Image Processing Apparatus for Reassembling Multi-Page Tables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing technologies fail to effectively restore a single table from divided pages of image data, particularly when tables are printed across multiple pages, leading to difficulties in reconnecting and reassembling the original table structure.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus comprising an extracting unit to separate tablespace images, a generating unit to create table structure data, a discrimination unit to assess connection possibilities between tables, and a restoring unit to determine and implement a connection sequence for reassembling the original table, utilizing object separation, layout analysis, and optical character recognition to reconnect tables based on their structural and positional relationships.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If tables are divided across multiple pages for printing, then the table can be printed on available paper, but the original table structure cannot be restored from the divided pages
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis on each divided table section to extract structural features, connection possibilities, and positional relationships before reassembly. By preparing connection probability data and structural metadata in advance, the system enables accurate restoration without losing table structure information during the division process
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms by analyzing connection possibilities between adjacent tables and using this information to determine the correct reassembly sequence. The discrimination unit evaluates structural compatibility and positional relationships, providing feedback that guides the determination unit to restore the original table structure accurately
2Ease of operation
If tables are separated into multiple pages, then printing becomes feasible, but reconnecting the tables becomes complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the table restoration process into distinct functional units: extraction of tablespace images, generation of table structure data, discrimination of connection possibilities, determination of connection sequences, and actual restoration. This segmentation makes the complex reconnection process manageable and systematic
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces intermediary data structures including table structure data, connection possibility data, and connection sequence information. These intermediaries facilitate the reconnection process by providing structured information about how divided tables should be reassembled, reducing errors and simplifying operations
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes an extracting unit that extracts each tablespace image from each page of image data containing plural pages read by a document reading device, a generating unit that generates each table structure data of the tables from each tablespace image extracted by the extracting unit, a discrimination unit that discriminates a connection possibility between the tables based on table structure data of the tables of each page generated by the generating unit, a determination unit that determines a connection sequence for restoring an original table by connecting each of the tables based on the connection possibility between the tables discriminated by the discrimination unit, and a restoring unit that restores data on a single table before division by connecting each of the tables based on the connection sequence determined by the determination unit.