Precision Extraction of Black Overprints from High-Resolution Stamp Sheets (Research Project)
Budget: $30 – $250 USD
**Project Title:**
Precision Extraction of Black Overprints from High-Resolution Stamp Sheets (Research Project)
**Project Description:**
I am conducting a specialized philatelic research study on 1931 Zeppelin overprints. I have two full stamp sheets (50 stamps each, high-resolution scans provided as PDF files), and I need the overprint isolated from each individual stamp with maximum fidelity. This is NOT a graphic design or basic background removal job. This is a precision image extraction task for research purposes requiring strict adherence to instructions and preservation of original detail.
The source files are high-resolution PDF scans. You must extract images at native resolution (e.g., 1200 dpi). Screenshots, resampling, or any quality loss are not acceptable. If needed, convert the PDFs into high-resolution TIFF or PNG files prior to processing.
Scope of work includes processing 2 full sheets (50 stamps per sheet), segmenting each sheet into individual stamps (total 100 stamps), extracting ONLY the overprint from each stamp, and delivering each overprint as a separate image file. The provided 6 PDF files represent segments of the full sheets and must be digitally reconstructed into complete sheets before assigning positions.
CRITICAL REQUIREMENTS: The overprint is in black ink and is often broken, faint, or incomplete. The scans include red pointer arrows that must be removed. Under no circumstances should the overprint be reconstructed, enhanced, redrawn, cleaned, or visually improved. Do not fill in missing parts of letters or numbers. Do not smooth, sharpen, or alter edges. All natural defects, breaks, and irregularities must be preserved exactly as they appear in the original scan. Any work where the overprint appears artificially completed, repaired, or overly clean will be rejected.
Technical expectations include use of masking, color separation, or channel-based extraction techniques. Preserve fine detail and edge irregularities. Avoid aggressive thresholding that removes weak ink and avoid noise reduction that removes real features. A reproducible workflow (script, macro, or clearly documented method) is preferred.
File Naming & Position Mapping Requirements: Each stamp must be labeled using the format S[Sheet]_R[Row]_C[Column].png. Example: S1_R03_C04.png corresponds to Sheet 1, Row 3, Column 4. Each sheet must be structured as a 10 × 5 grid, with rows numbered top to bottom (R01–R10) and columns left to right (C01–C05). The original sheet orientation must be preserved exactly; do not rotate, flip, or reorient images. Row 1 must correspond to the top row of the original scan. The freelancer must reconstruct the full sheets from the provided PDF segments before assigning row and column positions. Deliver files organized into folders by sheet (e.g., /Sheet1/ and /Sheet2/).
**Visual Grid Overlay Requirement:**
Before final extraction, the freelancer must create and share a visual grid overlay on each reconstructed full sheet showing the 10 × 5 stamp layout and assigned positions. Each stamp position must be clearly labeled in the format S1_R01_C01 through S1_R10_C05 for Sheet 1 and S2_R01_C01 through S2_R10_C05 for Sheet 2. Rows must run from top to bottom and columns from left to right, based strictly on the original scan orientation. This overlay is for verification before final delivery and is intended to confirm that sheet reconstruction and position mapping are correct. The overlay may be provided as a JPG, PNG, or PDF preview. Final extraction should proceed only after the position map is clearly established. I prefer that each reconstructed sheet first be delivered as a labeled preview image with all 50 positions marked, so I can confirm row/column mapping before the 100 final extracted files are produced.
Deliverables include 100 individual image files (one per stamp overprint), preferably as PNG files with transparent background or clean black/white output, with correct positional naming. Each extracted overprint must maintain consistent scale and alignment relative to the original stamp; do not resize, distort, or inconsistently crop individual outputs. Output background must be either fully transparent or a clean uniform background (pure white or pure black), with no residual artifacts from the original stamp design. Output resolution must match the original extracted stamp resolution, with no downscaling or compression. Each output must be visually reviewed to ensure no loss of faint ink and no accidental removal of valid overprint elements.
Final delivery must be provided as a structured ZIP archive containing Sheet1 and Sheet2 directories, along with a CSV or Excel file mapping each filename to its sheet, row, and column position. Optional deliverables include layered source files (PSD or equivalent) and a brief explanation of the workflow used. Fully automated batch processing without manual verification is not acceptable; each output must be individually checked for accuracy.
Selection process: Shortlisted candidates will be required to extract one sample overprint from a provided image before the full project is awarded. This is mandatory to verify accuracy and adherence to requirements.
Ownership & Confidentiality: All source images and resulting outputs are confidential and remain the exclusive property of the project owner. The freelancer may not reuse, distribute, or publish any materials or results from this project without permission.
To apply, please include examples of similar image extraction or segmentation work, the tools/software you plan to use, and your estimated turnaround time.
Precision Extraction of Black Overprints from High-Resolution Stamp Sheets (Research Project)
**Project Description:**
I am conducting a specialized philatelic research study on 1931 Zeppelin overprints. I have two full stamp sheets (50 stamps each, high-resolution scans provided as PDF files), and I need the overprint isolated from each individual stamp with maximum fidelity. This is NOT a graphic design or basic background removal job. This is a precision image extraction task for research purposes requiring strict adherence to instructions and preservation of original detail.
The source files are high-resolution PDF scans. You must extract images at native resolution (e.g., 1200 dpi). Screenshots, resampling, or any quality loss are not acceptable. If needed, convert the PDFs into high-resolution TIFF or PNG files prior to processing.
Scope of work includes processing 2 full sheets (50 stamps per sheet), segmenting each sheet into individual stamps (total 100 stamps), extracting ONLY the overprint from each stamp, and delivering each overprint as a separate image file. The provided 6 PDF files represent segments of the full sheets and must be digitally reconstructed into complete sheets before assigning positions.
CRITICAL REQUIREMENTS: The overprint is in black ink and is often broken, faint, or incomplete. The scans include red pointer arrows that must be removed. Under no circumstances should the overprint be reconstructed, enhanced, redrawn, cleaned, or visually improved. Do not fill in missing parts of letters or numbers. Do not smooth, sharpen, or alter edges. All natural defects, breaks, and irregularities must be preserved exactly as they appear in the original scan. Any work where the overprint appears artificially completed, repaired, or overly clean will be rejected.
Technical expectations include use of masking, color separation, or channel-based extraction techniques. Preserve fine detail and edge irregularities. Avoid aggressive thresholding that removes weak ink and avoid noise reduction that removes real features. A reproducible workflow (script, macro, or clearly documented method) is preferred.
File Naming & Position Mapping Requirements: Each stamp must be labeled using the format S[Sheet]_R[Row]_C[Column].png. Example: S1_R03_C04.png corresponds to Sheet 1, Row 3, Column 4. Each sheet must be structured as a 10 × 5 grid, with rows numbered top to bottom (R01–R10) and columns left to right (C01–C05). The original sheet orientation must be preserved exactly; do not rotate, flip, or reorient images. Row 1 must correspond to the top row of the original scan. The freelancer must reconstruct the full sheets from the provided PDF segments before assigning row and column positions. Deliver files organized into folders by sheet (e.g., /Sheet1/ and /Sheet2/).
**Visual Grid Overlay Requirement:**
Before final extraction, the freelancer must create and share a visual grid overlay on each reconstructed full sheet showing the 10 × 5 stamp layout and assigned positions. Each stamp position must be clearly labeled in the format S1_R01_C01 through S1_R10_C05 for Sheet 1 and S2_R01_C01 through S2_R10_C05 for Sheet 2. Rows must run from top to bottom and columns from left to right, based strictly on the original scan orientation. This overlay is for verification before final delivery and is intended to confirm that sheet reconstruction and position mapping are correct. The overlay may be provided as a JPG, PNG, or PDF preview. Final extraction should proceed only after the position map is clearly established. I prefer that each reconstructed sheet first be delivered as a labeled preview image with all 50 positions marked, so I can confirm row/column mapping before the 100 final extracted files are produced.
Deliverables include 100 individual image files (one per stamp overprint), preferably as PNG files with transparent background or clean black/white output, with correct positional naming. Each extracted overprint must maintain consistent scale and alignment relative to the original stamp; do not resize, distort, or inconsistently crop individual outputs. Output background must be either fully transparent or a clean uniform background (pure white or pure black), with no residual artifacts from the original stamp design. Output resolution must match the original extracted stamp resolution, with no downscaling or compression. Each output must be visually reviewed to ensure no loss of faint ink and no accidental removal of valid overprint elements.
Final delivery must be provided as a structured ZIP archive containing Sheet1 and Sheet2 directories, along with a CSV or Excel file mapping each filename to its sheet, row, and column position. Optional deliverables include layered source files (PSD or equivalent) and a brief explanation of the workflow used. Fully automated batch processing without manual verification is not acceptable; each output must be individually checked for accuracy.
Selection process: Shortlisted candidates will be required to extract one sample overprint from a provided image before the full project is awarded. This is mandatory to verify accuracy and adherence to requirements.
Ownership & Confidentiality: All source images and resulting outputs are confidential and remain the exclusive property of the project owner. The freelancer may not reuse, distribute, or publish any materials or results from this project without permission.
To apply, please include examples of similar image extraction or segmentation work, the tools/software you plan to use, and your estimated turnaround time.