Patent ID: 6115505
Filing Date: 2000-09-05
Classification: G06K

Abstract:
An area detection apparatus, comprising:a reference image memory to store a reference image having an object area and a background area to be partitioned into a predetermined pattern;an image input unit to input a search image;a search image memory to store the search image entered through said image input unit;a data value allocation unit to allocate respective data values to the object area and the background area constituting the reference image;a correlation value operational unit to determine a correlation value representative of an extent of an approximation between the reference image in which the respective data values have been allocated by said data value allocation unit and a noticed area including a whole area or a part area of the search image; andan area detection unit to detect from among noticed areas a noticed area which is higher in an extent of an approximation between that noticed area and the reference image in accordance with an operational processing including a comparison between the correlation value determined by said correlation value operational unit and a predetermined threshold,wherein said data value allocation unit allocates mutually different data values to at least one of the object area and the background area constituting the reference image, and thereby produces a plurality of reference images each having a same pattern and a different allocated data value, andwherein said correlation value operational unit determines respective correlation values between each of the plurality of reference images and the noticed area.