Morphology-Based Mesh Removal for Accurate PCB Edge Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Morphological operations used to remove noise from images masked with a mesh pattern often result in image deformation due to the irreversible nature of dilation and erosion processes, making it difficult to accurately measure features like the width and diameter of wiring patterns on printed circuit boards.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that calculates the minimum number of dilation and erosion operations required to remove a mesh pattern from an image by determining the opening gap and using structuring elements to minimize image deformation, allowing for precise edge detection and measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If morphological operations (dilation and erosion) are performed to remove the mesh pattern from the masked image, then the mesh pattern is removed and edge detection becomes possible, but the image undergoes deformation due to the irreversible nature of these operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent calculates the opening gap distance before performing morphological operations, and uses this pre-calculated information to determine the minimum number of dilation and erosion iterations needed. This preliminary calculation allows the system to perform exactly the right number of operations to remove the mesh pattern without excessive iterations that would cause image deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the number of morphological operation iterations based on the calculated opening gap parameter. By changing the iteration count parameter according to the specific mesh pattern density (opening gap), the system optimizes the balance between removing the mesh pattern and minimizing image deformation.
2Reliability
If multiple iterations of dilation and erosion operations are performed to completely remove the mesh pattern, then the mesh pattern removal is more complete, but the image deformation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies exactly the minimum number of morphological operations needed based on the opening gap calculation, rather than performing excessive iterations. This partial action approach removes the mesh pattern sufficiently for accurate edge detection while avoiding the image deformation that would result from over-processing.
3Manufacturing precision
If the number of morphological operations is reduced to minimize image deformation, then image precision is maintained, but the mesh pattern may not be completely removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs a preliminary calculation of the opening gap before morphological operations to determine the exact minimum number of iterations required. This preliminary action ensures that enough operations are performed to completely remove the mesh pattern while avoiding unnecessary iterations that would cause deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the calculated opening gap as feedback to determine the appropriate number of iterations. This feedback mechanism ensures that the morphological operations are performed with the precise number of iterations needed to achieve complete mesh pattern removal while maintaining image precision.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus which uses morphology is provided. A masked image is provided to a morphological processing section of the image processing apparatus. The morphological processing section calculates the opening gap of the masked image, calculates the minimum number N of iterations of dilations required for filling the opening gap and, after performing N dilations, executes N erosions to remove a mesh pattern. Then, an edge detecting section detects the edges of a wiring pattern in the image and a measuring section calculates the distance between the edges, which is the width of the wiring.