Image Processing Device Character Area Specification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing technologies fail to accurately specify character areas in images with large variable-density differences, leading to incorrect identification of character areas.
Innovation Solution
An image processing device and method that specifies corners of edges as feature points, obtains areas with aligned feature points, and combines adjacent areas to accurately identify character areas using a graph cut method, even in images with significant variable-density differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If edge detection is performed using variable density in photograph areas, then character areas can be specified, but when variable-density difference is large, the photograph area is not specified accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The image processing method segments the image into multiple color components (e.g., red, green, blue channels) and processes each component separately to detect edges. By dividing the image into regions based on edge density and processing characteristics, the method can accurately identify photograph areas even when overall variable-density difference is large, thus resolving the contradiction between character area specification accuracy and photograph area specification reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies different processing strategies to different regions of the image based on local characteristics. Photograph areas are identified by their high edge density and specific color distribution patterns, while character areas are detected by their distinct edge alignment patterns. This local differentiation allows accurate specification of both photograph and character areas simultaneously, overcoming the limitation caused by large variable-density differences
2Device complexity
If area specification is based on edge amount threshold, then processing is simplified, but character areas cannot be specified when variable-density difference is large
Solution Approach 1:
The method performs preliminary classification of image regions into photograph areas and character areas based on edge density and color characteristics before detailed character area specification. This preliminary action creates a structured framework that guides subsequent processing, maintaining simplicity while improving accuracy by preventing misclassification of regions with large variable-density differences
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces additional dimensional criteria beyond simple edge amount threshold, including edge orientation alignment, color component analysis, and spatial distribution patterns. By evaluating regions across multiple dimensions, the method can distinguish character areas from photograph areas even when edge density alone is insufficient, thus improving detection accuracy without significantly increasing processing complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an image processing device capable of specifying a character area included in an image even if a variable-density difference in an area included in the image other than the character area is large. A feature point specifying unit specifies corners of edges in a target image as feature points. An area obtaining unit obtains, based on a specified result of the feature point specifying unit, an area including a plurality of feature points aligned in a substantially straight line. A character area specifying unit specifies a character area in the target image based on the area obtained by the area obtaining unit.