Color Histogram-Based Non-Image Area Erasure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image processing apparatuses in image forming systems cannot accurately erase non-image areas in colored original manuscripts due to their inability to consider the colors of external light, leading to ineffective non-image area erasure.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that includes an image memory section, an external light memory section to store and form histograms by color, a judging section to calculate external light levels, and an area detecting section to determine a non-image area erase threshold based on these levels, allowing for accurate detection and erasure of non-image areas considering the color of external light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional image processing apparatus uses histogram based on monochrome density of external light to erase non-image area, then the apparatus can perform non-image area erasure function, but the apparatus cannot accurately erase non-image area in colored original manuscripts due to not considering colors of external light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the external light analysis by creating separate histograms for each color component (R, G, B channels) rather than using a single monochrome histogram. This allows independent analysis of color characteristics and enables accurate non-image area detection in colored originals by considering color-specific external light effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter basis from monochrome density to color-specific luminance values. By calculating external light levels based on luminance values from color histograms and using these to determine non-image area erase thresholds for each color channel, the system adapts to colored originals while maintaining detection accuracy.
2Ease of manufacture
If image processing apparatus uses monochrome histogram for non-image area erasure, then the processing method is simple, but the erasure accuracy deteriorates in colored original manuscripts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the histogram analysis into separate color channels (R, G, B) with individual histograms and threshold calculations. This segmentation maintains relative simplicity while significantly improving accuracy for colored originals, as each channel can be processed independently using established histogram methods adapted to color data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal color-based histogram processing framework that can handle both monochrome and colored originals. By using color luminance values and applying the same histogram analysis logic across multiple color channels, the system achieves multi-functionality without substantially increasing processing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An is an image processing apparatus including: an image memory section to store an image data obtained by reading an image of an original manuscript; an external light memory section to store a data of external light entering to a stage for the original manuscript and to form histograms of each color based on the data of external light; a judging section to calculate an external light level from a higher luminance by each color out of luminance values of a foot of a peak including a maximum frequency value measured on the histograms; and an area detecting section to determine a non-image area erase threshold based on the external light level, so as to detect an image area and to erase a non-image area.