Character Pixel Extraction Using Index Value and Density Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image processing technologies face challenges in extracting character pixels from target images with high precision due to insufficient information considered for extraction.

Innovation Solution

An image processing apparatus that acquires target image data, determines an index value related to the number of character pixels, and sets extraction conditions to precisely extract character pixels using a processor and memory with computer-readable instructions, adjusting extraction ranges based on character code information and pixel density analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If character pixels are extracted using only character color value, background color value and sharpness feature value, then the extraction process is simple, but the extraction precision is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextraction process complexityVSAvoidcharacter pixel extraction precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces multiple new parameters for character pixel extraction: index value (relating to the number of character pixels), extraction condition (determined by the index value), and the actual number of extracted pixels. These parameter changes enable more precise control over the extraction process, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and precision by adding structured parameters that guide the extraction algorithm more effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If more information is considered for character pixel extraction, then extraction precision improves, but the processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharacter pixel extraction precisionVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the extraction process into distinct stages: first acquiring the index value from character code information, then determining extraction conditions based on this index value, and finally extracting pixels that satisfy these conditions. This segmentation of the processing steps allows for systematic handling of multiple information elements without overwhelming complexity, as each stage builds upon the previous one in a structured manner.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary action by acquiring the index value and determining extraction conditions before actually extracting the character pixels. This preliminary preparation of extraction criteria based on character code information and index values ensures that the subsequent pixel extraction is precise and targeted, reducing the need for complex post-processing or iterative adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10521686B2Image processing apparatus, information processing method and storage medium for generating an image file by extracting character pixels of a target image
Publication Date: 2019.12.31 BROTHER KOGYO KK
  • US10521686B2 patent drawing
  • US10521686B2 patent drawing
  • US10521686B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An image processing apparatus including: a processor; and memory storing computer-readable instructions therein, the computer-readable instructions, when executed by the processor, causing the image processing apparatus to perform: acquiring target image data configured by a plurality of pixels and representing a target image including a character; acquiring a character code corresponding to the character in the target image; acquiring an index value relating to a number of a plurality of character pixels configuring the character in the target image by using the character code corresponding to the character in the target image; determining a first extraction condition by using the index value; and extracting the plurality of character pixels satisfying the first extraction condition from the plurality of pixels in the target image.