Patent ID: 6614930
Filing Date: 2003-09-02
Classification: G06K

Abstract:
A device for classifying symbols in an image data stream containing symbols, comprising:an image data storage unit with an input connected to capture data from said image data stream and an output; an image processor, connected to said image data storage unit output, programmed to detect edges in portion of captured image data stored in said image data storage unit and form an edge image based on the detected edges, whereby said edge image contains edge pixels and non-edge pixels; said image processor being programmed to define at least one connected component from said edge pixels, said connected components being substantially contiguous regions containing only edge pixels; said image processor being programmed to define a subimage in said portion whose height and width are substantially the same as a maximum height and width of said at least one connected component; and said image processor being programmed to classify said subimage, whereby a best match between a symbol set and said subimage is identified.