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Automated Image Processing for Coin Grading#

Client Overview#

Faced with a huge increase in demand, Professional Coin Grading Services (PCGS) needed to automate the image manipulation portion of their value chain. Manual image processing was becoming a bottleneck preventing them from scaling their operations.

The Challenge#

PCGS required automation of complex image processing workflows that involved:

  • Irregular Shape Processing: Coins come in various shapes and sizes, requiring specialized cropping algorithms
  • Orientation Detection: Automatically determining obverse vs reverse sides of coins
  • Quality Assessment: Selecting the best images from multiple captures
  • Standardization: Rotating coins into consistent, upright positions for cataloging
  • Volume Processing: Handling massive throughput while maintaining quality standards

Technical Solution#

Positronic created purpose-built state-of-the-art computer vision technology that programmatically completed all image manipulation routines previously requiring manual human processing.

Irregular-Shaped Cropping#

  • Novel Mathematical Routines: Generated new algorithms to programmatically crop irregularly shaped coins
  • Adaptive Processing: Handled coins of varying shapes, sizes, and edge conditions
  • Precision Engineering: Maintained exact boundaries required for grading standards

Automated Classification#

  • Obverse/Reverse Detection: Built machine learning models to classify coin sides automatically
  • Best Image Selection: Developed algorithms to evaluate and select optimal images from multiple captures
  • Quality Metrics: Implemented automated quality assessment for image clarity and completeness

Orientation Correction#

  • Rotation Algorithms: Created systems to automatically rotate coins into upright positions
  • Reference Point Detection: Identified key features for determining proper orientation
  • Consistency Standards: Ensured uniform presentation across the entire catalog

Impact#

The automated image processing system delivered significant operational improvements:

  • 40% Processing Time Reduction: Dramatically accelerated image processing workflows through automation
  • Eliminated Human Error: Removed inconsistencies and mistakes from manual image manipulation
  • Eliminated Manual Bottlenecks: Removed human image processing requirements from the workflow
  • Increased Throughput: Enabled PCGS to handle dramatically increased demand without proportional staffing
  • Maintained Quality: Preserved grading standards while accelerating processing
  • Enabled Scaling: Created foundation for continued growth without operational constraints

Technical Innovations#

Mathematical Algorithm Development#

  • Created novel approaches to irregular shape processing
  • Developed proprietary cropping techniques for non-standard geometries
  • Built optimization algorithms for processing efficiency

Machine Learning Implementation#

  • Trained classification models for coin orientation and quality assessment
  • Implemented automated decision-making for image selection
  • Developed performance metrics for continuous improvement

Production System Architecture#

  • Designed for high-volume, continuous operation
  • Built fault-tolerant processing pipelines
  • Implemented monitoring and quality control systems

Technical Expertise Demonstrated#

This project required sophisticated capabilities in:

  • Computer Vision: Advanced image processing and analysis techniques
  • Algorithm Development: Creating novel mathematical solutions for unique problems
  • Machine Learning: Training and deploying classification models
  • System Architecture: Building robust, scalable processing pipelines
  • Quality Assurance: Implementing automated testing and validation systems

Connection to LIT Platform#

The technical depth demonstrated in this automation project directly informs LIT Platform's capabilities:

  • Workflow Automation: Understanding how AI can eliminate manual bottlenecks
  • Custom Algorithm Development: Building specialized solutions when off-the-shelf tools aren't sufficient
  • Production System Design: Creating robust, scalable AI infrastructure
  • Performance Optimization: Ensuring systems operate efficiently at scale

Need to automate complex workflows in your organization? Schedule a consultation to discuss how AI can eliminate bottlenecks and enable scaling.