Abstract: Methods and apparatus for encoding an image of an object into a binary signal involve the measurement of a preliminary view of the object in order to extract peak optical density information. That peak optical density information is then used to set the thresholds used for comparisons with video signals of the object to encode those video signals as binary signals. The methods and apparatus are also able to detect the offset of the object in the field of view from a standard position and to adjust the images of the objects being measured so that a predetermined "window" of the object is always being viewed.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a rotational angle of an objective pattern which involves calculating the area A and linear moments M.sub.x and M.sub.y of the pattern from binary picture elements formed after optically sensing the pattern. The picture elements are stored in the memory in binary form. The center of gravity of the objective pattern is calculated on the basis of the area A and the linear moments M.sub.x and M.sub.y, and a circular or ring-like search region (a window) is formed about that center of gravity. Thereafter, significant picture information in the search region is extracted from the picture information stored in the memory (in either an inverted or non-inverted state). The rotational angle of the objective pattern is then determined either by using a moment of inertia method or a inter two-gravity centers method calculation. The selection between the moment of inertia method and the inter two-gravity centers method can be performed by means of pre-set switch state information.

Abstract: A pattern rotation angle detecting system in which the angle of rotation of a pattern is detected according to the image data obtained by binary-coding and spatially-dividing the image signal of the pattern.

Abstract: A pattern discriminator receives scanning data obtained by raster scanning objects within predefined window regions with a photoelectric converter, converts the scanned data into pixel binary data by using a threshold value dependent upon the scanning position and window region and evaluates the binary data in accordance with predetermined criteria to produce an output signal indicative of the evaluation. A memory stores data which represents the window regions in a compressed arrangement indicating the ordinate and abscissa coordinates of the beginning and ending points or pixels of each window region location on each scanning line, along with corresponding information representing the particular threshold value to be used for each window region segment on each scanning line.

Abstract: A pattern checking device receives scanning data obtained by raster scanning objects within predefined window regions with a photoelectric converter, converts the scanned data into pixel binary data, and evaluates the binary data in accordance with predetermined criteria to produce an output signal indicative of the evaluation. The evaluation is performed in at least two steps. In the first step, a primary decision circuit compares individual data from each window region in a group to upper and lower thresholds, and outputs primary decision result signals for each window region. In the second step, a secondary decision circuit compares all the primary decision result signals for all the window regions in the group with previously stored decision data for the group, and outputs a pattern check signal indicating whether the pattern appearing in the group of window regions constitutes a good pattern.

Abstract: A pattern discriminator receives scanning data obtained by raster scanning objects within predefined window regions with a photoelectric converter, converts the scanned data into pixel binary data by using a threshold value dependent upon the scanning position and window region and evaluates the binary data in accordance with predetermined criteria to produce an output signal indicative of the evaluation. Data specifying the shapes of the desired window regions approximated by polygons is obtained by specifying the apexes of the polygons and a programmed CPU computes the coordinates of each picture element or pixel on the lines connecting adjacent apexes along each window region perimeter. A memory stores the apex and coordinate data which defines the starting and ending points of each window region. Polygonal masks within each window and sub-mask polygonal window regions within each mask can be defined in a similar manner.

Abstract: A pattern discriminator receives scanning data obtained by raster scanning objects within predefined window regions with a photoelectric converter, converts the scanned data into pixel binary data by using a threshold value dependent upon the scanning position and window region and evaluates the binary data in accordance with predetermined criteria to produce an output signal indicative of the evalution. Data specifying the shapes of the desired window regions approximated by polygons is obtained by specifying the apexes of the polygons and a programmed CPU computes the coordinates of each picture element or pixel on the lines connecting adjacent apexes along each window region perimeter. A memory stores the apex and coordinate data which defines the starting and ending points of each window region. Polygonal masks within each window and sub-mask polygonal window regions within each mask can be defined in a similar manner.

Abstract: A pattern discriminator receives scanning data obtained by raster scanning objects within predefined window regions with a photoelectric converter, converts the scanned data into pixel binary data by using a threshold value dependent upon the scanning position and window region and evaluates the binary data in accordance with predetermined criteria to produce an output signal indicative of the evaluation. A memory stores data which represents the window regions in a compressed arrangement indicating the ordinate and abscissa coordinates of the beginning and ending points or pixels of each window region location on each scanning line, along with corresponding information representing the particular threshold value to be used for each window region segment on each scanning line.