Image processing method, image processing apparatus, program and image processing system

An image processing method comprising the steps of:

• performing maximum image extraction that extracts a maximum region in the first pixel region on the trimming target side of the binarized image;
• performing outline point extraction that extracts a plurality of outline points of the extracted maximum region in the first pixel region;
• and
• performing trimming outline determination that excludes an outline point, out of the plurality of extracted points, judged to be less significant based on prescribed conditions, and determines a polygon connecting adjacent points of non-excluded outline points as an outline for trimming an image on the trimming target side.

An image processing apparatus comprising:

• a distance conversion unit that calculates a distance value from a first pixel region on a trimming target side to a second pixel region on a background side of a binarized image;
• a skeleton extraction unit that extracts a plurality of points indicating a skeleton of the first pixel region according to the distance value of each first pixel;
• and
• a trimming outline determination unit that excludes a point, out of the plurality of extracted points, judged to be less significant based on prescribed conditions, draws an oval or a perfect circle according to the distance value of a pixel of each point, centered at a position of a non-excluded point, and determines outer edge of a plurality of drawn ovals or perfect circles as an outline for trimming an image on the trimming target side.

A program causing a computer to implement a process comprising:

• processing of calculating a distance value from a first pixel region on a trimming target side to a second pixel region on a background side of a binarized image;
• processing of extracting a plurality of points indicating a skeleton of the first pixel region according to the distance value of each first pixel;
• and
• processing of excluding a point, out of the plurality of extracted points, judged to be less significant based on prescribed conditions, drawing an oval or a perfect circle according to the distance value of a pixel of each point, centered at a position of a non-excluded point, and determining an outer edge of a plurality of drawn ovals or perfect circles as an outline for trimming an image on the trimming target side.

An image processing system comprising:

• a distance conversion unit that calculates a distance value from a first pixel region on a trimming target side to a second pixel region on a background side of a binarized image;
• a skeleton extraction unit that extracts a plurality of points indicating a skeleton of the first pixel region according to the distance value of each first pixel;
• a first trimming outline determination unit that excludes a point, out of the plurality of extracted points, judged to be less significant based on prescribed conditions, draws an oval or a perfect circle according to the distance value of a pixel of each point, centered at a position of a non-excluded point, and determines an outer edge of a plurality of drawn ovals or perfect circles as an outline for trimming an image on the trimming target side;
• a maximum image extraction unit that extracts a maximum region in the first pixel region on the trimming target side of the binarized image;
• an outline point extraction unit that extracts a plurality of outline points of the extracted maximum region in the first pixel region;
• a second trimming outline determination unit that excludes an outline point, out of the plurality of extracted points, judged to be less significant based on prescribed conditions, and determines a polygon connecting adjacent points of non-excluded outline points as an outline for trimming the image on the trimming target side;
• and
• a selection unit that selects one of a first outline determined by the first trimming outline determination unit and a second outline determined by the second trimming outline determination unit.