There is wide application for the extraction of textual information from low-contrast, complex natural images. Reading low-contrast LCD displays is the target application. We present a low-complexity method for automatically extracting text of any size, font, and format from images acquired by a video camera that may be poorly focused and aimed, under conditions of inadequate and uneven illumination. The performance of this method compares favorably with more complex methods for the extraction of characters from scene images.
Initial results are encouraging for application in a robust portable reader.
Back to Contents of Vol.