Bitmap Image Processing with Segmented Pixel Bit Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing techniques, such as those described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. H10-240482(1998), fail to effectively store information on images with multiple colors, particularly in cases like a black character on an intermediate color background, leading to reduced resolution or loss of background information, which can result in illegible characters and misrepresentation of intended document content.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that converts bitmap format image data into a bit pattern, storing shape information and color information using a bit pattern that specifies each pixel's correspondence to multiple kinds of pixels, with a smaller number of bits than the total number of pixels, allowing for efficient representation of edge and solid areas with varying resolution and color precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If image data is stored in bitmap format with high resolution, then sharp output results are achieved, but memory usage increases and processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bitmap image into multiple kinds of pixels (first kind, second kind, third kind) based on their characteristics. This segmentation allows different processing methods to be applied to different pixel types, reducing overall processing complexity while maintaining output sharpness for critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by treating different pixel types with different processing approaches. First kind pixels (edge areas) receive high-resolution processing to maintain sharpness, while second and third kind pixels (solid areas) use simplified processing, optimizing the balance between output quality and processing complexity.
2Loss of information
If intermediate color background information is preserved, then document fidelity is improved, but data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments pixels into different kinds based on their role in the image. By identifying and separately processing pixels with intermediate colors (second kind pixels), the system preserves background color information while applying simplified processing methods that reduce overall processing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by preserving full color information for second kind pixels (intermediate color background) while using different processing approaches for first kind pixels (edge areas). This ensures document fidelity is maintained for background areas without unnecessarily increasing processing complexity across the entire image.
3Manufacturing precision
If high-resolution bitmap data is used, then character legibility is improved, but memory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image data into multiple kinds of pixels, allowing high-resolution storage only for first kind pixels (edge areas containing characters) while using more compact representations for second and third kind pixels (solid areas). This segmentation maintains character legibility while reducing overall memory usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by allocating high-resolution data storage specifically to areas where it matters most (edge areas with characters) while using simplified storage methods for solid areas. This optimizes the balance between character legibility and memory requirements by applying different quality levels to different regions.
Data Source
AI summary
An object of the present invention is to implement a bit pattern capable of specifying a plurality of colors while storing information on a shape. The present invention is an image processing apparatus that converts image data in a bitmap format into data including a bit pattern, the apparatus including: a creation unit configured to create, based on pixel values of pixels within an image area of a predetermined size within the image data, the bit pattern storing shape information on the image area, which specifies to which of a plurality of kinds of pixel each pixel within the image area corresponds, and color information on the image area, which specifies a number of colors in accordance with a kind of pixel specified by the shape information, and the number in accordance with a kind of pixel specified by the shape information is smaller than a total number of pixels within the image area.