Image Processing Device Pixel Group Pairing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image processing methods fail to accurately analyze pixel groups corresponding to linear portions in images, especially when the linear portions are broken or include trigeminals or crosses, due to difficulties in determining the connecting degree between non-connected pixel groups.

Innovation Solution

An image processing device and method that sets pairs of pixel groups within a predetermined range based on distance or angle, calculates the connecting degree using distance or angle measurements, and applies algorithms like Prim's or Kruskal's to determine optimal grouping of pixel groups, effectively handling broken pixel segments and trigeminals or crosses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If pixel groups are set based on simple connectivity, then processing speed is improved, but measurement precision of connecting degree deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidconnecting degree accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameters used for pixel group pairing from simple spatial connectivity to multiple parameters including distance, angle, and luminance differences. This allows the system to maintain processing speed while significantly improving the accuracy of connecting degree measurement by considering multiple factors simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces simple geometric connectivity checks with a more sophisticated evaluation system that uses graph algorithms (Prim's or Kruskal's algorithms) to calculate connecting degrees. This substitution enables accurate measurement of connecting degrees even for non-connected pixel groups by considering multiple parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If search range is expanded to include all pixel groups, then completeness of analysis is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompleteness of analysisVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the analysis process by first setting pixel groups based on luminance characteristics, then pairing them based on spatial relationships (distance and angle). This segmentation allows the system to comprehensively analyze all relevant pixel groups while managing processing time through structured multi-stage analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating distance and angle relationships between pixel groups before conducting the full connecting degree analysis. This preliminary preparation enables the system to efficiently process all pixel group pairs without excessive computational overhead during the main analysis phase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If multiple parameters are used for pairing pixel groups, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepairing accuracyVSAvoidalgorithm complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary evaluation mechanism that uses graph algorithms as mediators between multiple parameters (distance, angle, luminance) and the final connecting degree calculation. This intermediary layer systematically integrates multiple parameters without requiring complex direct relationships, thereby improving pairing accuracy while managing algorithmic complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Measurement precision

If connecting degree calculation considers distance and angle, then analysis accuracy is improved, but computational load increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnecting degree accuracyVSAvoidcomputational load

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by calculating connecting degrees only for pixel group pairs that meet certain preliminary criteria (such as being within a reasonable distance or angle range). This approach maintains high accuracy for relevant pairs while reducing unnecessary computational load for pairs that are clearly unrelated, thus balancing accuracy and computational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS12169957B2Image processing device, image processing method, and program

Publication Date: 2024.12.17 NIKON CORP

AI summary

An image processing device comprises pixel group setting part that sets plurality of pixel groups including first and second pixel groups, which are not connected to each other, based on image data of first image which shows target object including linear portion; pair setting part that performs setting pair of first and second pixel groups including pixel within predetermined range from first pixel group to calculate connecting degree of second pixel group with respect to first pixel group; and calculation part that calculates connecting degree of pair, wherein predetermined range is search range set based on first distance between first and second pixel groups, or search range set on based on first angle formed between first line segment corresponding to first pixel group and second line segment corresponding to second pixel group, and calculation part calculates first distance or first angle using first distance or first angle.