Map Image Matching Using Color and Border Feature Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Divided map images often fail to align correctly when an area of interest spans across two images, making it difficult to obtain a comprehensive view.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that includes a color matching area finding unit, a common area finding unit, a feature point finding unit, and a map combining unit to match and combine map images with overlapping areas by extracting color features, border features, and feature points, allowing for accurate alignment and superimposition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a large map image is divided into small images to make copying easier, then the ease of copying is improved, but the alignment accuracy between divided images deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the large map image into multiple small images for easier copying, while simultaneously applying feature point extraction and matching algorithms to maintain alignment accuracy across the segmented portions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feature points as intermediary elements that connect the divided small images. By extracting and matching feature points across image boundaries, the system establishes reliable correspondence relationships that enable accurate alignment and reconstruction of the complete map
2Ease of manufacture
If map images are divided into multiple small images, then the ease of printing is improved, but the difficulty of obtaining comprehensive view deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple small map images into a comprehensive view by extracting feature points from each image, matching corresponding features across images, and reconstructing the complete map structure. This allows users to obtain the full comprehensive view while maintaining the benefit of working with smaller, easier-to-print individual images
3Manufacturing precision
If color matching is used to align map images, then the alignment accuracy is improved, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes color information as a key feature for matching map images. By extracting color features and comparing colors at corresponding locations across images, the system achieves accurate alignment while keeping the processing approach relatively simple and intuitive
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to an image processing apparatus and a method for matching and combining two map images with at least some overlap area. In some embodiments, color features of a first map image data and a second map image data are extracted and areas of matching color are determined. Border features in areas of matching color in the image data for the first and second maps may be extracted and map areas common to the first map image data and the second map image data may be determined based on the areas of matching color and the border features. Feature points of map areas common to the first and second maps may be extracted and the first map image data and the second map image data may be combined using common feature points.