Line Detection Using Candidate Break Regions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing line detection algorithms in digital images often incorrectly identify multiple lines where a single line exists, due to the inability to accurately determine candidate line break regions and assign appropriate gradient amplitudes and angles.

Innovation Solution

A method that identifies candidate line break regions by comparing the gradient characteristics of pixels, assigns gradient amplitudes and angles based on adjacent pixels, and filters to determine a best-fit line component, thereby enhancing line detection accuracy and reducing false positives.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional line detection algorithms are used, then line detection can be performed, but multiple lines are incorrectly identified where a single line exists

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveline detection accuracyVSAvoidfalse positive rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by identifying candidate line break regions before final line detection. The method pre-processes the image to locate potential break points where lines might be incorrectly segmented, then uses these pre-identified regions to guide the line detection process and prevent false positives.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary element - the candidate line break region - that mediates between the raw image data and the final line detection result. This intermediary region serves as a bridge to refine the detection process by highlighting areas that require special attention to avoid incorrect line identification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If candidate line break regions are identified using gradient characteristics, then line detection accuracy improves, but computational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveline detection accuracyVSAvoidalgorithm complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by focusing computational resources on specific regions of the image - the candidate line break regions - rather than processing the entire image uniformly. By identifying and concentrating analysis on local areas where line breaks are likely to occur, the method improves accuracy without requiring complex processing of the whole image.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the image processing task by dividing it into distinct stages: identifying candidate line break regions, analyzing gradient characteristics in those regions, and performing final line detection. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently, reducing overall algorithmic complexity while maintaining high accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If gradient amplitude and angle are assigned based on adjacent pixels, then line continuity is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveline continuityVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by assigning gradient amplitudes and angles only to pixels within candidate line break regions rather than to all pixels in the image. This partial processing approach maintains line continuity in critical areas while significantly reducing the overall processing time compared to exhaustive pixel-by-pixel analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS11113820B2Method of line detection
Publication Date: 2021.09.07 ARM LTD
  • US11113820B2 patent drawing
  • US11113820B2 patent drawing
  • US11113820B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Certain examples described herein relate to a method for detecting a line in an image. In one such example, the method comprises identifying a candidate line break region in the image. Identifying the candidate line break region comprises identifying a first pixel of the image and a second pixel of the image, between which the candidate line break region appears, a characteristic of the first pixel and the second pixel having a predetermined similarity relationship. The method then comprises using the identified candidate line break region to assist in detecting a line in the image.