and generating an output image to enhance the embedded element and suppress other elements, thereby reducing computational resources needed for decoding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If image processing is performed on cluttered images to decode embedded elements, then decoding capability is improved, but computational resource consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecoding capabilityVSAvoidcomputational resource consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the image processing task by separating the embedded element of interest from the cluttered background through color channel selection and thresholding. By focusing processing only on the relevant color channel and region, the system reduces computational resource consumption while maintaining decoding capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the embedded element from the cluttered image by selecting specific color channels and applying thresholds to isolate the element of interest. This extraction approach removes unnecessary background information, reducing the computational burden on resource-constrained devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Loss of time

If color channel selection and thresholding are applied to preprocess images, then processing time is reduced, but image quality may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing timeVSAvoidimage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality enhancement by selectively processing only the color channel and region containing the embedded element, rather than processing the entire image uniformly. This localized approach reduces processing time while maintaining image quality in the critical regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary color channel selection and thresholding to preprocess the image before decoding. This preliminary action simplifies the image data structure and reduces processing time for subsequent decoding operations, while maintaining sufficient image quality for accurate element extraction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If full image processing is performed on resource-constrained devices, then decoding accuracy is maintained, but device performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecoding accuracyVSAvoiddevice performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by processing only the necessary color channel and region containing the embedded element, rather than performing full image processing. This partial approach maintains decoding accuracy for the target element while improving device performance by reducing computational workload.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes processing parameters by selecting specific color channels and adjusting thresholds to optimize for the embedded element characteristics. These parameter changes enable the system to maintain decoding accuracy while reducing overall processing requirements, thereby improving device performance on resource-constrained hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4042367B1Apparatus and methods for preprocessing images having elements of interest
Publication Date: 2025.05.21 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES CO
  • EP4042367B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4042367B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4042367B1 patent drawingFigure 2C-1

AI summary

At least some embodiments of the present disclosure directs to a method for processing an input image having an embedded element, comprising the steps of: computing one or more histograms of the input image; identifying a range of interest in one of the one or more histograms; and determining, by the processor, a threshold based on the range of interest. In some embodiments, a computing device processes the input image using the threshold to generate an output image.