Image processing device, image sensor, and image processing method

An image processing device for generating model templates for a plurality of models, the image processing device comprising:

• a processor configured with a program to perform operations comprising:
• operation as a model image input unit configured to receive a model image for each of the plurality of models;
• operation as a provisional reduction ratio selection unit configured to determine a provisional reduction ratio for each of the model images;
• operation as a representative reduction ratio selection unit configured to select a representative reduction ratio for each model image on the basis of the provisional reduction ratios determined for the plurality of model images, the representative reduction ratio selected to be the same as the representative reduction ratio for a different model image provided that a variation among the provisional reduction ratio for the different model image and the provisional reduction ratio of the model image is at or below a predetermined threshold;
• and
• operation as a model template generator configured to generate a model template for each of the model images by reducing the model image using the corresponding representative reduction ratio;
• and
• operation as an output unit configured to output the model template generated together with the corresponding representative reduction ratio.

An image processing method for identifying or recognizing a plurality of models in an input image, the image processing method comprising:

• causing a computer having a memory configured to store for each model among a plurality of models, a model template obtained by reducing a model image by a representative reduction ratio, to perform operations comprising:
• reducing the input image by the representative reduction ratio of each model template to create a reduced input image for each reduction ratio of each model template;
• searching for a location of one or more of the plurality of models in the input image by identifying one or more of the plurality of models in one of the reduced input images based on the model template of the corresponding representative reduction ratio;
• and
• storing in the memory, model templates for at least two of the models reduced using the same representative reduction ratio,
• wherein
• reducing the input image by the representative reduction ratio of each model template is performed jointly on the models having the same representative reduction ratio such that the reduced input image is shared for the at least two models reduced using the same representative reduction ratio.

An image processing method for generating model templates for a plurality of models, the image processing method comprising:

• receiving, in a processor, a model image for each of the models;
• determining, via the processor, an ideal reduction ratio as a provisional reduction ration for each of the model images;
• selecting, via the processor, a representative reduction ratio for each model image on the basis of the provisional reduction ratios determined for the plurality of model images, the representative reduction ratio selected to be the same as the representative reduction ratio for a different model image provided that a variation among the provisional reduction ratio for the different model image and the provisional reduction ratio of the model image is at or below a predetermined threshold;
• generating, via the processor, a model template for each of the model images by reducing the model image using the corresponding representative reduction ratio;
• and
• outputting, from the processor, the model template generated together with the corresponding representative reduction ratio.

A non-transitory computer readable medium having an instruction stored thereon, which when executed, causes a processor to perform operations comprising:

• reducing an input image by a representative reduction ratio of each of a plurality of models to create a reduced input image;
• searching for a location of one or more of the plurality of models in the input image by identifying one or more of the plurality of models in one of the reduced input images based on a model template of the corresponding representative reduction ratio;
• and
• storing in a memory, model templates for at least two of the models reduced using the same representative reduction ratio,
• wherein reducing the input image by the representative reduction ratio of each model to create the reduced input image is performed jointly on the models having the same representative reduction ratio such that the reduced input image is shared for the at least two models reduced using the same reduction ratio.

A non-transitory computer readable medium having an instruction stored thereon, which when executed, causes a processor to perform operations comprising:

• receiving a model image for each of a plurality of models;
• determining an ideal reduction ratio as a provisional reduction ration for each of a plurality of model images;
• selecting a representative reduction ratio for each model image on the basis of the provisional reduction ratios determined for the plurality of model images, the representative reduction ratio selected to be the same as the representative reduction ratio for a different model image provided that a variation among the provisional reduction ratio for the different model image and the provisional reduction ratio of the model image is at or below a predetermined threshold;
• generating a model template for each of the model images by reducing the model image using the corresponding representative reduction ratio;
• and
• outputting the model template generated together with the corresponding representative reduction ratio.