Removal of underlines and table lines in document images while preserving intersecting character strokes
US9235755B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 15, 2013 |
| Grant date | Jan 12, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 25, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06V30/412
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method for removing horizontal and vertical lines in a document image while preserving integrity of the character strokes that intersect the lines. For each detected horizontal line, a vertical run length profile is calculated. Areas of the run length profile having two adjacent peaks with a valley in between are detected, which correspond to intersections of the horizontal line with non-vertical lines. A first derivative curve may be used to detect such peaks and valleys. Areas of the run length profile with large run length value for consecutive pixel locations are also detected, which corresponds to intersections of the horizontal line with near vertical lines. The horizontal line is removed in areas outside of the intersection areas, while preserving pixels within the intersection areas. Vertical line removal may be done similarly. This template-free method can remove lines in tables, forms, and underline and extract handwriting or printed characters.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.