Patent ID: 6577777
Filing Date: 2003-06-10
Classification: G06T

Abstract:
A method for processing image data of the type which includes a plurality of objects located in a predetermined area, each of said objects including a plurality of pixels and having an external, closed contour, said method comprising the steps of:identifying a group of adjoining objects which should be processed as a single combined object, each object of said group adjoining at least one other object of said group to form a respective pairs of objects, a difference between an image density of each of said objects of said respective pair being greater than zero but less than a predetermined value; image processing said group as a single combined object; wherein said act of identifying comprises the acts of: generating a bit map of said predetermined area, said bit map comprising a grid of pixels, each of said objects corresponding to a respective plurality of said pixels, each pixel of said bit map which corresponds to one or more of said objects being assigned a value associated with a respective one of its corresponding objects; and identifying one or more pairs of adjoining objects as being part of said group by examining said values of said pixels in said bit map to determining which objects adjoin one another.