Principal Directorate Patent Grant Automation - Directorate Classification
Project: C474
Subject: Image analysis
Comments
Ref.
IPC range: G06T 7/00
Date: 10-Feb-2016
Annex 51: Rapporteur report, 31-01-2016
Annex 52: Rapporteur proposal, scheme, 31-01-2016
Annex 53: Rapporteur proposal, definitions, 31-01-2016
EP would like to thank GB for the elaborate new proposals.
Regarding Annex 52, scheme:
for motion estimation over a hierarchy of resolutions).
G06T 7/143
Presumably square brackets are intended.
Calibration of the cameras” instead of “Calibration aspects relating to the control of a
stereoscopic camera”. This title is also reflected in the definition of G06T 7/80. As a reason
for the amendment in the title of H04N 13/246, the requirement to use the plural form is
given.
EP requests the title to be changed to “Calibration aspects relating to the control of
stereoscopic cameras”.
“Camera calibration” is unfortunately an expression used in the field of image analysis as
well as in that of cameras, however with a different meaning. Considering the referencing to
both fields, EP considers it imperative that the titles and consequently the references are as
clear as possible. The title of G06T 7/80 and the previous title of H04N13/246 reflect this, as
it is clear that the former relates to pure image analysis on captured images, whereas the
latter relates to the control of a camera. However by generalising the title of H04N 13/246
an unnecessary overlap between both fields is created.
Regarding Annex 53, definitions:
G06T7/00
Re. “This group covers”
It is suggested to adapt the definition of “image analysis” under “This groups covers” to the
corresponding definition under “Glossary of terms” as suggested by the rapporteur.
However in both cases the expression “useful” should better be deleted as whether the
determined information is useful or not does not specify the computational analysis in any
way:
Computational analysis of images to determine useful information like
parameters or characteristics therefrom
It would also appear that a statement corresponding to the proposed group G06T7/80 is
missing:
Analysis of captured images to determine intrinsic or extrinsic
camera parameters, i.e. camera calibration
Re. “Examples of places where the subject matter of this class is covered when specially
adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system”
EPO considers the formulation of the references using “Analysis of ...” or “Image analysis
and processing ...” misleading as it appears to limit the referenced groups to analysis or
image processing. Following the Guidelines for the revision of the IPC, paragraph 33
(“References must be carefully checked as regards the scope of the place referred to. In
particular, it is not allowed to refer out subject matter that is not clearly covered by the
place referred to, since the wording of a reference to a place should never appear to affect
the scope of that place”), it thus suggested to use the titles of the referenced groups as
given in the IPC as far as possible.
In addition, EPO would like to suggest a reference to G06K9/00.
Analysis of Computer Tomograph (CT) scans
Computerised tomographs
Image analysis and processing for Magnetic Resonance Imaging
(MRI) systems
Signal processing systems for NMR imaging systems
Methods or arrangements for reading or recognising printed or
written characters or for recognising patterns
Image analysis and processing associated with the scanning,
transmission or reproduction of documents or the like
Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like
A61B 6/03
Image analysis and processing performed in solid state image
sensors
Transforming light or analogous information into electric
information using solid-state image sensors
Analysis of stereoscopic images
Stereoscopic television systems
H04N 5/335
Image analysis to facilitate coding, decoding, compressing or
decompressing digital video signals
Methods or arrangements for coding, decoding, compressing or
decompressing digital video signals
H04N 19/00
G01R 33/54
G06K 9/00
H04N 1/00
H04N 13/00
Re “Glossary of terms”
The definition of “Feature” appears to contain a typographical error:
"Feature"
a significant image region or pixel with certain characteristics;
a feature point, landmark, edge, corner, segment, blob; typically
determined by image operators;
EPO wonders if it is necessary to still define the term “Image inspection”, since the
corresponding group is no longer proposed.
G06T7/10
EP would like to suggest adding two further application references (“Example of places
where the subject matter of this group is covered when specifically adapted ...”)
Quantising the analogue image signal, e.g. histogram thresholding G06K 9/38
for discrimination between background and foreground patterns,
for pattern recognition
Method and arrangements for recognition using electronic means,
e.g. variational models such as active contours, active shapes or
active appearance models, for pattern recognition
G06K 9/62
G06T7/30
EP would like to suggest the following application reference (“Example of places where the
subject matter of this group is covered when specifically adapted ...”)
Methods and arrangement for recognition using electronic means, G06K 9/62
e.g. image matching, for pattern recognition
G06T7/80
In view of the clear definition provided by the rapporteur for the meaning of “camera
calibration” under G06T7, it appears that a sub-group for “stereo camera calibration” as
proposed earlier could be re-introduced. EPO still considers such sub-groups valuable for
search. Moreover, EPO does not perceive such group any more application-oriented than
G06T7/80, since images from stereo camera arrangements may be analysed for intrinsic or
extrinsic parameters just like images from monoscopic cameras, using dedicated image
analysis algorithms.
Considering all comments above relating to G06T 7/80 into account and if EP’s suggestion
for the title of H04N13/246 is accepted, the reference to the latter group should be
informative.
Other matter
EP has posted a French version of the scheme. In the IPC (cf. G06K 9/34) the expression
“segmentation” is translated with ”découpage”. Hence for consistency reasons this
translation has been used for the French version of the scheme. However, according to
French speaking experts in the field, this term is not used in the art. Instead they suggest
using the term “segmentation” instead. Feedback on the issue by the French speaking
offices would be appreciated.
[AE, PJN]