Character Image Separation Using Luminance Path Calculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image processing techniques fail to effectively separate character images from complex images, especially when characters are overlapping or connected, due to limitations in defining accurate separation paths.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that calculates a separation path using a cumulative value of luminance values of pixels, where the path is determined to satisfy a predetermined condition, allowing for the separation of character images by iteratively converging paths and reducing the need for intermediate pixel data storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional image processing techniques are used to separate character images, then the process is simple, but the separation accuracy is poor especially for overlapping or connected characters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter for path evaluation from simple geometric distance to cumulative luminance values. By evaluating paths based on luminance characteristics rather than just pixel distance, the system achieves better separation accuracy for overlapping or connected characters while maintaining reasonable computational complexity through the use of luminance-based cost functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/geometric path-finding approaches with a luminance-based evaluation system. Instead of relying solely on spatial proximity or geometric algorithms, the system uses luminance values to guide path selection, enabling more accurate separation of characters with similar luminance characteristics.
2Measurement precision
If path calculation considers all possible paths, then separation accuracy improves, but data processing requirements and computation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by evaluating paths based on luminance criteria rather than exhaustively checking all possible paths. The system selects paths that satisfy predetermined luminance conditions, which reduces the search space and processing time while maintaining adequate separation accuracy for the given application.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the evaluation parameter from comprehensive path enumeration to luminance-based path selection, the system achieves a balance between accuracy and processing time. The luminance criterion serves as an effective filter that reduces the number of paths needing detailed analysis.
3Measurement precision
If intermediate pixel data is stored for path calculation, then path determination accuracy improves, but memory requirements and data processing load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary luminance information along the path rather than storing comprehensive intermediate pixel data. By focusing on cumulative luminance values along the separation path, the system achieves accurate path determination while minimizing data storage requirements and processing load.
Solution Approach 2:
The system discards unnecessary intermediate pixel data and retains only the cumulative luminance information needed for path evaluation. This selective data retention approach reduces memory requirements while preserving the essential information for accurate path determination.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes a receiving unit, a path calculation unit, and a separation unit. The receiving unit receives an image including at least a character image. The path calculation unit calculates a separation path in the image received by the receiving unit. The separation path is a line segment that separates a character image from the image. The separation unit separates the image received by the receiving unit into plural character images using a separation path calculated by the path calculation unit. The path calculation unit calculates a separation path within a predetermined range including a portion of a character image in the image so that a cumulative value of luminance values of pixels along the separation path satisfies a predetermined condition.