Image Processing Apparatus Folding Line Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image processing techniques require significant computation to remove folding lines in scanned images and are limited in applicability, especially when the folding line is not parallel to the scanner direction.
Innovation Solution
An image processing method that identifies candidate pixels with significant brightness variation in one direction and determines a region with a high number of such pixels in a perpendicular direction, using sub-sampling and morphological dilation to generate an output image free from the folding line with reduced computation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional techniques estimate heights from scan plane to correct distortion, then folding line removal is achieved, but computation time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential characteristic of folding lines (brightness variation in horizontal direction) while discarding unnecessary computational steps related to height estimation and complex distortion correction. This selective extraction approach removes folding lines effectively without requiring the full conventional processing pipeline.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of performing complete height estimation and distortion correction for the entire image, the patent applies partial action by focusing only on detecting brightness variations in the horizontal direction and identifying regions where folding lines are likely present, then removing only those specific regions.
2Reliability
If conventional techniques are used for folding line removal, then processing is effective for parallel folding lines, but applicability is limited to specific orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal folding line detection method that works regardless of folding line orientation by detecting brightness variations in the horizontal direction. This approach is applicable to folding lines at any angle, making the system versatile for different scanning scenarios without requiring orientation-specific processing.
3Reliability
If the entire image is processed to remove folding lines, then complete removal is achieved, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image processing into distinct steps: first detecting candidate pixels with horizontal brightness variation, then identifying regions where these pixels concentrate, and finally removing only those regions. This segmentation allows complete folding line removal while reducing overall computational complexity by avoiding unnecessary processing of the entire image.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing method includes determining one or more candidate pixels having variation of brightness in a first direction, among a plurality of pixels constituting an input image, the variation of brightness exceeding a first reference value, determining a certain region in which the total number of candidate pixels existing in a row of pixels in a second direction different from the first direction exceeds a second reference value, and generating an output image free from the determined certain region.