Image Processing Device Dynamic Binarization Grayscale Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing methods, such as those described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2007-266921, face challenges in balancing file size reduction with information loss, particularly when dealing with mixed document types, as they often resort to grayscale processing to maintain readability, resulting in large file sizes or significant information loss during simple binarization.
Innovation Solution
An image processing device and method that generate both grayscale and second evaluation images, calculate information loss based on gradation differences, and determine optimal processing to minimize file size while preventing information loss, incorporating techniques like resolution conversion, contrast adjustment, smoothing/sharpening, and gradation conversion to select between grayscale and binarization processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If simple binarization processing is performed to reduce file size, then file size is reduced, but information loss occurs and photographs become unreadable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of image processing method from fixed to dynamic selection. It introduces multiple processing modes (grayscale, binarization, and intermediate processing) and dynamically selects the appropriate mode based on the photographed object type. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to use binarization for text documents (reducing file size) while using grayscale for photographs (preserving information), thus optimizing both file size and information retention based on content characteristics.
2Loss of information
If grayscale processing is selected to maintain readability, then information loss is suppressed, but file size becomes very large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate processing mode between grayscale and binarization, and dynamically adjusts processing parameters based on the photographed object. For text documents, it selects binarization or intermediate processing with reduced gradation levels, significantly reducing file size while maintaining character readability. For photographs, it selects full grayscale processing to preserve image quality. This dynamic parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by optimizing the balance between file size and information retention based on content type.
3Ease of operation
If a fixed image processing method is used for all documents, then processing simplicity is maintained, but significant information loss occurs when documents are mixed types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed image processing method into a dynamic one that automatically adapts to different document types. It incorporates an object recognition mechanism that identifies whether the photographed content is text or photograph, and automatically selects the appropriate processing method (binarization for text, grayscale for photographs). This dynamic adaptation maintains processing simplicity from the user perspective while internally optimizing to prevent information loss for each document type.
4Ease of operation
If automatic document feeding is used to reduce user burden, then ease of operation is improved, but users become unconscious of document content and mix different document types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the image processing system automatically identifies and adapts to different document types without user intervention. The automatic document feeder continues to provide ease of operation by feeding multiple pages, while the embedded object recognition and adaptive processing system independently analyzes each page and applies the appropriate processing method. This self-service approach resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptable to mixed document types while maintaining the automated feeding convenience.
Data Source
AI summary
An information loss determiner in an image processing device determines whether character collapse has occurred in a simple binarized image. If character collapse has not occurred in the simple binarized image, an image processing determiner selects simple binarization processing as the image processing method of output image data. If character collapse has occurred in the simple binarized image, the process proceeds to photograph area size determination. If the ratio of a photograph area size is less than or equal to a predetermined value, the information loss determiner determines that character collapse has occurred in a posterization processed image. If character collapse has occurred in the posterization processed image, the image processing determiner selects grayscale processing. If character collapse has not occurred in the posterization processed image, the image processing determiner selects posterization processing.