RESOLUTION ENHANCEMENT SYSTEM FOR BINARY IMAGES

摘要

An image processing system for providing edge enhancement of low resolution binary image files processes the low resolution bitmap data in windows to determine whether an edge transition or "kink site" occurs withing each window. The original bitmap data in the window is then replaced with edge enhanced gray scale data if a kink site is identified. The selection of the correct edge enhanced gray scale data to be used in place of the original bitmap data is based on whether the central pixel contained within the window is a black or white pixel, whether the central pixel is located on a single pixel line, and the location of the central pixel with respect to the kink site. The determination of the location of the central pixel is based on pixel values and gradient magnitudes of surrounding pixel locations. The system for performing edge enhancement of low resolution image files may employ a binarization and sorting unit (110) to sort data that is indicative of binary data from a mixed low resolution image input file. The sorted binary data is then supplied to a binary data edge enhancement processor (120) for edge enhancement processing. The output from the binary data edge enhancement processor unit is supplied to a data merger unit (130) along with the original image data. The data merger unit determines whether the original image data was part of a gray-scale image. If the data is part of a gray-scale image, the original data is supplied as the output of the processing system. Otherwise the output from the binary edge enhancement processing unit is supplied as the output of the processing system.