Edge Pixel Specification Using Minimum and Maximum Component Values
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing techniques struggle to accurately specify edge pixels, particularly when the color of edge pixels and their background are similar, leading to reduced accuracy in edge detection.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that generates first and second image data by considering the minimum and maximum component values of pixel values, respectively, to identify edge pixels, and combines these to accurately specify edge pixels in the target image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If binarized RGB image data is combined by logical AND operation to extract character images, then character image extraction is reliable, but edge pixels may be omitted depending on color combination between edge pixels and background
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the edge detection process into three independent components: minimum component image processing, maximum component image processing, and luminance image processing. Each component processes different aspects of pixel data independently, then combines results to achieve complete edge detection without omitting edge pixels due to color similarities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite edge detection approach by combining results from three different image processing methods (minimum component, maximum component, and luminance). This composite approach ensures that edge pixels are detected regardless of their color relationship with the background, overcoming the limitations of single-method binarization.
2Device complexity
If conventional binarization methods are used for edge detection, then processing is simple, but accuracy degrades when edge pixel colors are similar to background colors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides edge detection into three separate processing streams that operate in parallel: minimum component analysis, maximum component analysis, and luminance analysis. This segmentation allows each stream to focus on specific pixel characteristics, improving accuracy while maintaining processing efficiency through modular operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional edge detection system that handles various color combinations universally. By processing minimum components, maximum components, and luminance values simultaneously, the system adapts to different color scenarios (black text on white background, colored text on colored background, etc.) without requiring separate processing paths.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus performs: acquiring target image data representing a target image and including a plurality of pixel values each having a plurality of component values; generating first image data including a plurality of first pixel values each being related to a minimum value among the plurality of component values of corresponding one of the plurality of pixel values; specifying a plurality of first edge pixels using the first image data; generating second image data including a plurality of second pixel values each being related to a maximum value among the plurality of component values of corresponding one of the plurality of pixel values; specifying a plurality of second edge pixels using the second image data; and specifying a plurality of edge pixels using the plurality of first edge pixels and the plurality of second edge pixels, the plurality of edge pixels constituting an edge in the target image.