KR20230000766A - Apparatus and method for grading printed card - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is intended to provide a device and method that can quickly perform card grading according to objective evaluation criteria using a computing system. A grading device for printed cards, according to an embodiment, comprises: a communication circuit; a memory; and a processor electrically connected to the communication circuit and memory. The processor acquires a scanned image of a card to be evaluated, obtains a sample image corresponding to the card to be evaluated provided by a manufacturer of the card to be evaluated using a communication circuit, compares the scanned image and the sample image to calculate a centering score associated with the location of a feature part of the card to be evaluated, analyzes the scanned image to calculate a defect score associated with defects contained in a surface or an end of the card to be evaluated, and provides grading results for the card to be evaluated based on the centering score and defect score.

Description

Apparatus and method for grading printed cards {APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR GRADING PRINTED CARD}

Embodiments disclosed in this document relate to an apparatus and method for performing grading to evaluate the quality of a printed card.

Collecting is a hobby that is common to mankind, and its subjects are very wide and the methods can be very diverse. Trading cards may be selected as one of the objects of collection as a hobby. A trading card is a photo card containing an image of a specific person or character, and in particular, sports-related cards are steadily gaining interest from consumers. Trading cards may include images of different people for each card, and may be made of different colors or materials.

Conventionally, manufacturers of trading cards sell packages containing random cards to collectors without disclosing the contents of the cards. Therefore, a number of collectors need to exchange cards with each other or purchase cards from other collectors in order to obtain a desired card. In order to exchange or sell cards, it is necessary to evaluate the quality of trading cards. Accordingly, various service providers that evaluate and guarantee the grade of trading cards have been created, and collectors are evaluating the quality of the cards they own through the grading service providers.

Conventional card grading service providers do not disclose clear criteria for evaluation criteria, and since grading is performed according to the subjectivity of the service provider, there is a problem in that objectivity of grading is difficult to be guaranteed. In addition, since the time required for grading is long and the cost is high, this can act as a heavy burden on collectors.

Embodiments of the present invention are to provide a device and method capable of quickly performing card grading according to objective evaluation criteria using a computing system.

An apparatus for grading a printed card according to an embodiment disclosed in this document includes a communication circuit, a memory, and a processor electrically connected to the communication circuit and the memory, the processor obtains a scanned image of the card to be evaluated, and the communication circuit Obtaining a sample image corresponding to the evaluation target card provided by the manufacturer of the evaluation target card using, and comparing the scanned image with the sample image to calculate a centering score related to the position of the feature of the evaluation target card, By analyzing the scanned image, a defect score associated with a defect included in the surface or end of the evaluation target card may be calculated, and a grading result for the evaluation target card may be provided based on the centering score and the defect score.

According to an embodiment, the processor obtains a plurality of scanned image points from a frame of a feature appearing in the scanned image, obtains a plurality of sample image points corresponding to the plurality of scan image points from a frame of a feature appearing in the sample image, and Information on the position and angle of the feature of the evaluation target card is obtained by comparing the positions of the plurality of scan image points and the plurality of sample image points, and a sample image is obtained based on the information on the position and angle of the feature of the evaluation target card. A centering score representing the difference between the position of the feature shown and the position of the feature of the card to be evaluated can be calculated.

According to one embodiment, the processor displays a marker corresponding to the location and type of defect on the scanned image, and the surface or end of the marker based on the saturation of the corresponding area of the marker and the material of the evaluation target card in the scanned image. A defect score representing the degree of defect included can be calculated.

According to an embodiment, the processor may calculate a defect score based on a relationship between the type of defect and saturation and a relationship between the type of defect and the material.

A method of grading a printed card according to an embodiment disclosed in this document includes acquiring a scanned image of an evaluation target card, and acquiring a sample image corresponding to an evaluation target card provided by a manufacturer of the evaluation target card. Calculating a centering score associated with the position of a feature of the evaluation target card by comparing the scanned image with the sample image, calculating a defect score associated with a defect included in the surface or end of the evaluation target card by analyzing the scanned image and providing a grading result for the evaluation target card based on the centering score and the defect score.

According to the embodiments disclosed in this document, objective evaluation of the centering state of the evaluation target card can be performed quickly and economically by comparing and analyzing the scanned image and the sample image of the evaluation target card.

In addition, by analyzing the scanned image of the evaluation target card and scoring defects present in the card, objective evaluation of the surface and end states of the evaluation target card can be performed quickly and economically.

In addition to this, various effects identified directly or indirectly through this document may be provided.

1 illustrates an operating environment of a grading device for a printed card according to an embodiment.
2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a grading device for a printed card according to an embodiment.
3 is a diagram for explaining an exemplary operation of a grading device for a printed card according to an embodiment.
4 is a diagram for explaining an exemplary operation of a grading device for a printed card according to an embodiment.
5 is a diagram for explaining an exemplary operation of a grading device for a printed card according to an embodiment.
6 is a diagram for explaining an exemplary operation of a grading device for a printed card according to an embodiment.
7 is a diagram for explaining an exemplary operation of a grading device for a printed card according to an embodiment.
8 is a flowchart illustrating a method of grading a printed card according to an exemplary embodiment.
In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for the same or similar elements.

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail through exemplary drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents or substitutes of the embodiments of the present invention. In adding reference numerals to components of each drawing, it should be noted that the same components have the same numerals as much as possible even if they are displayed on different drawings. In addition, when it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function in describing an embodiment of the present invention interferes with understanding of the embodiment of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

1 illustrates an operating environment of a grading device for a printed card according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 1 , a grading apparatus 100 according to an embodiment may obtain a scanned image of an evaluation target card 10 from an external device (eg, a scanner or other computing device). In this document, the evaluation target card 10 or a printed card is one of various printed materials used for collection purposes, and may correspond to, for example, a sports trading card. The grading device 100 may obtain a sample image of the evaluation target card 10 from the external server 20 .

The grading device 100 may perform scoring on the evaluation target card 10 using the scan image and the sample image. The evaluation target card 10 may have defects due to various factors, such as, for example, errors in printing or cutting during production, negligence in management after purchase, and the like. The sample image is an image manufactured by a manufacturer and may be an image of a card in an ideal state without the above-mentioned errors. The grading apparatus 100 may calculate a centering score, a surface score, an edge score, a corner score, and the like by analyzing the scanned image and the sample image of the evaluation target card 10 . The centering score may be a score associated with the position and angle of the feature frame of the card. The surface score may be a score associated with defects present on the surface of the card. An edge score may be a score associated with a defect present on the edge of a card. A corner score may be a score associated with a defect present in a corner of a card.

The grading apparatus 100 may calculate a total score by adding the centering score, surface score, edge score, and corner score, and may perform grading of the evaluation target card 10 based on the total score.

The examples described above are illustrative for the understanding of this document, and the scope of rights of this document is not limited thereto. Hereinafter, a specific method for grading a printed card will be described in detail.

2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a grading device for a printed card according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 2 , a printed card grading apparatus 200 according to an embodiment may include a communication circuit 210 , a memory 220 and a processor 230 . The printed card grading apparatus 200 may be a computing device such as a desktop, laptop, tablet, or smart phone as a user terminal, or may be implemented in the form of a server. In this case, it may be physically located on premise or in the cloud. For another example, the printed card grading apparatus 200 may be implemented with two or more distributed computing devices (eg, one user terminal and one server).

The communication circuit 210 may be configured to communicate with the outside wirelessly or wired. The communication circuit 210 may transmit/receive data with the external server 20 or other external devices.

The memory 220 may include volatile memory 220 and/or non-volatile memory 220 . The memory 220 may store various data handled by the grading device 200 of the printed card. For example, the memory 220 may store data processed inside the grading apparatus 200 of a printed card or may store data received from the outside.

The processor 230 may be electrically connected to the communication circuit 210 and the memory 220 . The processor 230 may control the communication circuit 210 and the memory 220 and may perform various data processing and calculations. Although the processor 230 is shown as a single component in FIG. 2 , it may be implemented as being separated into a plurality of components. The processor 230 may provide a user with a tool for performing grading of the printed card. The processor 230 may perform the following operations by executing software or instructions stored in the memory 220 .

According to one embodiment, the processor 230 may obtain a scan image of the evaluation target card. The processor 230 may acquire a scanned image of a card to be evaluated from a scanner or other external computing device. The scanned image may be, for example, a high-resolution image capable of confirming various defects included in the evaluation target card.

According to an embodiment, the processor 230 may obtain a sample image corresponding to the evaluation target card provided by the manufacturer of the evaluation target card using the communication circuit 210 . The processor 230 may obtain, as a sample image, a card image in an ideal state without defects as an image corresponding to the evaluation target card from the external server 20 . The sample image may be obtained using identification information capable of identifying the evaluation target card.

According to an embodiment, the processor 230 may calculate a centering score associated with a location of a feature of a card to be evaluated by comparing the scanned image with the sample image. The evaluation target card may include, for example, a feature surrounded by a frame including a person. The frame may, for example, be of a rectangular shape (with rounded corners), in some cases the frame may be of a different shape or features may not include the frame. The feature may not be located in the center of the evaluation target card due to a printing error, a cutting error, or a process margin, and the printed angle may be distorted. In this case, since the quality of the evaluation target card may deteriorate, a centering score needs to be calculated in consideration of the position and angle of the feature. The centering score may be calculated higher as the location of the feature is closer to the center of the card to be evaluated, and as the twisted angle of the feature is closer to 0.

For example, the processor 230 may obtain a plurality of scan image points from frames of features appearing in the scan image. The processor 230 may obtain four scanned image points corresponding to four corners of a rectangular frame (with rounded corners) from the scanned image. When the frame has a different shape or does not include the frame, the scan image may be analyzed to acquire appropriate feature points as the scan image points. The processor 230 may obtain a plurality of sample image points corresponding to a plurality of scan image points from a frame of a feature appearing in the sample image. The processor 230 may obtain four sample image points corresponding to four corners of a rectangular frame (with rounded corners) from the sample image. When the frame has a different shape or does not include the frame, appropriate feature points may be obtained as sample image points by analyzing the sample image. Each of the plurality of sample image points may correspond to each of the plurality of scan image points. The processor 230 may obtain information about positions and angles of features of a card to be evaluated by comparing positions (or coordinates) of a plurality of scan image points and a plurality of sample image points. The processor 230 may calculate a centering score indicating a difference between the position of the feature shown in the sample image and the position of the feature of the evaluation target card based on information about the position and angle of the feature of the evaluation target card. The smaller the above-mentioned difference is, the higher the centering score can be calculated.

According to an embodiment, the processor 230 may calculate a defect score associated with a defect included in the surface or end of the evaluation target card by analyzing the scanned image. Defect scores can include surface scores, edge scores, and corner scores. A surface, edge, or corner of the card to be evaluated may have defects due to printing errors, cutting errors, and/or poor management. Defects present on the surface include scratches (e.g. scratches by other objects), dust (e.g. dust sticking to the surface of the card), miscoloration (e.g. printing errors on color), roller marks (e.g. ding, printline). , surface dimple, etc.), fingerprints (e.g. smudges from fingerprints), glue (e.g. spillage of adhesive), filth (e.g. contamination by dirt) and coating bubbles (e.g. card coating) It can be classified into various types, such as bubbles generated during Defects at edges or corners can be classified as poor cutting during manufacturing and/or worn due to poor maintenance. When the above-described defects exist, the quality of the evaluation target card may deteriorate, and therefore, a defect score needs to be calculated in consideration of all defects present in the evaluation target card. Depending on the type and size of the defect, the effect on the quality of the card is different, so different weights may be applied during scoring.

For example, the processor 230 may display markers corresponding to locations and types of defects on the scanned image by analyzing the scanned image. The processor 230 may display a marker on a defective portion of the scanned image using the canvas. The shape or color of the marker may be set differently to correspond to the type of defect, and the size of the area where the marker is displayed may correspond to the size of the defect. The processor 230 calculates a defect score indicating the degree of defects included in the surface or end based on the marker (eg, the coordinates and area of the marker), the saturation of the corresponding region of the marker in the scanned image, and the material of the card to be evaluated. can do. The processor 230 may calculate a defect score based on a relationship between the type of defect and saturation and a relationship between the type of defect and the material. For example, when a white printing error exists in an area with low saturation, the effect on the quality of a card to be evaluated may be greater than when a defect exists in an area with high saturation. For another example, when a scratch is present on a card made of paper, the effect on the quality of a card to be evaluated may be smaller than when a card made of chrome is defective. A more accurate defect score may be calculated by considering the type of defect, the saturation of the area where the defect exists, and the material of the evaluation target card.

According to an embodiment, the processor 230 may provide a grading result for a card to be evaluated based on the centering score and the defect score. For example, the processor 230 sums the centering score and the defect score (eg, 900 points), and obtains a grade (eg, grade 9) corresponding to a range (eg, 875 to 925 points) in which the summed scores are located. can be printed out.

As described above, since grading is performed according to objective criteria using a computing system, reasonable evaluation results can be quickly and economically provided to consumers.

3 is a diagram for explaining an exemplary operation of a grading device for a printed card according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the grading apparatus according to an embodiment may obtain a scanned image of an evaluation target card (310) and a sample image corresponding to the evaluation target card (320). Acquisition of the scan image and acquisition of the sample image may be performed simultaneously or in reverse order. Sample images may be obtained in advance for various types of cards and then stored in memory.

The grading apparatus may calculate a centering score (330), a surface score (340), an edge score (350), and a corner score (360) using the scan image and the sample image. The centering score, surface score, edge score, and corner score may be calculated independently, and the order of calculation may also be arbitrarily set. Also, some of the four scores may be merged with each other or separated into two or more items.

The grading device may provide a grading result of the evaluation target card using the calculated four scores (370). The grading result may be provided as a score or may be provided as a grade.

4 is a diagram for explaining an exemplary operation of a grading device for a printed card according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 4 , the grading apparatus according to an embodiment may calculate a centering score by comparing a sample image 410 and scan images 420 and 430 .

The sample image 410 is an image provided by a manufacturer, and may be an ideal image in which the feature 411 is printed at an exact angle in the center of the sample image 410 in a centering state. The grading device may obtain feature points corresponding to the four corners of the feature portion 411 . In the sample image 410 , left and right lengths and top and bottom lengths of the feature 410 may be the same.

The first scan image 420 may be a scanned image of the first evaluation target card. The feature 421 of the first scan image 420 may be biased to the right due to a printing error or a cutting error. The grading device may obtain feature points corresponding to the four corners of the feature portion 421 . The grading device may determine the degree of deflection of the feature 421 based on the coordinates of the four feature points of the feature 411 and the coordinates of the four feature points of the feature 421, and based on the degree of deflection (length) A centering score can be calculated. Since the quality of the first evaluation target card decreases due to the deflection of the feature 421, the centering score may decrease according to the degree of deflection.

The second scan image 430 may be a scanned image of the first evaluation target card. The feature 431 of the second scan image 430 may be rotated clockwise due to a printing error or a cutting error. The grading device may acquire feature points corresponding to the four corners of the feature portion 431 . The grading device may check the degree to which the feature 431 has been rotated based on the coordinates of the four feature points of the feature 411 and the coordinates of the four feature points of the feature 431, and determine the rotated degree (angle). Based on this, a centering score can be calculated. Since the quality of the second evaluation target card decreases due to the rotation of the feature 431, the centering score may decrease according to the degree of deflection.

4 has described the case where the feature has a frame, but is not limited thereto, and when the feature does not have a frame, another feature point may be extracted from the image and a centering score may be calculated using the extracted feature point.

5 is a diagram for explaining an exemplary operation of a grading device for a printed card according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 5 , the grading apparatus according to an embodiment may calculate a defect score for the surface of a card to be evaluated by analyzing a scan image 510 .

The scanned image 510 of the evaluation target card may include defects such as roller marks 511, scratches 512, and coating bubbles 513 on the surface. The grading apparatus may recognize defects existing on the surface of the evaluation target card by analyzing the scanned image 510 . Defects present on the surface of the card correspond to parts that damage the continuity of the image, so by analyzing the brightness, saturation, and color of pixels constituting the image, such as roller marks 511, scratches 512, and coating bubbles 513 A part where there is a defect can be recognized. The grading device may display markers on areas where defects such as roller marks 511, scratches 512, and coating bubbles 513 exist on the canvas of the scanned image 510. The color or type of the marker may be set to correspond to the type of defect. The area of the marker may correspond to the size of the defect. The grading device may calculate a defect score based on the marker type (or color), coordinates, area, and the like. When calculating the defect score, the grading device may consider the saturation of the defect area and the material of the evaluation target card together.

6 is a diagram for explaining an exemplary operation of a grading device for a printed card according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 6 , the grading apparatus according to an embodiment may calculate a defect score for an edge of a card to be evaluated by analyzing a scan image 610 .

The scanned image 610 of the evaluation target card may include defects due to manufacturing errors or negligent management at the edges. The grading apparatus may recognize defects present in the edge of the evaluation target card by analyzing the scan image 610 . Since the color, brightness, saturation, and/or shape of the edge section 611 with defects may be different from the rest of the edge sections without defects, the defect present in the edge can be recognized by analyzing the scanned image 610. . The grading device may calculate a defect score based on the degree and size of the defect. When calculating the defect score, the grading device may consider the saturation of the defect area and the material of the evaluation target card together.

7 is a diagram for explaining an exemplary operation of a grading device for a printed card according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 7 , the grading apparatus according to an embodiment may calculate a defect score for a corner of a card to be evaluated by analyzing a scan image 710 .

The scanned image 710 of the evaluation target card may include a defect due to a cutting error or negligent management in manufacturing at a corner. The grading apparatus may recognize a defect existing in a corner of a card to be evaluated by analyzing the scanned image 710 . Since the color, brightness, saturation, and/or shape of the corner point 711 with a defect may be different from the rest of the edge section without a defect, the defect existing in the corner may be recognized by analyzing the scanned image 710. . The grading device may calculate a defect score based on the degree and size of the defect. When calculating the defect score, the grading device may consider the saturation of the defect area and the material of the evaluation target card together.

8 is a flowchart illustrating a method of grading a printed card according to an exemplary embodiment.

Hereinafter, it is assumed that the grading device 200 of the printed card of FIG. 2 performs the process of FIG. 8 . In addition, in the description of FIG. 8 , it can be understood that the operation described as being performed by the grading device of the printed card is controlled by the processor 230 .

Referring to FIG. 8 , in step 810, the device may acquire a scanned image of the evaluation target card.

In operation 820, the device may obtain a sample image corresponding to the evaluation target card provided by the manufacturer of the evaluation target card.

In step 830, the device may calculate a centering score associated with the position of the feature of the card to be evaluated by comparing the scanned image with the sample image.

In step 840, the device may calculate a defect score associated with a defect included in the surface or end of the card to be evaluated by analyzing the scanned image.

In step 850, the device may provide a grading result for the evaluation target card based on the centering score and the defect score.

The embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technology described in this document to a specific embodiment, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, and/or substitutes of the embodiment. In connection with the description of the drawings, like reference numerals may be used for like elements. Singular expressions may include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this document, expressions such as "A or B", "at least one of A and/or B", "A, B or C" or "at least one of A, B and/or C" refer to all of the items listed together. Possible combinations may be included. Expressions such as "first," "second," "first," or "second," may modify the corresponding components regardless of order or importance, and are used to distinguish one component from another. It is used only and does not limit the corresponding components. When an element is referred to as being "(functionally or communicatively) connected" or "connected" to another element, that element is either directly connected to the other element, or through another element. can be connected through

In this document, "adapted to or configured to" means "adapted to or configured to" depending on the situation, for example, hardware or software "adapted to," "having the ability to," "changed to," ""made to," "capable of," or "designed to" can be used interchangeably. In some contexts, the expression "device configured to" can mean that the device is "capable of" in conjunction with other devices or components. For example, the phrase "a processor set up (or configured) to perform A, B, and C" may include a dedicated processor (e.g., embedded processor) to perform those operations, or by executing one or more programs stored in a memory device; It may refer to a general-purpose processor (eg, CPU) capable of performing corresponding operations.

The term "module" used in this document includes a unit composed of hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic blocks, parts, or circuits, for example. can A “module” may be an integrally constructed component or a minimal unit or part thereof that performs one or more functions. A "module" may be implemented mechanically or electronically, for example, a known or future developed application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chip, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or A programmable logic device may be included.

At least a part of an apparatus (eg, modules or functions thereof) or a method (eg, operations) according to an embodiment may be implemented as instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium in the form of a program module. When the command is executed by a processor, the processor may perform a function corresponding to the command.

Each component (eg, module or program module) according to an embodiment may be composed of one or more entities, and some sub-components among the aforementioned sub-components may be omitted or other sub-components may be used. can include more. Alternatively or additionally, some components (eg, modules or program modules) may be integrated into one entity and perform the same or similar functions performed by each corresponding component prior to integration. Operations performed by modules, program modules, or other components according to an embodiment are executed sequentially, in parallel, repetitively, or heuristically, or at least some operations are executed in a different order, omitted, or other operations. this may be added.

Claims (5)

In the grading device of the printed card,
communication circuit;
Memory; and
a processor electrically connected to the communication circuitry and the memory;
the processor,
Acquire a scanned image of the evaluation target card,
obtaining a sample image corresponding to the evaluation target card provided by a manufacturer of the evaluation target card using the communication circuit;
Comparing the scanned image with the sample image to calculate a centering score related to the position of the feature of the card to be evaluated;
Calculating a defect score associated with a defect included in the surface or end of the evaluation target card by analyzing the scan image;
and providing a grading result for the evaluation target card based on the centering score and the defect score. According to claim 1,
the processor,
Obtaining a plurality of scan image points from a frame of a feature appearing in the scan image;
Obtaining a plurality of sample image points corresponding to the plurality of scanned image points from a frame of a feature appearing in the sample image;
Obtaining information about positions and angles of features of the card to be evaluated by comparing positions of the plurality of scanned image points and the plurality of sample image points;
Calculating the centering score representing a difference between the position of the feature shown in the sample image and the position of the feature of the evaluation target card based on information about the position and angle of the feature of the evaluation target card . According to claim 1,
the processor,
Displaying a marker corresponding to the location and type of the defect on the scanned image;
Calculating a defect score indicating a degree of defects included in the surface or the end portion based on the marker, the chroma of a region corresponding to the marker in the scanned image, and the material of the evaluation target card. According to claim 3,
the processor,
and calculating the defect score based on a relationship between the type of defect and the chroma and a relationship between the type of defect and the material. In the grading method of the printed card,
acquiring a scanned image of the evaluation target card;
obtaining a sample image corresponding to the evaluation target card provided by a manufacturer of the evaluation target card;
calculating a centering score associated with a location of a feature of the evaluation target card by comparing the scanned image with the sample image;
calculating a defect score associated with a defect included in a surface or an end portion of the evaluation target card by analyzing the scanned image; and
and providing a grading result for the evaluation target card based on the centering score and the defect score.

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