Image Processing Spatial Filter Band Division Pixel Thinning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing techniques, such as band and block processing, face inefficiencies due to increased memory requirements and the need for larger reference areas to handle image blurs and noise, leading to higher numbers of transfer pixels, especially when dealing with large image sizes or high noise levels.
Innovation Solution
The method involves thinning out reference pixels in the spatial filter processing area, allowing for reduced memory capacity and decreased transfer pixels by dividing image data into bands or blocks with overlapping areas, while maintaining sufficient blur correction performance for low-frequency components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the reference area of the spatial filter is widened to correct image blur or remove noise, then the blur correction performance is improved, but the total number of transfer pixels increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image data into multiple bands in the sub-scanning direction, processing each band separately. This segmentation allows the spatial filter to operate on smaller subsets of data, reducing the total number of transfer pixels while maintaining adequate reference areas within each band for effective blur correction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces band division in the sub-scanning direction as an additional dimension of processing organization. By structuring data into bands rather than processing the entire image at once, the system reduces memory access requirements and transfer pixel count while preserving the spatial relationships needed for blur correction
2Volume of stationary object
If band processing or block processing is used to reduce memory capacity, then the memory requirement is reduced, but the total number of transfer pixels increases due to overlapping areas at boundaries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different processing strategies to different regions: within each band, the spatial filter uses a reference area that may overlap with the next band, but the overlap is controlled and minimized. This local quality approach ensures adequate reference pixels at band boundaries while avoiding excessive duplication across the entire image
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows partial overlapping of reference areas at band boundaries to ensure sufficient reference pixels for accurate spatial filtering, but limits the extent of overlap to minimize redundant processing. This partial action approach balances the need for adequate reference data with the goal of reducing total transfer pixels
Data Source
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AI summary
An image processing apparatus (Fig.1) divides an input image into a plurality of band area images, stores the respective band area images in a band memory, and performs image processing. The apparatus comprises: storage means (110) for storing filter coefficients having a two-dimensional reference area of M pixels in a first direction and N pixels in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; and spatial filter means (230) for applying, to the band area image stored in the band memory, a spatial filter using the filter coefficients. The filter coefficients are set as the filter coefficients so as to refer to pixels for every K pixels in the second direction, and the spatial filter means sequentially applies the spatial filter to the band area image K times in the second direction.