Patent ID: 7593586
Filing Date: 2009-09-22
Classification: G06K

Abstract:
1. A method for reducing artifacts in a final image, by performing the following steps in sequential order: a) generating by a processor, a first binary image that includes illuminated pixels that are artifacts captured by an imager and illuminated pixels that are part of an object of interest captured by the imager, b) defining by the processor, one or more non-interpretation region in the first binary image, the non-interpretation region including the illuminated pixels that are artifacts and non-illuminated pixels that are in proximity to the illuminated pixels that are artifacts, c) generating by the processor, a second binary image by dilating the illuminated pixels that are artifacts of the non-interpretation region by illuminating the other non-illuminated pixels that are in proximity to the illuminated pixels that are artifacts, d) inverting by the processor, the pixels of the second binary image, and e) performing a logical AND by the processor of the pixels of the first binary image with the inverted pixels of the second binary image to de-illuminate the pixels that are artifacts while maintaining the illuminated pixels that are part of the object of interest, wherein steps (a) through (e) are performed in sequential order.