Single Color Background MRC Compression Using Segmented Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing Mixed Raster Content (MRC) file format uses lossy JPEG compression for image layers, leading to visible artifacts during regeneration, necessitating a method for lossless compression.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that segments an input document into an image layer and a text layer, generates a new text layer with a background color mask when the image layer has a single background color, and compresses both layers using binary compression schemes like JBIG2, integrating them into an MRC file format for efficient and artifact-free storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If JPEG compression is applied to the image layer, then file size is reduced, but compression artifacts are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image layer into multiple layers including a background layer and a foreground layer. The background layer contains uniform or gradient background regions, while the foreground layer contains text and graphical elements. This segmentation allows different compression strategies to be applied to different parts of the image, reducing artifacts in critical areas while maintaining compression efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different compression quality levels to different regions of the image. The background layer uses higher compression with acceptable quality since it's less critical, while the foreground layer maintains higher quality to preserve text and graphical element integrity. This local quality approach optimizes the overall balance between file size and perceived image quality.
2Manufacturing precision
If lossless compression is applied to the image layer, then image quality is preserved, but file size reduction is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the image into background and foreground layers, the patent can apply lossless or near-lossless compression to the foreground layer where quality is critical, while applying more aggressive compression to the background layer where some quality degradation is acceptable. This segmentation enables achieving both quality preservation and file size reduction simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite compression approach by combining multiple compression techniques applied to different layers. The background layer may use standard JPEG compression while the foreground layer uses lossless or near-lossless compression, creating a composite solution that leverages the strengths of both approaches to achieve optimal overall compression with minimal artifacts.
3Quantity of substance
If the image layer is segmented into multiple layers, then compression efficiency is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements segmentation by dividing the image layer into a background layer and a foreground layer based on color analysis and region detection. This segmentation is achieved through automated algorithms that identify uniform background regions versus regions containing text or graphics, enabling efficient compression without requiring complex manual processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmentation process is performed automatically by the compression system itself through algorithmic analysis of the image content. The system self-identifies background and foreground regions without external intervention, using color distribution analysis and edge detection to automatically create the layered structure, thereby reducing processing complexity while maintaining compression efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses methods and systems for generating a mixed raster content (MRC) format file for single background color image document. The method includes receiving an input document at an image capturing device. The input document is segmented into an image layer and a text layer. Then it is determined whether the image layer including a single background color. Upon affirmative determination, a new text layer with a background color mask is generated. The text layer and the new text layer is compressed using a compression scheme. The compressed text layer and the new text layer are integrated to generate an image data in the MRC file format. The generated image data is stored in a memory device.