Image Processing Apparatus for Distorted Code Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image processing systems struggle to accurately detect and read code information from images where the imprint is blurred or faint, particularly when the frame portion is distorted or has uneven pixel arrangements.

Innovation Solution

An image processing apparatus and method that includes an obtaining unit to capture imprint images, an identifying unit to detect the frame image area, and a reading unit to read code information from the identified area, utilizing binarization, straight line estimation, and projective transformation to correctly identify and decode the code information even in distorted or blurred images.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional code reading methods are used on blurred or faint imprints, then the reading process becomes unreliable, but increasing image processing complexity can improve detection accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecode information detection accuracyVSAvoidimage processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the code information reading process into distinct functional units: an obtaining unit for capturing the imprint image, an identifying unit for detecting the frame image area, and a reading unit for extracting code information. This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized independently, improving overall detection accuracy while managing processing complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by first identifying the frame image area before reading the code information. The identifying unit detects the frame boundaries and characteristics in advance, preparing the image data by determining the precise read area. This preliminary identification step ensures that subsequent code reading operates on the correct region, improving reliability for blurred or faint imprints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If the frame portion is distorted or has uneven pixel arrangements, then conventional reading methods fail to accurately locate code information, but implementing frame identification processing can resolve this issue

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecode information location accuracyVSAvoidframe identification processing
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The identifying unit performs preliminary action by detecting and characterizing the frame image area before code reading. It identifies frame boundaries, determines the precise read area within the frame, and accounts for distortions or uneven pixel arrangements in advance. This preliminary identification ensures that the reading unit operates on the correct region with proper coordinate transformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by adapting the frame identification process to handle distorted frames and uneven pixel arrangements. The identifying unit adjusts its detection parameters and processing methods based on the actual frame characteristics, allowing accurate location of code information even when the frame is distorted or has non-uniform pixel distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If code information is read from distorted or blurred frames, then reading accuracy deteriorates, but using specialized identification and reading units can maintain reliability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecode information reading reliabilityVSAvoidspecialized processing units
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the reading system into specialized units: an obtaining unit for image capture, an identifying unit for frame area detection, and a reading unit for code extraction. This segmentation assigns specific functions to each unit, with the identifying unit handling frame characterization and the reading unit focused on code extraction. This functional division improves reading reliability by ensuring each unit is optimized for its specific task.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The identifying unit acts as an intermediary between the obtaining unit and the reading unit. It receives the raw imprint image, identifies the frame image area and characteristics, and provides processed information to the reading unit. This intermediary function bridges the gap between raw image capture and accurate code reading, maintaining reliability even when frames are distorted or blurred.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9361500B2Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and recording medium
Publication Date: 2016.06.07 CASIO COMPUTER CO LTD
  • US9361500B2 patent drawing
  • US9361500B2 patent drawing
  • US9361500B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An image processing apparatus includes: an obtaining unit configured to obtain an imprint image where an imprint is captured, the imprint having code information added to a frame portion; an identifying unit configured to identify a frame image area as a read area where the code information is read, the frame image area corresponding to an imprint of the frame portion in the imprint image obtained by the obtaining unit; and a reading unit configured to read the code information from the read area identified by the identifying unit.