Active segmention of scanned images based on deep reinforcement learning for ocr applications

A system for partitioning a two-dimensional (2D) array and recognizing elements of the 2D array, the system comprising:

• a processor and memory storing instructions for the processor, the processor configured to execute the instructions to:
• select a location in an array comprising pixel data of the 2D array;
• select a direction in which to traverse the array from the selected location to segment the elements of the 2D array, the selected direction being based on data surrounding the selected location and based on a model generated by segmenting a plurality of 2D arrays;
• define a penalty function and a reward function based on needs of an application partitioning the 2D array;
• increment the reward function associated with the model in response to not encountering data representing one or more elements of the 2D array while traversing the array in the selected direction;
• increment the penalty function associated with the model in response to encountering data representing one or more elements of the 2D array while traversing the array in the selected direction;
• determine whether the data encountered while traversing the array in the selected direction represents one of the elements of the 2D array or represents a joint between two elements of the 2D array;
• traverse the array in a different direction in response to determining that the data encountered represents one of the elements of the 2D array;
• traverse through the joint between the two elements and continue traversing the array in the selected direction in response to determining that the data encountered represents a joint between two elements of the 2D array;
• and
• recognize one or more of the elements of the 2D array segmented by traversing the array.