Abstract: An image processing method of the invention includes changing tone values of peripheral pixels by performing a filtering process in respect to the peripheral pixels around a pixel of interest, after determining the pixel of interest; and changing a tone value of the pixel of interest, based on the peripheral pixels that have been filter processed.

Abstract: A method for detecting a defective image of the present invention includes obtaining an edge image by performing an edge tracking process on an original image, detecting an isolation point whose size is equal to or smaller than a predetermined size from a processed image obtained by performing an erosion process after an expansion process on the edge image, and detecting a defective image in the original image based on the isolation point.

Abstract: A hand-held device for reducing the size of food items, for example by slicing or grating. The disclosed device has a slicing drum transversally inserted into an aperture on a lateral wall of a casing. Preferably, both the drum and its size reducing members, such as blades, are removable. Ideally, the drum can be inserted in an aperture on either of two opposing lateral walls so that the device may be easily used by both right-handed and left-handed people. A slicing compartment is formed by the casing and the slicing drum. A grip handle extends from the casing and preferably has an arm cover, which may open to a storage receptacle intended for storage of additional blades. The slicing drum is engaged with a crank lever assembly for rotation. A distal wall of the casing is preferably curved to form a tangential relationship with the slicing drum to, along with gravitational force, advance a food item to be reduced in size.

Abstract: An image processing method of the invention includes changing tone values of peripheral pixels by performing a filtering process in respect to the peripheral pixels around a pixel of interest, after determining the pixel of interest; and changing a tone value of the pixel of interest, based on the peripheral pixels that have been filter processed.

Abstract: A method for detecting a defective image of the present invention includes obtaining an edge image by performing an edge tracking process on an original image, detecting an isolation point whose size is equal to or smaller than a predetermined size from a processed image obtained by performing an erosion process after an expansion process on the edge image, and detecting a defective image in the original image based on the isolation point.

Abstract: A hand-held device for reducing the size of food items, for example by slicing or grating. The disclosed device has a slicing drum transversally inserted into an aperture on a lateral wall of a casing. Preferably, both the drum and its size reducing members, such as blades, are removable. Ideally, the drum can be inserted in an aperture on either of two opposing lateral walls so that the device may be easily used by both right-handed and left-handed people. A slicing compartment is formed by the casing and the slicing drum. A grip handle extends from the casing and preferably has an arm cover, which may open to a storage receptacle intended for storage of additional blades. The slicing drum is engaged with a crank lever assembly for rotation. A distal wall of the casing is preferably curved to form a tangential relationship with the slicing drum to, along with gravitational force, advance a food item to be reduced in size.