Seal Removal Image Processing via Color Ratio Synthesis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing systems face challenges in accurately removing seal components from input images, which hinders efficient data conversion of business forms, especially when seals overlap with characters, leading to incorrect character recognition.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that includes modules for acquiring and detecting seal areas, calculating seal color ratios, generating background information, and synthesizing pixels to remove seal components from input images, thereby producing a seal removal image that isolates characters from seals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a seal is stamped on a character to be recognized, then the character may not be recognized correctly, but completely removing the seal may also remove parts of the character
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by calculating seal color ratios specifically for pixels within the detected seal area, rather than processing the entire image uniformly. The seal removal operation is localized to the seal area only, preserving characters outside this region while selectively removing seal components within it. This localized approach prevents character loss while eliminating seal interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters by calculating the seal color ratio (a quantitative parameter) for each pixel in the seal area, using this ratio as a threshold to determine whether to replace pixel values. By dynamically adjusting the replacement decision based on the calculated color ratio parameter, the system accurately distinguishes seal components from character components, removing seals while preserving characters even in overlapping regions.
2Productivity
If traditional seal removal methods are used, then seal components can be removed, but the removal accuracy is insufficient and may affect character integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by first detecting the seal area and calculating seal color ratios for all pixels within this area before executing the seal removal operation. This preliminary analysis allows the system to identify exactly which pixels belong to the seal and should be removed, versus which pixels contain character information that must be preserved. This preparatory step ensures high removal accuracy while maintaining character integrity, thereby improving overall data conversion efficiency.
3Measurement precision
If the seal area is processed to remove seals, then character recognition can be improved, but additional processing steps increase system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the image processing into distinct stages: seal area detection, seal color ratio calculation for pixels within the seal area, and selective seal removal based on the calculated ratios. This segmented approach breaks down the complex task of seal removal while preserving characters into manageable, sequential steps. Each segment focuses on a specific aspect of the problem, making the overall system more tractable and easier to implement while achieving high character recognition accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an image processing apparatus, a control method, and a control program for more accurately removing the seal component from the input image including the seal. An image processing apparatus includes an acquisition module to acquire an input image, a detection module to detect a seal area corresponding to a seal in the input image, a calculation module to calculate a seal color ratio for each pixel in the seal area, a background information generating module to generate background information, a seal removal image generating module to generate a seal removal image acquired by removing a seal component from the input image, by synthesizing each pixel in the seal area and the background information corresponding to each pixel, based on the seal color ratio, and an output module to output the seal removal image or information generated using the seal removal image.