Isolated Pixel Correction Using Edge Reference Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image analyzing apparatuses require a long time to convert isolated black pixels to white pixels due to the need to check all surrounding pixels, which hampers efficiency in image processing.
Innovation Solution
An image analyzing apparatus that uses reference data to determine if edge pixels of a pixel block have neighboring pixels outside the block, allowing for rapid correction of isolated black pixels to white pixels by referencing pre-defined patterns and data stored in memory, reducing the need for extensive pixel checks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If all eight surrounding pixels are checked to determine whether a black pixel is isolated, then the accuracy of isolated pixel detection is improved, but the processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pixel block into edge pixels and inner pixels, applying different processing rules to each segment. Edge pixels are checked against reference data indicating whether they have outside neighbors, while inner pixels are automatically determined to be isolated if all their neighbors within the block are of the same type. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by reducing the number of checks needed while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-calculates and stores reference data for each pixel arrangement pattern, indicating which edge pixels need to be checked for outside neighbors. This preliminary action eliminates the need to perform exhaustive checks during actual processing, thereby reducing processing time while preserving detection accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If a conventional method checks all surrounding pixels for each black pixel, then complete accuracy is achieved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments pixels into edge and inner categories, applying optimized processing to each. Inner pixels are processed quickly using local neighborhood information, while edge pixels use pre-computed reference data. This segmentation enables high-speed processing without sacrificing conversion accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Reference data is pre-computed and stored for all possible pixel arrangement patterns. During actual image processing, the system simply queries this pre-computed data rather than performing exhaustive checks, dramatically improving productivity while maintaining accuracy.
3Reliability
If extensive pixel checks are performed to ensure accurate isolated pixel identification, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the processing algorithm by segmenting pixels into edge and inner groups with different processing rules. This segmentation reduces algorithmic complexity while maintaining reliable identification, as each segment has a straightforward processing approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-computes reference data that encodes the complex logic of neighbor checking. This preliminary action transfers complexity from the runtime processing algorithm to the pre-processing stage, making the actual isolated pixel identification simple and reliable.
Data Source
AI summary
Plural pieces of reference data are stored for plural pixel arrangement patterns. Each piece of reference data indicates which of first-type edge pixels needs to be subjected to determination to determine whether an outside neighboring first-type pixel adjacent to the first-type edge pixel exists. A piece of reference data corresponding to a target pixel block is specified as target reference data. A reference-data-based judgment is executed on the target pixel block to perform the determination onto those first-type edge pixels that are indicated by the target reference data as need to be subjected to the determination. A correction is executed on the target pixel block to correct the type of at least one first-type pixel contained in the target pixel block into the second type in a case where a result of the reference-data-based judgment indicates that no outside neighboring first-type pixel exists with respect to the target pixel block.