Image processing method, image processing apparatus, image forming apparatus, and recording medium

An image processing method for discriminating a classification of an image and performing processing according to a discrimination result, comprising the steps of:

• sequentially reading an image for discrimination into a memory for each line composed of a plurality of pixels;
• calculating features of the pixels in the read line;
• discriminating a classification of the pixel based on the calculated features and counting the pixels whose classifications are discriminated, for each of available image areas set in advance in a main scanning direction;
• storing the total number of pixels whose classifications are discriminated from a line of a read start position to respective lines in the image for each of the available image areas set in advance;
• selecting an available image area, from the available image areas set in advance, to be processed with respect to the image;
• calculating a difference between the total number of the pixels whose classifications are discriminated in respective lines from the line of the read start position to an end line in the selected available image area, and the total number of the pixels whose classifications are discriminated in respective lines from the line of the read start position to a line just before the selected available image area;
• discriminating a classification of the selected available image area based on the calculated difference;
• and
• performing processing according to a discrimination result to the image in the selected available image area.

An image processing apparatus for discriminating a classification of an image and performing processing according to a discrimination result, comprising:

• a read section for sequentially reading an image for discrimination for each line composed of a plurality of pixels;
• a classification discrimination section for calculating features of the pixels in the read line and discriminating a classification of the pixel based on the calculated features;
• a count section for counting the pixels whose classifications are discriminated;
• a storage for storing the total number of pixels whose classifications are discriminated from a line of a read start position to respective lines in the image;
• an area setting section for setting an area to be processed with respect to said image;
• a difference calculation section for calculating a difference between the total number of the pixels whose classifications are discriminated in respective lines from the line of the read start position to an end line in said set area, and the total number of the pixels whose classifications are discriminated in respective lines from the line of the read start position to a line just before the set area;
• a feature discrimination section for discriminating a feature of said set area based on the calculated difference;
• and
• an image processing section for performing processing to the image in said set area according to a discrimination result obtained from the feature discrimination section.

An image processing apparatus for discriminating a classification of an image and performing processing according to a discrimination result, comprising:

• a read section for sequentially reading an image for discrimination for each line composed of a plurality of pixels;
• a classification discrimination section for calculating features of the pixels in the read line and discriminating a classification of the pixel based on the calculated features;
• a count section for counting the pixels whose classifications are discriminated, for each of available image areas set in advance in a main scanning direction;
• a storage for storing the total number of pixels whose classifications are discriminated from a line of a read start position to respective lines in the image for each of the available image areas set in advance;
• an area setting section for setting an available image area, from the available image areas set in advance, to be processed with respect to said image;
• a calculation section for calculating a difference between the total number of the pixels whose classifications are discriminated in respective lines from the line of the read start position to an end line in the set available image area, and the total number of the pixels whose classifications are discriminated in respective lines from the line of the read start position to a line just before the set available image area;
• a feature discrimination section for discriminating a feature of said set available image area based on calculated difference obtained from the calculation section;
• and
• an image processing section for performing processing to the image in said set available image area according to a discrimination result obtained from the feature discrimination section.

A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium which a computer program for causing a computer to discriminate a classification of an image and perform processing according to a discrimination result is recorded, said computer program comprising the steps of:

• causing the computer to calculate, from the line composed of a plurality of pixels, features of the pixels in the line;
• causing the computer to discriminate a classification of the pixels based on the calculated features, and to count the pixels whose classifications are discriminated;
• causing the computer to store the total number of pixels whose classifications are discriminated from a line of a read start position to respective lines in the image;
• causing the computer to set an area to be processed with respect to the image;
• causing the computer to calculate a difference between the total number of the pixels whose classifications are discriminated in respective lines from the line of the read start position to an end line in the set area, and the total number of the pixels whose classifications are discriminated in respective lines from the line of the read start position to a line just before the set area;
• and
• causing the computer to discriminate a classification of said set area based on the calculated difference, and to perform processing according to a discrimination result to the image in said set area.