Patent ID: 6185337
Filing Date: 2001-02-06
Classification: G06K

Abstract:
An image recognition system for recognizing an object using a global image processing means and a local image processing means performing parallel processing on a global image of an object of recognition input from a camera or other optical pick-up device and on characteristic local images, comprising:global image processing means for performing analytical processing on a global image, comprising means for extracting a global characteristic of an input global image and means for evaluating consistency of said extracted global characteristic;local image processing means for performing analytical processing on a plurality of local images, said local image processing means being made up from a plurality of local modules corresponding respectively to each local image, each of said local modules comprising means for extracting a characteristic of an input local image and means for evaluating consistency of the extracted characteristic with the image to be recognized,wherein said global image processing means receives an input image and exchanges signals with said local modules, and deactivates functions of said local modules which are inconsistent with said global characteristic, while activating functions of said local modules which are consistent with said global characteristic, thereby effecting a hierarchical control wherein consistency evaluations made in said global image processing means influence activation or deactivation of functions in said local modules, and wherein respective local modules of said local image processing means control functions of said global image processing means based on signals indicating consistency with said local images.