JP2007102270A - Image processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing apparatus capable of optimal detection of an area with a registered form and a registered color according to a model image. <P>SOLUTION: An image processing part 6 calculates a hue histogram from the hues of pixels constituting the model image. A control part 4 specifies the hue that assumes a maximum point on the hue histogram, and selects a color filter that maximizes the difference in lightness between the registered color and background color. Using the color filter selected, the image processing part 6 produces a gray level image from an input image obtained from an image pickup part 2, and calculates a correlation value between the gray level image and the registered form read from a storage part 6a, i.e., the gray level image of the model image. Based on the correlation value received from the image processing part 6, the control part 4 determines whether or not the input image contains the area with the registered form and the registered color. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus that determines whether or not an acquired color image includes a region having a registered shape and a registered color, and more particularly to an image processing apparatus that selects an optimal color filter.

  In the manufacturing field, automation is being promoted from the viewpoint of labor saving and high efficiency. In order to realize automation, many sensors using light, electricity, radio waves, sound waves and the like are used. Among such sensors, an image sensor is often used that can photograph a product or the like and process the photographed image to determine the quality of the product or identify the ID of the product. According to the image sensor, since the detection function similar to the detection by human vision can be realized, the application range is wide.

  Conventional image sensors are generally configured to detect a registered shape based on a grayscale image that does not include color information. However, with recent advances in information technology, Therefore, an image sensor that detects a region having a registered shape and a registered color has been put into practical use.

  In the conventional shape detection using a grayscale image, the registered shape is detected by comparing the lightness (tone value) of the pixels constituting the input image with the lightness of the pixels constituting the model image. Since the pixels of the input image and the model image are two-dimensionally arranged, the brightness of the image can be described as an n × m matrix (n, m: number of pixels in the vertical and horizontal directions). For this reason, a method of determining based on a correlation value between matrices is generally used for shape detection.

  On the other hand, the colors of the pixels constituting the color image are digitized by RGB values that define the ratios of red, green, and blue based on the three primary colors of light. Since the RGB values are not independent of each other, it is necessary to simultaneously evaluate the R value, the G value, and the B value in order to detect a region having a registered shape and a registered color. However, the calculation is very complicated, and it is difficult to set a range for the color to be detected.

Therefore, as shown in Patent Document 1, after selecting a color filter corresponding to the registered color and generating a grayscale image from the input image with the selected color filter, by determining the presence or absence of the registered shape, An image processing apparatus for detecting an area having a registered shape and a registered color has been devised.
JP 2005-121368 A

  By the way, as the color filter, a color filter having the maximum brightness difference (contrast) between the detection target area and the other area is selected from the plurality of color filters. However, depending on the difference between the color of the area to be detected and the color of the area to be non-detected, the color filter that maximizes the brightness difference is different. Therefore, the conventional image processing apparatus cannot select an optimal color filter, and the user needs to select an optimal color filter according to a detection target.

  Therefore, it is necessary to select a color filter by trial and error according to various shooting conditions such as illumination and reflectance, and the function cannot be fully exerted unless relying on the skill and experience of an expert. In many cases, there are also problems such as the skill of setting by the person who selects the color filter.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus capable of performing optimal detection of a region having a registered shape and a registered color in accordance with a model image. Is to provide.

  According to the present invention, the image processing apparatus acquires a color image and determines whether or not the acquired image includes a region having a registered shape and a registered color. The image processing apparatus according to the present invention receives a model image for extracting a registered shape and a registered color, and acquires the hue of each pixel constituting the model image, and the hue acquisition unit acquires the hue. A hue histogram calculating means for calculating a hue histogram for the pixels constituting the model image on the basis of the hue, and a color image corresponding to the registered color based on the hue histogram calculated by the hue histogram calculating means. A color filter determining unit that determines a color filter to be converted into an image, and a color filter determined by the color filter determining unit are used to generate a grayscale image of the model image, and from the generated grayscale image of the model image The registered shape extraction means for extracting the registered shape and the input image to be judged are received and A correlation value calculation unit that generates a grayscale image of the input image using the data and calculates a correlation value between the grayscale image of the generated input image and the registered shape, and an input based on a calculation result in the correlation value calculation unit Determining means for determining whether or not the image includes a region having a registered shape and a registered color.

  Preferably, the image processing apparatus according to the present invention receives the model image, receives the input image, the registered pixel number calculating means for calculating the number of pixels matching the registered color among the pixels constituting the model image, and receives the input Pixel number calculating means for calculating the number of pixels matching the registered color among the pixels constituting the image is further provided. In addition to the calculation result in the correlation value calculation unit, the determination unit registers the registered shape and registration based on the comparison between the number of pixels calculated in the registration pixel number calculation unit and the number of pixels calculated in the pixel number calculation unit. It is determined whether or not an area having a color is included.

  Preferably, the determination unit calculates a deviation between a ratio of the number of pixels in the pixel number calculation unit and a predetermined threshold range based on the number of pixels in the registered pixel number calculation unit from the correlation value calculated in the correlation value calculation unit. When the subtracted value exceeds a predetermined threshold value, it is determined that an area having a registered shape and a registered color is included.

  Preferably, the color filter determining unit determines a color filter corresponding to a hue value having a maximum value with respect to the hue axis in the hue histogram calculated by the hue histogram calculating unit.

  Preferably, the color filter determining unit is selected by the color filter candidate selecting unit and the color filter candidate selecting unit that select one or more color filter candidates based on the hue histogram calculated by the hue histogram calculating unit. Color filter selection means for selecting any one of the one or more color filters in response to a selection command from the outside.

  Preferably, the hue acquisition unit receives a region setting command for setting a region for extracting a registered shape and a registered color from the model image from the outside, and performs a process for pixels included in a region set in accordance with the region setting command. Get the hue.

  Preferably, the input image is an image in which products that are continuously conveyed are photographed, the quality of the target product is determined according to the determination result in the determination means, and the result of the quality determination is output to the outside. A pass / fail discrimination means is further provided.

  According to the present invention, the hue histogram for the pixels constituting the model image for extracting the registered shape and the registered color is calculated, and the color filter is determined based on the calculated hue histogram. Since the hue histogram is a distribution of hues for all the pixels included in the model image, the most suitable color filter can be selected from the distribution. Therefore, it is possible to realize an image processing apparatus that performs optimal detection of a region having a registered shape and a registered color according to a model image.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the same or corresponding parts in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will not be repeated.

  FIG. 1 is an external view of an image sensor device 100 including an image processing device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 1, as an example, the image sensor device 100 photographs products that are arranged on a production line or the like and continuously conveyed, and is regarded as a registered color and a registered color from the captured images. The area having the color to be identified is specified, and the quality of the product is judged. Further, the image sensor device 100 may be configured to output the determination result to another device (not shown). The image sensor device 100 includes the imaging unit 2 and the image processing device 1. The imaging unit 2 captures an image to be detected, and the image processing device 1 processes the captured image.

  The imaging unit 2 is connected to the image processing apparatus 1 via a cable, and is arranged at a position suitable for imaging of a detection target.

  The image processing apparatus 1 includes a display unit 8 and an input unit 12 covered with a sliding cover on one surface. Then, the image processing apparatus 1 displays an image captured by the image capturing unit 2 or an image processed by the image processing unit 2 to the user via the display unit 8, and receives from the user given via the input unit 12. Accept the directive.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the image sensor device 100.
Referring to FIG. 2, the image processing apparatus 1 connected to the imaging unit 2 includes a display unit 8, an input unit 12, an output unit 14, a control unit 4, an image processing unit 6, and a storage unit 10. Consists of.

  As an example, the imaging unit 2 includes an imaging element and a lens such as a CCD (Coupled Charged Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor, captures a detection target, and outputs the captured image to the image processing apparatus 1. . Note that the image captured by the imaging unit 2 may be either a still image or a moving image.

  The display unit 8 receives an image captured by the imaging unit 2 or an image processed by the image processing unit 6 from the image processing unit 6 and displays it to the user. As an example, the display unit 8 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD), an EL display (Electro Luminescence display), and the like.

  The input unit 12 receives a selection command, a region designation command, and the like from the user and outputs them to the control unit 4. As will be described later, as an example, the user gives each command by operating a key arranged on the surface of the image processing apparatus 1.

  The display unit 8 and the input unit 12 are collectively referred to as a human machine interface (HMI) because they serve as contact points between the image sensor device 100 and the user.

  The output unit 14 outputs the results of area detection performed by the image processing unit 6 and the control unit 4 to the outside. As an example, the output unit 14 includes a contact output (DO) composed of a photodiode, a transistor, or a relay, USB (Universal Serial Bus), RS-232C (Recommended Standard 232 version C), IEEE (Institute of Electrical and It consists of communication means in accordance with Electronic Engineers (1394), Small Computer System Interface (SCSI), Ethernet (registered trademark), and the like.

  The image processing unit 6, the control unit 4, and the storage unit 10 are connected to each other via a bus 16 and exchange data.

  The control unit 4 operates in either a “teaching mode” or a “detection mode” in accordance with a command from the input unit 12. In the “teaching mode”, the control unit 4 recognizes an image acquired by the image processing unit 6 from the imaging unit 2 as a model image, and cooperates with the image processing unit 6 to determine a color filter, a registered shape, and a registered color. Perform the extraction. In the “detection mode”, the control unit 4 recognizes an image acquired by the imaging unit 2 from the image processing unit 6 as an input image in which a detection target is captured, and cooperates with the image processing unit 6 to register a registered shape. In addition, it is determined whether or not an area having a registered color is included.

  The storage unit 10 is a non-volatile storage medium, and stores an execution program in the control unit 4, a set value given by the user, and the like. As an example, the storage unit 10 includes a semiconductor memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), or the like, and may include an interface unit and a removable recording medium. The recording medium includes a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory, a magnetic tape, a magnetic disk, and a magneto-optical disk.

  The image processing unit 6 receives display data such as display characters and display symbols used for the human-machine interface from the control unit 4 and displays them on the display unit 8.

First, functions in the “teaching mode” will be described.
The image processing unit 6 receives a model image from the imaging unit 2 and acquires a hue for each of a plurality of pixels arranged in two dimensions that form the model image. Note that a video signal output from the imaging unit 2 including a CCD or CMOS sensor to the image processing unit 6 and a video signal supplied from the image processing unit 6 to the display unit 8 including a liquid crystal display are signals defined by RGB values. Therefore, the image processing unit 6 mutually converts RGB color parameters and hue, brightness, and saturation color parameters according to the processing content. Hereinafter, hue, lightness, and saturation are also referred to as three color attributes, and hue, lightness, and saturation color parameters are also referred to as three attribute color parameters.

  As an example, the image processing unit 6 is configured by an LSI such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The image processing unit 6 includes a storage unit 6a that stores color parameters of pixels for at least one frame, setting values necessary for image processing, and work data. The storage unit 6a is composed of an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) or the like because high-speed data access is required.

  Then, the image processing unit 6 calculates a distribution of the number of pixels for each hue, that is, a hue histogram from the hues of the respective pixels constituting the model image, and outputs them to the control unit 4. When the control unit 4 receives a region setting command via the input unit 12, the control unit 4 gives the region setting command to the image processing unit 6. Then, the image processing unit 6 calculates the hue only for the pixels included in the region corresponding to the region setting command in the model image received from the imaging unit 2. Therefore, the image processing unit 6 calculates a hue histogram for the pixels included in the region corresponding to the region setting command.

  Based on the hue histogram received from the image processing unit 6, the control unit 4 determines a color filter for converting a color image into a grayscale image according to the registered color. Specifically, the hue having the maximum point on the hue histogram is specified, and a color filter that maximizes the brightness difference between the registered color and the background color is selected.

  Note that the control unit 4 may derive the RGB relative ratio of the registered color to be extracted based on the hue having the maximum point on the hue histogram, and dynamically generate a color filter from the RGB relative ratio. Good.

  Further, the control unit 4 selects a plurality of color filter candidates based on a plurality of hues having a maximum point on the hue histogram, and selects a plurality of selected color filters according to a selection command given via the input unit 12. Any one of the color filters may be selected.

  Then, the control unit 4 gives a color filter selection command to the image processing unit 6, and the image processing unit 6 generates a grayscale image from the model image which is a color image. Then, the image processing unit 6 stores the generated grayscale image in the storage unit 6a as a registered shape.

  Further, the control unit 4 determines a hue condition that defines a registered color based on the hue histogram received from the image processing unit 6. Then, the control unit 4 stores the determined hue condition in the storage unit 6a of the image processing unit 6, and the image processing unit 6 matches the hue condition given from the control unit 4 among the pixels constituting the model image. The number of pixels to be calculated is calculated. Then, the image processing unit 6 stores the calculated number of pixels in the storage unit 6a.

Next, functions in the “detection mode” will be described.
The image processing unit 6 generates a grayscale image from the input image acquired from the imaging unit 2 using the selected color filter. Then, the image processing unit 6 calculates a correlation value between the generated grayscale image and the registered shape read from the storage unit 6a, that is, the grayscale image of the model image. Then, the image processing unit 6 outputs the calculated correlation value to the control unit 4. Further, the control unit 4 determines whether or not an area having a registered shape and a registered color is included in the input image based on the correlation value received from the image processing unit 6.

  Further, the image processing unit 6 acquires the hue for each of the pixels constituting the input image acquired from the imaging unit 2, and calculates the number of pixels that match the hue condition read from the storage unit 6a. Then, the image processing unit 6 outputs the number of pixels calculated from the input image and the number of pixels calculated from the model image stored in the storage unit 6 a to the control unit 4. Then, the control unit 4 compares the number of pixels in the model image received from the image processing unit 6 with the number of pixels in the input image, and determines whether the input image includes a region having a registered shape and a registered color. .

  Therefore, the control unit 4 determines that there are regions having a registered shape and a registered color in the input image according to the correlation value in the grayscale image and the number of pixels that match the hue condition in the model image and the number of pixels that match the hue condition in the input image. Judge whether it is included. Specifically, the control unit 4 calculates the deviation between the ratio of the number of pixels of the input image based on the number of pixels matching the hue condition constituting the model image and the predetermined threshold range from the correlation value for the grayscale image. When the value obtained by subtracting the value exceeds a predetermined threshold value, it is determined that the input image includes a region having a registered shape and a registered color.

  In the above description, the case where the control unit 4 performs the determination based on the correlation value in the grayscale image and the number of pixels that match the hue condition has been described. However, the determination can be made only from the correlation value in the grayscale image. Is possible. In other words, the image processing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention selects an optimum color filter according to the registered color, and generates a grayscale image that increases the brightness difference between the region having the registered color and the other region. . Since the generated grayscale image is equivalent to an image mainly obtained by extracting an area having a registered color, whether or not an area having a registered shape and a registered color is included by determining a match with the registered shape. It can be determined whether or not.

  In addition to the determination based on the grayscale image, the determination accuracy can be further improved by performing the determination from different viewpoints based on the number of pixels matching the hue condition.

  Further, when the imaging unit 2 captures a product or the like that is continuously conveyed, the control unit 4 determines the quality of the product captured by the imaging unit 2 according to the result of area determination, and outputs the output unit 14. The pass / fail judgment result is output to the outside via the.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the image processing unit 6 performs “hue acquisition unit”, “hue histogram calculation unit”, “registered shape extraction unit”, “correlation value calculation unit”, “registered pixel number calculation unit”, and “ The pixel number calculation means is realized, and the control unit 4 realizes “color filter determination means”, “determination means”, “color filter candidate selection means”, “color filter selection means”, and “good / bad determination means”.

(Human Machine Interface)
FIG. 3 is an external view of input unit 12 in image processing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, the input unit 12 includes a selection key 20 that accepts four types of inputs “A”, “B”, “C”, and “D”, and four keys “up”, “down”, “right”, and “left”. A cross key 22 for receiving a direction instruction, a TEACH / VIEW key 24, an ESC key 26, and a SET key 28 are included. Then, according to the display content on display unit 8, the user operates input unit 12 to give each command to control unit 4. FIG. 4 is a teaching mode in image processing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the display mode of.

  With reference to FIG. 4, the display unit 8 displays a state display field 30 for displaying an operation state of the image processing apparatus 1, an image taken by the imaging unit 2, an image after processing in the image processing unit 6, and the like. And an operation content display column 34 for displaying user operation content and the like.

  When the teaching mode is selected, the image processing unit 6 receives the video signal from the imaging unit 2 and displays the model image 40 captured by the imaging unit 2 in the image display field 32. As an example, the model image 40 is an image of an object in which a star mark 44 having a color different from that of the base material 42 is arranged on a rectangular base material 42. In addition, the image processing unit 6 receives display data from the control unit 4, displays in the status display column 30 that the search area setting is accepted in the detection mode, and can input an instruction that can be input and the selection key 20. The association is displayed in the operation content display field 34.

  In the display mode ST10, the image processing unit 6 displays the search area 46 so as to overlap the model image on the image display field 32, and accepts the size change of the search area 46. The search area 46 is for setting a detection range among images acquired in the detection mode. In addition, the image processing unit 6 displays in the status display column 30 that the search area 46 is in a state of accepting the size change, and associates an inputable command with the cross key 22 in the operation content display column 34. indicate. Here, the user operates the cross key 22 shown in FIG. 3 to set a desired size of the search area 46.

  When the size setting of the search area 46 is completed, the user presses the SET key 28 shown in FIG. Receiving the input of the SET key 28 from the user, the image processing unit 6 accepts the movement of the search area 46 while maintaining the display of the search area 46 (display mode ST12). Further, the image processing unit 6 displays in the status display column 30 that the search region 46 is in the accepting state of movement, and displays an association between the command that can be input and the cross key 22 in the operation content display column 34. To do. Here, the user operates the cross key 22 to set the desired position of the search area 46.

  When the position setting of the search area 46 is completed, the user presses the SET key 28. In response to the input of the SET key from the user, the image processing unit 6 displays the model area 48 superimposed on the model image on the image display field 32, and accepts the size change of the model area 48 (display mode ST1). The model area 48 is for setting an area for extracting candidate colors from the model image. In addition, the image processing unit 6 displays in the status display column 30 that the model region 48 is in the state of accepting the size change, and associates the input command with the cross key 22 in the operation content display column 34. indicate. Here, the user operates the cross key 22 to set the size of the desired model area 48.

  When the size setting of the model area 48 is completed, the user presses the SET key 28. In response to the input of the SET key 28 from the user, the image processing unit 6 accepts the movement of the model area 48 while maintaining the display of the model area 48 (display mode ST16). Further, the image processing unit 6 displays in the status display column 30 that the model region 48 is in the accepting state of movement, and displays an association between the command that can be input and the cross key 22 in the operation content display column 34. To do. Further, the user operates the cross key 22 to set the position of the desired model area 48.

  In the display modes ST14 and ST16, the image processing unit 6 sets the size smaller than the image display column 32 as the initial size setting (default size setting) of the model region 48, and sets the center of the image display column 32 as the initial position of the model region 48. Display as setting (default position setting). This is because, generally, the detection target is shot so as to be within the shooting range of the imaging unit 2, so the model region 48 is smaller than the image display column 32. Therefore, setting the model area 48 smaller than the image display field 32 can reduce the setting operation by the user.

  When the position setting of the model area 48 is completed, the user presses the SET key 28. In response to the input of the SET key 28 from the user, the control unit 4 and the image processing unit 6 determine an optimal color filter, and display and display the grayscale image generated by the color filter in the image display field 32. The type of the color filter is displayed in the operation content display field 34 (display mode ST18). At the same time, the control unit 4 and the image processing unit 6 calculate the number of pixels that match the hue condition that defines the registered color, and display it in the operation content display field 34.

  When the user confirms the teaching content, the user presses the SET key 28. In response to the input of the SET key 28 from the user, the control unit 4 and the image processing unit 6 end the teaching process.

  With the human-machine interface as described above, image processing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention executes teaching processing.

(Color filter decision processing)
As described above, the control unit 4 and the image processing unit 6 determine an optimal color filter based on the hue histogram of the model image. Hereinafter, the color filter determination process will be described in detail.

In the teaching mode, the image processing unit 6 acquires the hue for each pixel constituting the model image received from the imaging unit 2 and calculates a hue histogram. Here, the signal output from the imaging unit 2 is a video signal defined by RGB values. This is an integration of signals obtained from light receiving elements sensitive to R (red), G (green), and B (blue) based on the three primary colors of light. Therefore, the image processing unit 6 mutually converts the RGB color parameters and the three attribute color parameters based on a predetermined conversion formula. There are a plurality of coordinate systems that describe the color parameters of the three attributes, and the L ^* a ^* b ^* color system, L ^* c ^* h ^* color system, Hunter Lab color system specified in JIS (Z8729). , XYZ color system, etc. have been proposed, but any color system may be used. Also, the conversion formula between RGB color parameters differs for each color system.

  Note that the image processing unit 6 calculates a hue histogram from only the pixels included in the model region 48 among the pixels constituting the model image in response to the region setting command input via the input unit 12.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a method of determining a color filter based on the hue histogram. The histogram shown in FIG. 5 is an example of a hue histogram for the model image 40 shown in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 5, two distribution peaks are generated on the hue histogram corresponding to the colors of the star mark 44 and the base material 42 included in the model image 40. Therefore, the control unit 4 detects the hue of the color included in the model image 40 in accordance with the distribution peak generated on the hue histogram, and selects a color filter.

  Here, the color filter has a function of converting a color image into a grayscale image (gray image) defined only by lightness, and calculates lightness from RGB values of pixels constituting the color image based on a predetermined conversion formula. It is realized by doing. As such a color filter, a conversion formula shown in the formula (1) is known.

V = α × R + β × G + γ × B (1)
However, V: brightness, α, β, γ: constants according to the color filter.

  However, in the color filter shown in the expression (1), when the color of the detection target and the color of the non-detection target have the same saturation, they are converted to the same lightness even if the hues are different. was there. Therefore, in the image processing device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the colors having different hues are converted into different brightness values even if they have the same saturation, Adopt the color filter shown.

V = Vmax− | SR−R | − | SG−G | − | SB−B | (2)
However, Vmax: maximum brightness, SR, SG, SB: R, G, B reference values corresponding to the color filters.

  The conversion formula shown in the formula (2) is a color filter that expresses the difference between the color to be converted and the reference color defined by the reference values SR, SG, and SB as a brightness difference from white (maximum brightness). The image processing apparatus 1 includes a red filter (R filter), a green filter (G filter), and a blue filter (B filter) that extract “red”, “green”, and “blue”, which are the three primary colors of light. . The image processing apparatus 1 further includes a gray filter. Therefore, the control unit 4 selects an optimum color filter from the four types of color filters described above. Table 1 shows reference values SR, SG, and SB in the respective color filters. In the table, SR1, SG1, SB1, SR2, SG2, and SB2 are all arbitrary values (excluding 0) within the gradation value.

  That is, each color filter generates a grayscale image centered on the color defined by the reference values SR, SG, and SB.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the function of the color filter.
FIG. 6A is a color chart representing colors for each of the three attribute color parameters.

  FIG. 6B is a grayscale image generated from the color chart shown in FIG. 6A using the blue filter according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 6A, as an example, the blue filter according to the embodiment of the present invention generates a grayscale image so that blue is a reference color and a color close to blue has high brightness.

  Referring to FIG. 6B, the blue filter according to the embodiment of the present invention has the lightness that reduces the lightness as the blue light located at the center of region 60 has the maximum lightness and goes away from the center position of region 60. Generate an image. In addition, the blue filter according to the embodiment of the present invention converts the lightness of the color existing outside the region 60 to zero, that is, black. Therefore, the brightness difference between the color included in the region 60 and the color existing in the other region can be increased.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the effect of the color filter according to the embodiment of the present invention on adjacent colors.

  FIG. 7A shows an example in which the red filter according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied to “red” and “yellow red”.

  FIG. 7B shows an example in which the red filter according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied to “red” and “yellow”.

  FIG. 7C shows an example in which the red filter according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied to “red” and “brown”.

  Referring to FIG. 7A, “red” and “yellow red” are combinations of colors having the same lightness and slightly different hues. Therefore, when converting to a grayscale image, a lightness difference is unlikely to occur. However, according to the red filter according to the embodiment of the present invention, a sufficient lightness difference for shape determination can be ensured.

  Referring to FIG. 7B, “red” and “yellow” are combinations of colors having the same saturation and different hues. Therefore, when converting to a grayscale image, a lightness difference is unlikely to occur. However, according to the red filter according to the embodiment of the present invention, a sufficient lightness difference for shape determination can be ensured.

  Referring to FIG. 7C, “red” and “yellow red” are combinations of colors having the same hue and different brightness. Therefore, when converting to a grayscale image, a lightness difference is unlikely to occur. However, according to the red filter according to the embodiment of the present invention, a sufficient lightness difference for shape determination can be ensured.

  As described above, according to the color filter according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to generate a grayscale image having a sufficient brightness difference even between approximate colors.

Referring to FIG. 5 again, as a first procedure for selecting a color filter, control unit 4 detects a maximum point and a minimum point on the hue histogram. Then, the control unit 4 acquires the hues h ₁ and h ₂ that take the detected maximum points, and the hue width from the hues h ₁ and h ₂ to the adjacent local minimum point, or the pixel number threshold value P _th and the hue, respectively. An area defined by the smaller one of the hue widths up to the intersection with the histogram is set as the hue range of the colors included in the model image. Note that the pixel number threshold P _th defines a minimum number of pixels that can be determined to be effective among the number of distributed pixels in order to suppress the influence of noise or the like included in the image.

In the hue histogram shown in FIG. 5, the hue up to the intersection of the pixel number threshold value P _th and the hue histogram is compared with the hue width from the hues h ₁ and h ₂ taking the maximum points to the adjacent minimum points. Since the width is smaller, the distribution regions S1 and S2 surrounded by the hue histogram and the straight line indicating the pixel number threshold value _Pth are extracted.

  Then, the control unit 4 calculates the distribution frequency areas of the extracted distribution regions S1 and S2 (the total value of the number of pixels included in each region), and the first color and the second color in descending order of the distribution frequency area. decide. In many cases, the first color and the second color correspond to a background color and a registered color to be detected, respectively. That is, the registered color is often the color having the second largest distribution frequency area on the hue histogram. In FIG. 5, since the distribution frequency area of the distribution region S1> the distribution frequency area of the distribution region S2 is established, the distribution region S1 corresponds to the background color, that is, the base material 42, and the distribution region S2 corresponds to the registered color, that is, It corresponds to the mark 44. Note that the first color and the second color may be determined in descending order of the maximum number of pixels (peak value) in each region, without being limited to the ranking based on the distribution frequency area.

Then, the control unit 4 determines that the respective regions are “red”, “green”, “blue”, and “blue” from the hue ranges (h1 _{min to} h1 _max and h2 _{min to} h2 _max ) of the extracted distribution regions S1 and S2. It is determined which one of the four types of “Gray” belongs to. That is, the control unit 4 classifies the first color and the second color as one of “red”, “green”, “blue”, and “gray”, respectively. The hue defines “hue”, and it can be uniquely determined which color it belongs to based on the hue.

  Furthermore, the control unit 4 determines a color filter based on the conditions shown in Table 2 in accordance with the classified color types of the first color and the second color.

  The conditions shown in Table 2 are combinations that determine a color filter that maximizes the lightness difference between the second color and the first color, and the color filter corresponding to the color type of the second color is determined.

  According to the above procedure, the control unit 4 determines the color filter so that the brightness difference between the first color corresponding to the background color and the second color corresponding to the registered color is maximized.

  In the above description, the configuration for selecting the optimum filter from the four types of color filters has been described as an example, but various color filters can be used in addition to this. For example, the above-described red filter, green filter, and blue filter have arbitrary values other than 0 for the corresponding reference values SR, SG, and SB of R, G, and B, respectively, and 0 for the other two reference values. Is a fixed value, but two of the reference values SR, SG, and SB have an arbitrary value other than 0, and one of the other reference values has a fixed value of 0. A filter can also be used. Further, the type and number of color filters may be designed according to the desired registration color determination accuracy.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart for realizing the color filter determination process and the registered shape extraction process.

  Referring to FIG. 8, the image processing unit 6 acquires a model image from the imaging unit 2 (step S100). Then, the image processing unit 6 determines whether an area setting command input from the control unit 4 via the input unit 12 has been received (step S102). When the region setting command is received (YES in step S102), the image processing unit 6 acquires the hue of the pixels included in the region corresponding to the region setting command among the pixels constituting the model image. (Step S104). When the region setting command has not been received (NO in step S102), the image processing unit 6 acquires the hues for all the pixels constituting the model image (step S106).

  Then, the image processing unit 6 calculates a hue histogram from the acquired hue of each pixel, and outputs it to the control unit 4 (step S108).

  The control unit 4 extracts local maximum points and local minimum points on the hue histogram received from the image processing unit 6 (step S110). And the control part 4 selects the 1st maximum point among the maximum points on the extracted hue histogram (step S112). Further, the control unit 4 determines a distribution region for the selected local maximum point according to the above-described procedure (step S114). Note that the first maximum point means a maximum point arranged first among the maximum points arranged according to any rule such as hue order or maximum value.

  Thereafter, the control unit 4 determines whether or not the selected maximum point is the last maximum point among the extracted maximum points (step S116). If it is not the last maximum point (NO in step S116), the control unit 4 selects the next maximum point (step S118), and repeatedly executes steps S114 and S116.

  When it is the last maximum point (YES in step S116), the control unit 4 calculates the distribution frequency area of each distribution region on the hue histogram, and the first color and A second color is determined (step S120). Then, the control unit 4 determines a color filter according to the determined first color and second color (step S120), and gives a selection command for the determined color filter to the image processing unit 6.

  The image processing unit 6 uses the color filter corresponding to the selection command received from the control unit 4 to generate a grayscale image from the model image (step S122). Then, the image processing unit 6 stores the generated grayscale image as a registered shape in the storage unit 6a (step S124). Then, the control unit 4 and the image processing unit 6 end a series of processes.

(Modification 1 of color filter determination processing)
In the above-described embodiment, the configuration for selecting an optimum color filter from a plurality of predetermined color filters has been described. However, a color filter may be dynamically generated according to a model image.

  Specifically, the control unit 4 derives the RGB relative ratio of the registered color from the hue corresponding to the second color extracted from the hue histogram. Here, the relative ratio of RGB is a relative ratio between R, G, and B (R: G: B; R + G + B = 1), and can be uniquely derived from a hue that defines a hue. Further, the control unit 4 determines a center color for generating a grayscale image, that is, reference values SR, SG, and SB, based on the derived relative ratio of RGB. As an example, the control unit 4 determines the reference values SR, SG, and SB by multiplying the relative ratio of RGB by a coefficient for giving a predetermined brightness.

  And the control part 4 produces | generates a grayscale image from a model image using the determined color filter similarly to the above-mentioned process.

  In addition, you may produce | generate a several color filter based not only on the hue corresponded to 2nd color but on the several hue which takes the maximum point on a hue histogram.

(Modification 2 of color filter determination processing)
In the hue histogram, when there are three or more local maximum points (regions), a combination of a plurality of color types may occur depending on which region is the first color and the second color. Therefore, instead of the configuration in which the first color and the second color are determined in the order of the distribution frequency area, the control unit 4 extracts a region having a distribution frequency area equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and a plurality of values derived from the extracted region A plurality of color filter candidates may be selected based on the combination of colors. Then, the control unit 4 displays a plurality of color filter candidates on the display unit 8, and selects a color filter from the plurality of color filter candidates in accordance with a selection command given from the outside via the input unit 12. May be.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display mode in the teaching mode according to the second modification of the color filter determination process.

  Referring to FIG. 9, control unit 4 and image processing unit 6 select a plurality of color filters upon receiving an input of SET key 28 from the user in display mode ST16 shown in FIG. Is received (display mode ST17). Note that the image processing unit 6 may display the registered color (second color) 56 used in selecting each color filter instead of the type (name) of the color filter from the viewpoint of user friendliness. The user operates the cross key 22 to move the selection frame 50 on the screen to one of the registered colors 56 and select a desired color filter. In response to the selection of the color filter by the user, the image processing unit 6 displays the grayscale image converted by the selected color filter (display modes ST18a and ST18b). Then, the user confirms the displayed gray image and gives a selection command for designating an optimum color filter.

  Then, the control part 4 determines a color filter according to the selection command given from a user.

(Registered pixel count calculation process)
The image processing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention determines the registered color based on the number of pixels matching the registered color, in addition to the registered color and registered shape based on the grayscale image generated by the color filter. Do. Therefore, the image processing apparatus 1 calculates the number of pixels that match the registered color among the pixels constituting the model image in the teaching mode.

  Referring to FIG. 5 again, the control unit 4 determines the hue condition from the distribution region S2 (second color) indicating the registered color among the distribution regions S1 and S2 extracted in the color filter determination process. The hue condition defines a color range that is regarded as a registered color, and it is determined that a pixel that matches the hue condition has a registered color.

That is, the control unit 4 determines the hue range (h2 _{min to} h2 _max ) obtained from the distribution region S2 illustrated in FIG. 5 as the hue condition of the registered color. Then, the control unit 4 stores the determined hue condition in the storage unit 6a of the image processing unit 6, and the image processing unit 6 matches the hue condition given from the control unit 4 among the pixels constituting the model image. The number of pixels to be calculated is calculated. Then, the image processing unit 6 stores the calculated number of pixels in the storage unit 6a.

  In addition to the hue condition, the brightness condition and the saturation condition may be defined in order to calculate the number of pixels having the registered color more accurately. Specifically, the control unit 4 extracts pixels that match the hue threshold condition from the pixels that form the model image. And the control part 4 acquires the lightness and the saturation which each of the extracted pixel has, and acquires the maximum value and the minimum value in it, respectively. Further, the control unit 4 determines the lightness condition from the acquired maximum value and minimum value of lightness, and determines the saturation condition from the acquired maximum value and minimum value of saturation. On the other hand, the image processing unit 6 calculates the number of pixels that match all of the hue condition, lightness condition, and saturation condition among the pixels constituting the model image.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for realizing the registered pixel number calculation process.
Referring to FIG. 10, control unit 4 and image processing unit 6 perform the same processing as steps S100 to S120 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 (step S200).

  The control unit 4 determines the hue condition of the registered color according to the determined hue range of the second color (step S202). Then, the control unit 4 gives the determined hue condition to the image processing unit 6.

  The image processing unit 6 extracts a pixel that matches the hue condition given from the control unit 4 from the pixels constituting the model image (step S204). Then, the image processing unit 6 counts the number of extracted pixels (step S206). Further, the image processing unit 6 stores the obtained number of pixels in the storage unit 6a as the number of pixels matching the registered color (step S208). Then, the control unit 4 and the image processing unit 6 end a series of processes.

(Detection process)
As described above, the image processing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention acquires the number of pixels matching the registered shape and the registered color from the model image in the teaching mode, and inputs based on the registered shape and the number of pixels. It is determined whether or not the image includes a region having a registered shape and a registered color.

  First, the image processing unit 6 generates a grayscale image from the input image acquired from the imaging unit 2 using the selected color filter. Then, the image processing unit 6 calculates a correlation value between the generated grayscale image and the registered shape stored in the storage unit 6a.

  At the same time, the image processing unit 6 calculates the number of pixels that match the hue condition among the pixels constituting the input image acquired from the imaging unit 2. Then, the control unit 4 determines whether or not the ratio of the number of pixels of the input image based on the number of pixels of the model image stored in the storage unit 6a is within a predetermined threshold range. Furthermore, the control part 4 calculates the deviation, when the ratio of the number of pixels is not within a predetermined threshold range.

  Finally, the control unit 4 determines that the value obtained by subtracting the deviation of the ratio of the number of pixels with respect to the predetermined threshold range from the calculated correlation value exceeds the predetermined threshold value. It is determined that an area having a registered shape and a registered color is included.

  As an example, a process when 90% to 110% is adopted as a predetermined threshold range with respect to the ratio of the number of pixels and 80% is adopted as a predetermined threshold value as a criterion for determination will be described. For example, when 95% is calculated as the correlation value and 80% is calculated as the ratio of the number of pixels, the control unit 4 determines that the deviation between the predetermined threshold range and the ratio of the number of pixels is 90% with respect to the ratio of the number of pixels. Calculate −80% = 10%. Then, the control unit 4 calculates a value obtained by subtracting the deviation from the correlation value, 95% -10% = 85%, and determines whether or not a predetermined threshold value serving as a determination criterion is exceeded. In this example, since the predetermined threshold value 80% is exceeded, the control unit 4 determines that an area having a registered shape and a registered color is included in the input image.

  In addition, you may comprise so that the control part 4 may output the judgment result from the output part 14 to the exterior.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for realizing the detection process.
Referring to FIG. 11, the image processing unit 6 acquires an input image from the imaging unit 2 (step S300). Note that the image processing unit 6 may correct the acquired input image. As an example, the image processing unit 6 performs a predetermined amount of white balance adjustment on the acquired input image. Then, the image processing unit 6 generates a grayscale image from the input image acquired from the imaging unit 2 using the selected color filter (step S302). Further, the image processing unit 6 calculates a correlation value between the generated grayscale image and the registered shape stored in the storage unit 6a (step S304).

  Further, the image processing unit 6 acquires the hue for each of the pixels constituting the acquired input image (step S306). Then, the image processing unit 6 calculates the number of pixels that match the hue condition stored in the storage unit 6a (step S308).

  The control unit 4 acquires a correlation value with the registered shape from the image processing unit 6 (step S310). Further, the control unit 4 acquires the number of pixels of the model image and the calculated number of pixels from the image processing unit 6, and calculates the ratio of the number of pixels of the input image to the number of pixels of the model image (step S312). Then, the control unit 4 determines whether or not the value obtained by subtracting the deviation from the threshold range in the ratio of the number of pixels from the correlation value exceeds a predetermined threshold value (step S314).

  If the predetermined threshold value is exceeded (YES in step S314), control unit 4 determines that an area having a registered shape and a registered color is included (step S316), and display unit 8 or The determination result is output via the output unit 14. And the control part 4 complete | finishes a process.

  If the predetermined threshold value is not exceeded (NO in step S314), the control unit 4 determines that an area having a registered shape and a registered color is not included (step S318), and the display unit 8 and the determination result are output via the output unit 14. And the control part 4 complete | finishes a process.

  As described above, image processing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention determines whether or not an acquired image includes a region having a registered shape and a registered color.

  If the image processing unit 6 has sufficient processing capability, it is desirable to execute steps S302 and S304 and steps S306 and S308 in parallel in the flowchart shown in FIG. 11 from the viewpoint of increasing the processing speed. .

  According to the embodiment of the present invention, the hue histogram is calculated for the pixels constituting the model image for extracting the registered shape and registered color, and the color filter is determined based on the calculated hue histogram. Since the hue histogram is a distribution of hues for all the pixels included in the model image, the most suitable color filter can be selected from the distribution. Therefore, it is possible to realize an image processing apparatus that optimally executes detection of a region having a registered shape and a registered color according to a model image regardless of the user's can and experience. Furthermore, the color filter setting operation can be completed in a short time.

  Further, according to the embodiment of the present invention, in addition to determining the registered shape and registered color based on the grayscale image generated by the color filter, the registered color is determined based on the number of pixels matching the registered color. . Therefore, in particular, the possibility of erroneously detecting a region having the same shape as the registered shape and having a color different from the registered color can be suppressed.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

1 is an external view of an image sensor device including an image processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic block diagram of an image sensor apparatus. It is an external view of the input part in the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the display mode in the teaching mode in the image processing apparatus according to embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the determination method of the color filter based on a hue histogram. It is a figure for demonstrating the function of a color filter. It is a figure for demonstrating the effect of the color filter according to embodiment of this invention with respect to the color which adjoined. It is a flowchart for implement | achieving a color filter determination process and a registered shape extraction process. It is a figure which shows an example of the display mode in the teaching mode according to the modification 2 of a color filter determination process. It is a flowchart for implement | achieving a registration pixel number calculation process. It is a flowchart for implement | achieving a detection process.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image processing apparatus, 2 Imaging part, 4 Control part, 6 Image processing part, 6a Storage part, 8 Display part, 10 Storage part, 12 Input part, 14 Output part, 16 Bus, 20 Selection key, 22 Cross key, 24 TEACH / VIEW key, 26 ESC key, 28 SET key, 30 status display field, 32 image display field, 34 operation content display field, 40 model image, 42 base material, 44 mark, 46 search area, 48 model area, 50 selection Frame, 56 registered colors, 60 areas, 100 image sensor devices, S1, S2 distribution areas.

Claims (7)

An image processing apparatus that acquires a color image and determines whether or not the acquired image includes a region having a registered shape and a registered color,
A hue acquisition means for receiving a model image for extracting the registered shape and the registered color, and acquiring a hue for each pixel constituting the model image;
A hue histogram calculation means for calculating a hue histogram for the pixels constituting the model image based on the hue acquired by the hue acquisition means;
A color filter determining unit that determines a color filter for converting a color image into a grayscale image according to the registered color, based on the hue histogram calculated by the hue histogram calculating unit;
Using the color filter determined by the color filter determining means, generating a grayscale image of the model image, and a registered shape extracting means for extracting the registered shape from the generated grayscale image of the model image;
Correlation value calculating means for receiving an input image to be determined, generating a gray image of the input image using the color filter, and calculating a correlation value between the generated gray image of the input image and the registered shape When,
An image processing apparatus comprising: a determination unit configured to determine whether the input image includes an area having the registered shape and the registered color based on a calculation result in the correlation value calculating unit. A registered pixel number calculating means for receiving the model image and calculating the number of pixels matching the registered color among the pixels constituting the model image;
A pixel number calculating means for receiving the input image and calculating the number of pixels matching the registered color among the pixels constituting the input image;
In addition to the calculation result in the correlation value calculation unit, the determination unit is configured to perform the registration based on a comparison between the number of pixels calculated in the registration pixel number calculation unit and the number of pixels calculated in the pixel number calculation unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether an area having a shape and the registered color is included.   The determination means is a deviation between a ratio of the number of pixels in the pixel number calculation means and a predetermined threshold range based on the number of pixels in the registration pixel number calculation means from the correlation value calculated in the correlation value calculation means. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when the value obtained by subtracting is exceeding a predetermined threshold, it is determined that an area having the registered shape and the registered color is included.   The said color filter determination means determines the said color filter according to the hue value which takes the maximum value with respect to the hue axis in the said hue histogram calculated in the said hue histogram calculation means. The image processing apparatus according to any one of the above. The color filter determining means includes
Color filter candidate selection means for selecting one or more color filter candidates based on the hue histogram calculated by the hue histogram calculation means;
The color filter selection means which selects any one color filter according to the selection command from the outside among the 1 or 2 or more color filters selected in the color filter candidate selection means. The image processing apparatus according to any one of?   The hue acquisition unit receives a region setting command for setting a region for extracting the registered shape and the registered color from the model image, and is included in a region set according to the region setting command. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a hue is acquired. The input image is an image that captures a continuously conveyed product,
The quality determination means according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising quality determination means for determining the quality of the target product according to the determination result in the determination means and outputting the quality determination result to the outside. Image processing device.