18351758. IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD, AND STORAGE MEDIUM simplified abstract (CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA)

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IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD, AND STORAGE MEDIUM

Organization Name

CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA

Inventor(s)

RYO Kazumi of Kanagawa (JP)

IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD, AND STORAGE MEDIUM - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18351758 titled 'IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD, AND STORAGE MEDIUM

Simplified Explanation

The image processing apparatus described in the patent application uses feature points extracted from an inspection image and a reference image to perform alignment between the two images. The apparatus derives first alignment information from these feature points and uses it to align the inspection image and the reference image. However, if a certain number of feature points are not extracted from either image, the apparatus uses alternative alignment information. This alternative alignment information is estimated from the first alignment information used in past alignments or from the first alignment information derived by adjusting parameters for the alignment.

  • The patent application describes an image processing apparatus that performs alignment between an inspection image and a reference image.
  • Feature points are extracted from both images to derive first alignment information.
  • The first alignment information is used to align the inspection image and the reference image.
  • If a certain number of feature points are not extracted, alternative alignment information is used.
  • The alternative alignment information is estimated from past alignment information or by adjusting parameters for the alignment.

Potential Applications:

  • This technology can be used in various industries that require image processing and alignment, such as manufacturing, quality control, and medical imaging.
  • It can be applied in automated inspection systems to align images for defect detection and analysis.
  • The technology can also be used in augmented reality applications to align virtual objects with real-world scenes.

Problems Solved:

  • The technology solves the problem of aligning two images accurately and efficiently.
  • It addresses the issue of insufficient feature points for alignment by providing alternative alignment information.
  • It eliminates the need for manual alignment, saving time and effort in image processing tasks.

Benefits:

  • The technology improves the accuracy of image alignment, leading to more reliable analysis and decision-making.
  • It enhances the efficiency of image processing tasks by automating the alignment process.
  • The use of alternative alignment information ensures alignment even when feature points are not sufficient, increasing the robustness of the system.


Original Abstract Submitted

The image processing apparatus derives first alignment information for performing alignment of an inspection image and a reference image by using feature points extracted from the inspection image and the reference image, respectively, and performs alignment of the inspection image and the reference image by using the first alignment information. In a case where feature points more than or equal to a certain number are not extracted from the inspection image and the reference image, alignment is performed by using alternative alignment information by estimating the alternative alignment information from the first alignment information used in past alignment or the first alignment information derived by parameter adjustment for the alignment.