Run-Length Image Thinning to Prevent Whiskers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for thinning run-length encoded binary images are prone to producing abnormalities such as whiskers and are not efficient in processing speed.
Innovation Solution
A method that detects a target run group in the binary image, shortens the run length of specific runs to reduce abnormalities, and performs a predetermined thinning process to enhance processing speed and image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If line thinning in the left-and-right direction is performed first on run-length encoded binary image, then processing speed is increased, but abnormalities such as whiskers occur more frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The thinning process is segmented into two distinct phases: first performing line thinning in the left-and-right direction on the run-length encoded data, then performing line thinning of the entire image. This segmentation allows each phase to optimize for its specific purpose while maintaining overall image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The run-length encoding is performed as a preliminary action before thinning, and the line thinning in the left-and-right direction is performed first as a preparatory step. This preliminary processing organizes the data in a way that enables faster subsequent processing while controlling abnormality formation
2Productivity
If conventional thinning methods are used on run-length encoded binary images, then processing can be performed, but the occurrence of abnormalities such as whiskers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the processing parameters by performing line thinning of the entire image after the initial left-and-right direction thinning. This parameter change in the processing sequence and methodology reduces the formation of abnormalities like whiskers while maintaining processing capability
Data Source
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AI summary
A thinning method includes a step of detecting a target run group as a specific run group in a run-length encoded binary image in which a run representing a pattern is designated as a target run, wherein the target run group represents a linear region crossing a left-and-right direction corresponding to a run length and includes target runs sequentially connected to one another in an up-and-down direction, and a step of acquiring a run-length encoded partially-thinned image by shortening a run length of the specific run group. For shortening the run length of the specific run group, in the specific run group, a run length of each target run included in both end portions in the up-and-down direction becomes shorter as it gets positioned nearer to a center side and run lengths of target runs positioned between both the end portions become a set width.