Distorted Meter Image Correction via Circumscribing Rectangle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reading systems for numerical values on meters with circular or elliptical displays struggle with accuracy when the meter is distorted, as they lack effective methods to correct the image and extract the numerical value reliably without a rectangular outer frame.
Innovation Solution
The system includes an extractor to identify candidate regions, a generator to create a circumscribing rectangle around the candidate region, and a corrector to transform the region into a perfect circle, enhancing reading accuracy by minimizing distortion and size corrections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the meter is captured in a distorted state without rectangular outer frame, then the reading system can process circular/elliptical displays, but the reading accuracy deteriorates due to distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary geometric correction by generating a circumscribing rectangle around the extracted circular/elliptical meter region and transforming the distorted region into a standardized circular form before reading. This preliminary action of shape normalization eliminates distortion effects and enables accurate subsequent reading operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If no rectangular outer frame is present, then the system can handle diverse meter shapes, but the ability to correct distortion is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary geometric structure (circumscribing rectangle) that serves as a reference framework for correcting distorted circular/elliptical meter regions. This intermediary rectangle provides the necessary geometric constraints to perform accurate transformation and normalization of the meter display area, enabling reliable reading even without rectangular outer frames in the original image.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a reading system includes an extractor, a generator, a corrector, and a reader. The extractor extracts a first candidate region from an input image. The first candidate region is of a candidate of a region in which a meter is imaged. The generator generates a rectangle around the first candidate region when an exterior form of the first candidate region is circular. The rectangle corresponds to the exterior form of the first candidate region. The corrector generates a second candidate region by using the generated rectangle to correct the exterior form of the first candidate region to approach a perfect circle. The reader reads, from the second candidate region, a numerical value indicated by the meter.