JPH02198493A - Image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To independently extract an arbitrary gradation level at every plural windows so that the gradation level of an object to be brought to image pickup can be recognized more exactly by bringing a gradation signal of the object to be brought to image pickup to A/D conversion, and generating a gradation table extracted at every window at a prescribed address interval. CONSTITUTION:A gradation signal of an object to be brought to image pickup inputted from a camera 1 being a gradation input means is amplified by amplifiers 2a - 2c, replaced with a digital signal by A/D converters 3a - 3c, and stored in an image memory 4. Subsequently, a table for extracting independently an arbitrary gradation against plural pieces of windows which are set in one screen in table memories 6a - 6c is generated at a prescribed address interval, and a gradation signal for showing a gradation level of the object to be brought to image pickup is outputted. In such a way, the gradation level of the object to be brought to image pickup can be understood and recognized exactly even under the condition of any background.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (Field of the Invention) The present invention relates to an image processing device that extracts arbitrary gradations from image data obtained by imaging a non-inspection object with a CCD color camera or the like.

(Summary of the Invention) The present invention is an image processing device that has a plurality of windows within one screen of a display such as a CRT, and uses a gradation processing method in which the plurality of windows independently extract arbitrary gradations. By A/D converting the gradation signal of the imaged object and creating a gradation table extracted for each window at fixed address intervals, any gradation level can be independently set for each of multiple windows. This makes it possible to recognize more accurate gradation levels of the imaged object, to perform high-speed extraction, and to set multiple windows in an overlapping manner.

(Prior art and its problems) Conventionally, as an image processing device for automating the appearance inspection of products, etc., an imaged object to be inspected (imaged object) is used with a CCD camera, etc.
Image processing apparatuses have been developed that are capable of capturing an image of an object to be inspected, accurately grasping the gradation of the imaged object, and producing products with a uniform gradation level.

This device can improve the inspection throughput by mechanizing the visual inspection of products, which was conventionally performed by humans through visual inspection.

However, conventional image processing devices use a gradation recognition method that sets a certain threshold level and binarizes the product based on the shading of the product relative to that level, resulting in the following problems. .

In other words, if there is a small difference in shading between the product (non-inspection imaged object) and the background (for example, when the background is white and the product is yellow), it may be difficult to extract the appearance of the product, or it may not be possible to extract arbitrary gradations. Furthermore, when there are multiple windows on the screen, there are problems such as a complicated circuit to independently set the binarization level for each window.

Further, with the conventional technology, it is not possible to inspect the gradation of an imaged object such as a product by overlapping windows.

(Object of the Invention) This invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problem, and its purpose is to make it possible to easily identify the object to be imaged, even when the object is difficult to identify in relation to the background. The gradation level can be recognized and understood accurately, the circuit is simple, the gradation level of the imaged object can be extracted at high speed, and multiple windows can be set. The company provides an image processing device.

(Structure and Effects of the Invention) In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has a plurality of windows within one screen of a display such as a CRT, and the plurality of windows independently extract arbitrary gradations. An image processing device using a gradation extraction method, comprising a gradation input means such as a camera that inputs a gradation signal of an object to be imaged to the display, and a gradation consisting of an analog signal input by the gradation input means. A/D conversion means for converting a signal into a digital signal; an image memory for storing in advance data of the gradation signal inputted by the A/D conversion means; and - a plurality of windows set within the screen. The present invention is characterized by comprising: a table memory that has a table for independently extracting arbitrary gradation levels from each other, and creates the table at constant address intervals;

According to this invention, the gradation level of the object to be imaged is stored in advance in the image memory using a plurality of windows,
By using a table that independently extracts arbitrary gradations from multiple windows based on the gradation levels stored in the image memory, the gradation level of the imaged object can be accurately grasped and recognized under any background conditions. Moreover, the image memory is C.
Since it consists of a PU, it requires a simplified circuit configuration, and it not only allows for high-speed processing, but also allows multiple settings to be made overlapping each other by creating the above table at regular address intervals. .

(Explanation of Examples) Embodiments of the present invention will be described below based on the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a color image processing apparatus using a gradation extraction method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a color camera as a gradation input means, and gradation signals of red R, green G, and blue B of an object to be imaged (not shown) inputted from this camera 1 are sent to an amplifier ( Amplifiers) 2a to 2C amplify.

And an A/D converter 3 which is an A/D conversion means for converting the gradation signal amplified as an analog signal into a digital signal.
A to 3C are replaced with digital signals.

The gradation signals converted into M-bit digital signals by the A/D converters 3a to 3C are stored in the image memory 5.

Note that FIG. 2 shows the general characteristics of each job grade level.

In addition, the synchronization signal (HD, VBD) is transmitted to the timing control section 9.
is input to.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, there are multiple windows W within one screen of a display A such as a CRT. ~2 is set.

That is, window W. As shown in Figure 4, R1-R2 for the red R signal and g1 for the green G signal.
The ~g2+blue B signal is set to extract only the gradations b1 to b2.

Note that this extraction level can be freely set, and is not limited to the above case, but it is possible to set more detailed gradation extraction in a plurality of ranges.

In the figure, 6a to 6b are table memories whose addresses are the gradations of the image data of the object to be imaged inputted as shown in FIG. 4, and $FF is set at the address of the gradation to be extracted.

Otherwise, $00 is written.

The amount of writing may be determined by freely setting the numerical value and number of data bits to be written depending on the system of the image processing apparatus.

Similarly, extraction levels can be set for other windows, and as shown in the memory map of FIG. 5, the lower addresses are aligned and data is written in a certain range.

The above table memories 6a to 6C can be set by switching the address switching section 5 shown in FIG. 1 to the CPU10 side and switching the window switching section 8 to the window for extraction. The tone data of red R1, green G, and blue B are input to table memories 6a to 6C, respectively, and a tone signal indicating the tone level of the object to be imaged is output.

Note that, based on the gradation data based on the extracted gradation signal, accurate measurement of the area, double center of gravity, etc. of the object to be imaged is performed.

After the processing of window 0 is completed, the window switching unit 8
The setting is such that by switching the window, it is possible to measure windows one after another.

In this way, in this example, the object to be imaged is the background, sunlight,
Alternatively, even if the colors are similar but have slightly different shading, the gradation level of the object to be imaged can be accurately recognized, and the overall image of the object to be imaged can be reliably grasped.

Moreover, the object to be imaged can be recognized for each of the plurality of windows on one screen, and it is also possible to set the plurality of windows in an overlapping manner, which is effective in terms of accuracy and use.

In addition, since gradation level extraction is required by the CPU, high-speed extraction is possible and the circuit configuration is simplified.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a color image processing device according to the present invention, Fig. 2 is a pulse output diagram showing general color gradation levels, and Fig. 3 shows an imaged object displayed on the screen. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing gradation levels indicating a state in which the gradation extraction level is input, and FIG. 5 is a memory map showing the contents written and stored in the table memory. . A... Display 1 of color image processing device... Camera (gradation input means) 3 a to 3 c-A/D converter (A/D conversion means) 4
...Image memory 6a to 6C...Table memory

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. An image processing device that has a plurality of windows within one screen of a display such as a CRT, and uses a gradation extraction method in which the plurality of windows independently extract arbitrary gradations. a gradation input means such as a camera for inputting a gradation signal of an object to be imaged into the display; and an AD conversion means for converting the gradation signal consisting of an analog signal inputted by the gradation input means into a digital signal. , has an image memory that stores in advance the data of the gradation signal inputted by the AD conversion means, and a table that independently extracts arbitrary gradations from a plurality of windows set within the one screen. , and a table memory unit that creates the table at constant address intervals.