Single-Pass Blob Image Analysis Circuit for High-Resolution Real-Time Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for processing very high resolution or high frame rate images in real time face challenges due to high memory requirements and the need for multiple passes through the image data, making it difficult to perform blob analysis efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that processes images in a single pass by tagging pixels within preset thresholds, combining overlapping blob groups, and using memory pointers to track updated blob groups, allowing for efficient real-time processing of very high resolution or high frame rate images.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If recursive algorithms are used for blob analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but memory requirements increase and processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblob analysis accuracyVSAvoidmemory requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The image processing is divided into discrete pixel-level operations that can be executed in a single pass. Each pixel is processed independently using threshold comparisons and logical operations, breaking down the complex recursive analysis into manageable sequential steps that require minimal memory storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Pixel intensity thresholds are predetermined and stored in lookup tables before processing begins. This preliminary preparation allows the main processing loop to simply compare and classify pixels without performing complex calculations during the actual analysis pass, reducing runtime memory requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If multiple passes through the image are performed, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblob analysis accuracyVSAvoidreal-time processing capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The algorithm performs blob analysis in a continuous single pass through the image data, maintaining uninterrupted processing flow. Each pixel is analyzed immediately as it is encountered, with results accumulated in real-time, eliminating the stops and starts inherent in multiple-pass approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

Threshold values and classification criteria are pre-computed and stored before processing begins. This allows the main processing loop to execute simple comparative operations rather than complex calculations, enabling single-pass processing to achieve the same precision that traditionally required multiple passes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If conventional data processing techniques are used, then measurement precision is maintained, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata processing accuracyVSAvoidreal-time processing capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Complex mechanical-like iterative processing algorithms are replaced with streamlined logical operations and threshold-based classification. The system uses bitwise logic and comparative operations instead of traditional iterative numerical methods, dramatically reducing computational overhead while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The processing approach changes from continuous iterative refinement to discrete threshold-based classification. By transforming the problem parameters from requiring gradual convergence to allowing direct categorical assignment based on preset thresholds, the system achieves both precision and real-time processing capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8155450B2Apparatus for single pass blob image analysis
Publication Date: 2012.04.10 U S OF A AS REPRESENTED BY THE SEC OF THE NAVY
  • US8155450B2 patent drawing
  • US8155450B2 patent drawing
  • US8155450B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and electronics circuit for processing very high resolution images or very high frame rate images in real time. Each pixel within a frame of pixels is compared to the neighboring pixels within the frame to determine if the pixel is part of a blob group. If the pixel is part of the blob group, the characteristics of the pixel are added to the statistics for the blob group. When a pixel overlaps two target blob groups, the two blob groups are combined to form one blob group. When the end of the frame is reached information about the blob groups in the frame is made available.