Image Processing Device Punched Hole Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing systems fail to accurately detect and eliminate images of punched holes from documents when the hole protrudes beyond the detection area, leading to incomplete removal due to incorrect ratio calculations in the main-scanning and sub-scanning directions.
Innovation Solution
An image processing method that involves obtaining image data, specifying pixels corresponding to the hole outline, determining the hole orientation, and extending the enclosing area in the opposite direction to accurately identify and separate the punched hole image, even when it protrudes, by adjusting the processing-target areas to ensure complete detection and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the detection area is limited to a predetermined range within the document boundary, then the processing complexity is reduced and detection speed is improved, but punched holes that protrude beyond the detection area cannot be fully detected leading to incomplete removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection within the limited detection area to identify punched holes, then proactively extends the detection area beyond the document boundary in the opposite direction of the hole orientation. This preliminary action within the safe zone followed by targeted extension ensures complete detection while maintaining efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection area is made dynamic by extending it in the opposite direction of the hole orientation based on detected level changes. The extension distance and direction are adjusted dynamically according to the hole's position and orientation, allowing the system to adapt to different punched hole scenarios while maintaining detection accuracy.
2Reliability
If the detection area is extended to cover the entire image, then all punched holes are fully detected, but the processing time and computational load increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection process into two phases: initial detection within the limited detection area to identify potential punched holes, and subsequent targeted extension only in the necessary direction and distance. This segmentation avoids processing the entire image while ensuring complete detection of protruding holes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by extending the detection area only in the opposite direction of the hole orientation and only by the necessary distance to capture the protruding portion. This avoids the excessive action of processing the entire image while still achieving complete detection of the punched hole.
3Reliability
If the detection area is extended in all directions, then complete coverage is achieved, but the area to be processed increases unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetry by extending the detection area only in the opposite direction of the hole orientation rather than uniformly in all directions. This asymmetric extension based on hole orientation ensures complete coverage of protruding portions while minimizing the added processing area.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection area extension is applied locally and selectively based on the specific hole orientation and position. Each detected punched hole triggers a localized extension in its specific opposite direction, rather than a global expansion of the detection area, thus minimizing unnecessary processing regions.
Data Source
AI summary
A first area, which includes a group of pixels with a first color, is specified. The first color corresponds to a color of an outline of a hole image in an image represented by image data. A second area corresponding to the hole image is determined. The second area is the first area larger than a first size when the first area is separated from four ends of the image. The second area is the first area larger than a second size when the first area is in contact with at least one of the four ends of the image. The second size is smaller than the first size.