Patent ID: 9171224
Filing Date: 2015-10-27
Classification: G06K

Abstract:
1. A method of using color images to enhance grayscale images used in text extraction, the method comprising: receiving a color image of a scene of real world captured by a camera of a mobile device; receiving a first grayscale image generated from the color image; checking whether a plurality of groups of pixels meet a predetermined test for low contrast; wherein the predetermined test is performed on color pixels in the color image or on grayscale pixels in the first grayscale image or on any characteristics thereof in combination; in response to the predetermined test being met by a first group, the first group being comprised in the plurality of groups of pixels, using at least one component in a tuple of a first color pixel in the color image to determine for a first grayscale pixel in the first group, a first new intensity which is to replace a first existing intensity of the first grayscale pixel in the first grayscale image; in response to the predetermined test being not met by a second group, the second group being comprised in the plurality of groups of pixels, retaining unchanged a second existing intensity of a second grayscale pixel in the first grayscale image; and storing in a memory, a second grayscale image formed as a composite, by combination of at least the first new intensity for the first grayscale pixel and the second existing intensity of the second grayscale pixel.