Detection of gaps in scanned images

• Main Author: MOYER; ALAN L
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 06.10.1992
• Subjects: CALCULATING; COMPUTING; COUNTING; IMAGE DATA PROCESSING OR GENERATION, IN GENERAL; PHYSICS

A technique for detecting erroneous pixels in image data output by a scanner. A first aspect of the technique is to test for the existence of an erroneous gap by comparing the values of selected pixels to one of several predetermined patterns. A potential gap is identified wherever a center pixel of a background value is located between two pixels of a foreground value. A second aspect of the technique tests for the existence of an erroneous gap by examining the values of pixels surrounding the potential gap more completely. In particular, the relative sizes of two line features on either side of the potential gap are determined by tracing the feature's perimeters to locate terminus pixels. If the terminus pixels are farther apart than a predetermined distance, it is concluded that a gap exists. The technique can be easily adapted for rapid execution on both bitmap and run encoded image data.