Image analysis – Color image processing – Pattern recognition or classification using color
Patent
1997-01-17
2000-04-04
Au, Amelia
Image analysis
Color image processing
Pattern recognition or classification using color
382166, G06K 900
Patent
active
060470852
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates in general to image identifying apparatus and, more particularly, to image identifying apparatus capable of identifying color images and patterns with precision and speed.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
Japanese Patent Application (TOKU-KAI-HEI) 04-54681 discloses a method for detecting and identifying a specific object from among unspecified objects using color images. This method includes preparing a frequency distribution pattern from color images and detecting and identifying a bank note by comparing the frequency distribution pattern with a reference pattern.
Japanese Patent Application (TOKU-GAN-HEI) 5-176962 discloses a method for identifying a color image by averaging its secondary pattern and comparing it with a standard pattern.
In conventional color image identifying methods, such as a identifying method which compares a frequency distribution pattern of a color image with reference patterns or an identifying method in which a color pattern is averaged and compared with standard patterns, it is necessary to make a comparison with all of the available registered standard patterns. Therefore, substantial time is required for making the comparison if there are a substantial number of standard patterns, so that it is difficult to make an identification at high speed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the invention is directed to an image identifying apparatus that substantially obviates one or more of the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.
To achieve the advantages of the invention and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described, the invention is directed to apparatus for identifying an image represented by digital image data. The apparatus includes means for extracting from the digital image data feature data corresponding to predetermined features of the image to be identified; a memory to store target image data representative of at least one target image; means, responsive to the extracting means, for retrieving from the memory target image data in accordance with the extracted feature data; and means for determining a similarity between the digital image data and the retrieved target image data.
Also in accordance with the present invention, there is provided apparatus for identifying an image represented by digital image data. The apparatus includes a first circuit, coupled to receive predetermined portions of the digital image data, to compute a category parameter representative of the predetermined portions; a memory to store target image data representative of at least one target image; a memory controller, coupled to the memory and to receive the category parameter, to retrieve from the memory target image data corresponding to the category parameter; and a second circuit, coupled to receive the digital image data and the retrieved target image data, to determine a similarity parameter representative of a similarity between the digital image data and target image data.
Further in accordance with the present, there is provided a method for identifying an image represented by digital image data. The method includes the steps of extracting from the digital image data predetermined features of the image to be identified; retrieving from a memory target image data representative of at least one target image, in accordance with the extracted predetermined features; and determining a similarity between the digital image data and the retrieved target image data.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the objects, advantages, and principles of the invention.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an image identifying apparatus of a first embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2 is an illustration of an example
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Hirasawa Toshio
Nakagawa Kazuyo
Sato Toshio
Takahashi Hiroshi
Uno Teruhiko
Ahmed Samir
Au Amelia
Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
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