Dynamic Color-Monochrome Classification for Image Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image processing systems face challenges in accurately determining whether an input image is color or monochrome, particularly when small chromatic areas are present, leading to potential image voids during copy reproduction and inefficient transmission compression.
Innovation Solution
An image processing system that includes a determining unit capable of switching between two different determination rules for color/monochrome classification based on the intended use of the image, either for recording on a medium or for transmission, allowing for more precise classification and optimized processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single determination rule is used for both copy reproduction and transmission, then the system complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision and reliability of image processing deteriorate due to inaccurate color/monochrome classification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between two determination rules based on the intended use (copy reproduction or transmission). The determining unit selects the first determination rule for copy reproduction to ensure high reproducibility, and the second determination rule for transmission to optimize compression efficiency. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to maintain high classification precision for each specific application without requiring a permanently complex multi-rule system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the determination parameters (thresholds, criteria) based on the processing purpose. For copy reproduction, stricter thresholds are applied to avoid image voids, while for transmission, more lenient thresholds are used to maximize compression benefits. This parameter adaptation allows the system to achieve high manufacturing precision in image classification for each specific application context.
2Manufacturing precision
If the first determination rule is used for transmission compression, then image reproducibility for copy reproduction is improved, but transmission costs and transmission rate deteriorate due to inefficient compression of images with small chromatic areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects the determination rule based on the processing purpose. For transmission, the second determination rule is applied which is optimized for compression efficiency, allowing images with small chromatic areas to be correctly classified as monochrome and compressed accordingly. This resolves the contradiction by preventing the use of the overly strict first rule for transmission, thereby improving transmission rate without compromising reproducibility (since transmission and reproduction use different optimized rules respectively).
3Productivity
If the second determination rule is used for copy reproduction, then transmission costs and transmission rate are improved, but image reproducibility deteriorates due to image voids in chromatic areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between determination rules based on the intended use. For copy reproduction, the first determination rule is applied which prioritizes image reproducibility by using stricter criteria to avoid classifying color images as monochrome. This resolves the contradiction by preventing the use of the compression-optimized second rule for reproduction, thereby maintaining high image quality without compromising transmission rate (since transmission uses the optimized second rule).
4Manufacturing precision
If a single determination rule with high sensitivity is used, then image reproducibility is improved, but transmission efficiency deteriorates due to over-classification of color images
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts the determination rule based on the processing purpose. For transmission, the second determination rule is used which has lower sensitivity and is optimized for compression efficiency, reducing the number of false color classifications. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the high-sensitivity first rule to be used only for reproduction where it benefits reproducibility, while the lower-sensitivity second rule handles transmission where it reduces unnecessary color processing and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The determination parameters (sensitivity thresholds) are changed based on the processing purpose. The first rule uses stricter parameters for reproduction, while the second rule uses more lenient parameters optimized for transmission compression. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction by matching the sensitivity level to the specific application requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing system includes: an image recording unit configured to record an output image corresponding to an input image on a recording medium; an image compression unit configured to compress the input image for transmission; and a determining unit configured to determine whether the input image is a color image or a monochrome image according to a first determination rule if the output image is to be recorded on the recording medium, and determine whether the input image is the color image or the monochrome image according to a second determination rule different from the first determination rule if the input image is to be compressed for transmission.