Patent ID: 6707932
Filing Date: 2004-03-16
Classification: G06K

Abstract:
A method for identifying graphical objects in large engineering drawings, comprising the steps ofinputting an original image into a computerized system for image processing; pruning said original image to provide a pruned image; inputting a template image; processing said template image to provide a processed template image; and computing matches between said pruned image and said processed template image, wherein said step of pruning said original image comprises the steps of: subdividing said original image into first pixel blocks; creating a first new image with pixel value equal to the sum in each block of said first blocks; making a first determination based on pixel value whether to keep or discard a respective block of said first blocks; when said first determination is to keep a block, creating a mask utilizing data of said image; thereupon subdividing said first new image into second pixel blocks, said second pixel blocks being of smaller size than said first pixel blocks; creating a second new image with pixel value equal to the sum in each block of said second blocks; making a second determination based on pixel value whether to keep or discard a respective block of said second blocks; when said first determination is to keep a block, updating said mask to provide an updated mask; deriving a masked image from said updated mask; subdividing said masked image into third pixel blocks; creating a third new image with pixel value equal to the sum in each block of said third pixel blocks; making a third determination based on pixel value whether to keep or discard a respective block of said third pixel blocks; and when said first determination is to keep a block, creating a final mask utilizing data of said image.