Pill Identification Using Multi-Color Checkerboard Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital image processing methods for pill identification often result in incorrect segmentation, where a single contour encloses multiple pills or only portions of a pill, leading to misassignment of pixels and incorrect size and shape analysis.
Innovation Solution
The use of a multi-color checkerboard background with edge density-based and multiple color-based segmentation, combined with a 'pinch point' method to separate touching pills and 'pill part stitching' to join fragmented pills, ensures accurate pixel segmentation and contour definition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional image processing methods are used for pill identification, then the process is simple and quick, but segmentation accuracy deteriorates resulting in incorrect contours and misassignment of pixels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the image into multiple color channels (red, green, blue) and processing each channel separately to identify different pill regions. This allows accurate separation of overlapping pills and precise contour definition by analyzing color distribution across channels rather than treating the image as a single grayscale component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by analyzing different regions of the image at different resolutions and color thresholds. The system identifies edges and contours at multiple scales and combines them to create accurate pill boundaries, ensuring that local variations in color and texture are properly accounted for in the segmentation.
2Productivity
If pills are placed close together to maximize identification capacity, then productivity increases, but segmentation accuracy deteriorates as contours become misshapen or incomplete
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from 2D image processing to 3D spatial reasoning through multi-channel color analysis. By examining red, green, and blue channels simultaneously and at different resolutions, the system can accurately delineate contours even when pills are closely packed, effectively adding a dimensional layer to the segmentation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-processing the image to enhance color contrast and identify potential pill regions before final segmentation. The system performs initial edge detection and color thresholding to prepare the image data, making the subsequent segmentation more accurate even in high-density arrangements.
3Measurement precision
If multi-color checkerboard background is used with edge density-based and multiple color-based segmentation, then segmentation accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a multi-color checkerboard background that serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides color contrast for edge detection, establishes a known pattern for registration, and creates a reference framework for color-based segmentation. This single background design supports multiple processing stages rather than requiring separate references for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by using the multi-color checkerboard pattern as a mediator between the camera and the pill identification system. The background pattern acts as a reference framework that helps align and register the image, providing stable color references for segmentation algorithms to accurately distinguish pill regions from the background.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for identifying pills by determining a size and shape of each pill in a digital image. The system includes a background grid organized as a grid of alternating-colored shapes. The system also includes a digital camera, a processor and a memory. The processor is used to receive and process the digital image taken by the digital camera so as to determine contours for each pill in the image. The contour determination is refined and is used to determine size and shape information for each pill.