Patent ID: 7016535
Filing Date: 2006-03-21
Classification: G06K

Abstract:
1. A pattern identification apparatus for identifying a predetermined pattern contained in an image, said apparatus comprising: a storage section in which data related to said predetermined pattern is stored; a first collation section for making comparison and collation between data related to an image in a first area greater than an area of said predetermined pattern in said image and said data related to said predetermined pattern; a cutting section for cutting out a second area smaller than said first area from said first area based on the result of comparison carried out by said first collation section; a second collation section for making comparison and collation between data related to an image in said second area and said data related to said predetermined pattern; and an identification section for identifying said predetermined pattern contained in said image based on the result of comparison carried out by said second collation section, wherein said first collation section carries out comparison and collation while shifting said predetermined pattern relative to said image in said first area one unit area by one unit area which constitutes data related to said image, thereby to calculate a difference level between said image in said first area and said predetermined pattern, and said cutting section cuts out said second area based on an amount of shift of said predetermined pattern relative to said image in said first area at the time when said difference level meets a predetermined requirement.