Image Processing System Parameter Initialization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current image processing systems for character recognition in the FA field face challenges in determining initial parameter values efficiently, requiring extensive learning processes and manual adjustments, which are time-consuming and difficult to manage.

Innovation Solution

An image processing system and method that includes a first designation part for setting a measurement region, a second designation part for character format, a recognition part for character recognition, and a change part that adjusts parameters to ensure the recognition result exceeds a predetermined probability, facilitating easy determination of initial parameter values.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If learning processing is performed using many OK images and NG images to determine proper parameters, then recognition accuracy is improved, but processing time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecognition accuracyVSAvoidlearning processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary character format designation before actual recognition processing. By pre-establishing the character format (numerical, alphabetic, alphanumeric, or symbolic), the system prepares recognition parameters in advance, eliminating the need for time-consuming learning processing with multiple images while maintaining high recognition accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If multiple parameters are adjusted manually to optimize character recognition, then recognition accuracy is improved, but operation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecognition accuracyVSAvoidparameter adjustment difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines recognition parameters based on the designated character format. When character format is set (numerical, alphabetic, alphanumeric, or symbolic), the system self-adjusts parameters such as threshold values and matching criteria without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining high accuracy while simplifying operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes recognition parameters dynamically according to the designated character format. By establishing correspondence between character formats and parameter sets, the system automatically selects appropriate parameters for each recognition task, eliminating manual adjustment complexity while optimizing recognition performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If extensive learning sample patterns are processed to determine initial parameter values, then parameter determination accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter determination accuracyVSAvoidlearning processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts and utilizes only the essential character format information (numerical, alphabetic, alphanumeric, or symbolic) as the key parameter for determining recognition settings. By removing the complexity of processing multiple learning sample patterns and focusing on this single essential format designation, the system achieves accurate parameter determination with reduced device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP2713313B1Image processing system and image processing method
Publication Date: 2020.12.02 OMRON CORP
  • EP2713313B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2713313B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2713313B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

PROBLEM: To provide an image processing system and an image processing method each capable of easily determining an initial value of a parameter relating to character recognition in image processing of acquiring character information from an input image by character recognition. MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEM: An image processing system for acquiring character information from an input image includes: a first designation part that receives a setting of a measurement region with respect to a reference image obtained by imaging a target; a second designation part that receives a character format indicating a restricting condition of each character; a recognition part that performs character recognition to a partial image included in the measurement region in accordance with the character format; and a change part that changes a parameter of the character recognition in accordance with a result of the character recognition. The change part determines an initial value of the parameter by changing the parameter such that the result of the character recognition exceeds a predetermined probability.