Image Processing Apparatus Blending Thinning and Smoothing Units

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image processing technologies face challenges in simultaneously performing thinning and smoothing processing on images, as the two processes have different objectives and require distinct edge detection criteria, making it difficult to achieve independent and effective processing.

Innovation Solution

An image processing apparatus and method that includes a smoothing processing unit, a thinning processing unit, an edge direction determination unit, and a blending processing unit, which determine pixel values by combining the results of smoothing and thinning processing based on edge direction and positional relationships between pixels, allowing for independent execution of both processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If common templates are used for both smoothing processing and thinning processing, then unified processing can be achieved, but the processing cannot be independently switched and appropriate processing results cannot be obtained because judgment criteria differ

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing switching capabilityVSAvoidprocessing result accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the processing system into separate smoothing processing unit and thinning processing unit, each with its own independent templates and judgment criteria. This segmentation allows each processing type to operate independently with optimized parameters, resolving the contradiction between unified processing and independent switching capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The blending processing unit serves as a universal component that receives outputs from both smoothing and thinning processing units and combines them appropriately. This multi-functional unit enables the system to achieve both unified processing output and independent processing paths, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If thinning processing and smoothing processing are performed simultaneously using the same template, then processing efficiency is improved, but unexpected results occur because pixels belonging to both straight line portions and oblique line portions cannot be properly handled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidprocessing result reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different processing characteristics to different regions by using separate templates optimized for specific processing types. The smoothing template focuses on oblique line portions while the thinning template focuses on straight line portions, ensuring each region receives appropriate processing and avoiding unexpected results from conflicting operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The blending processing unit acts as an intermediary that combines the results of smoothing and thinning processing. It receives change amounts from both processing units and integrates them to produce the final pixel values, ensuring reliable results while maintaining processing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If switching between smoothing processing and thinning processing is performed without newly preparing templates, then operation convenience is improved, but appropriate processing results cannot be obtained because judgment criteria differ

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing switching convenienceVSAvoidedge detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the template system into dedicated smoothing templates and thinning templates, each with optimized judgment criteria for their specific processing type. This segmentation maintains high detection accuracy for each processing mode while allowing convenient switching between modes through the blending unit that combines their results.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9008456B2Image processing apparatus having a thinning unit and a smoothing unit, and image processing method

Publication Date: 2015.04.14 KONICA MINOLTA BUSINESS TECH INC

AI summary

An image processing apparatus includes a smoothing processing unit which performs smoothing processing, a thinning processing unit which performs thinning processing, an edge direction determination unit which determines an edge direction with respect to each pixel of the image data and a blending processing unit which decides a pixel value of each pixel of when the thinning processing and the smoothing processing are realized at same time. In the image processing apparatus, the blending processing unit decides a pixel value of a target pixel of when the thinning processing and the smoothing processing are realized at the same time depending on a combination of whether the thinning processing is performed or not and whether the smoothing processing is performed or not on the target pixel.