Image processing apparatus and method and a non-transitory computer readable medium with computer executable instructions stored thereon for performing an image processing method

Abstract

Image processing apparatus and methods perform effective labeling of objects in an image while advantageously requiring only a small memory. The apparatus and methods practicably and effectively implement various applications, in particular, a detection technique for determination of a detection target. The apparatus comprises a detection unit for detecting values of pixels adjacent to a target pixel within a transformation matrix area of a binary image. The apparatus also includes a labeling unit for assigning a label value to the target pixel. The assigned label value is either a new value or the value existing in the pixels adjacent the target pixel, depending on the value of the adjacent pixels' label.