1.1 Introduction
Image cartoonification is the process of converting an image into cartoon, with the use of dedicated software, such as MATLAB application software. Over the years, cartoon images have become a major feature of newspaper and magazine content in Nigeria (Onakpa, 2014). Cartooning has been one of the most significant tools in propagating and promoting the cultural heritage in Nigeria. Using MATLAB cartoonist defines political situations and attempts to interpret them visually in a way that is both amusing and thought provoking.
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
The old thoughts of media historians to deny the worthiness of cartoons has replaced with the concept that cartoon communication is used for government propaganda, public catharsis, publicity stunt, or instructional assistance, so the media scholars have started to pay attention on cartoon research as a powerful medium of communication (Ashfaq and Bin-Hussein, 2013). Cartoon certainly ranks among the oldest core content of mass media of communication. It is obvious; however, that this vital content of mass media has received minimal research attention and or critical analysis in professional journals, series, books, etc. this oversight is actually what has sparked off the desire for this study.
Cartoons must meet certain criteria which among other things include prominence, proximity, personality involved and so on. Just as editorial relies on topical issues which have been in the news recently, so cartoons rely on editorial and news to draw its meaning when drawn. Some scholars see the genre of political cartoons as an important medium of formation and building of public opinion on salient political and social issues (Abraham, 2009).
The primary function of the cartoon is communication. And communication more specifically is defined as a process of sharing meaning the source of the message and the individual or group of individuals on the receiving end (Tyumbu, 2018, p.137). Udoakah (2003a) remarks that both editors and cartoonists consider cartoons as a very effective channel of communication. Udoakah (2003b) argues that the satirical representation in graphic form of the lives of political actors and actions as well as socio- economic, religious, or cultural issues with political undertones, reveal the narrative power of cartoons, thus he writes: “narrative communication is a process that does not take place exclusively through linguistic medium but that all media, whatever their primary sensory basis, can serve as vectors of narrative.” The term also means giving and receiving signs which have meaning attached to them. The importance of communication in the society cannot be over emphasized. That is why Oyewo (2000) stated that communication is a central activity that human life revolves around, a sine qua non to human to human existence. Just as news writing and reporting is a universal feature of print and electronic media, cartoon is a major feature or aspect of the print media.
The challenges encountered that led to the execution of the research work is that, Image Cartoonification has a long-standing tradition of merging social satire with political commentary in a society. It has in several situations, been the most direct medium for criticizing maladministration in governments (Agberia, 1993). According to Onipede (2007) the history of the struggle for democracy in Nigeria will not be complete without discussing the role of Nigerian cartoonists during the military era.
It is against the background that the developments of this software to enable image to be cartoonized using MATLAB, so the software users should not give false appointment image details that is out of the software deeds. This research work is based on providing pictorial cartoon. At the end of this project, the research work, the software will be able to provide cartoonized image and also store user’s pictorial records to a database.
1.3 Statement of Problem
Investigation reveals that Image Cartoonification has a long-standing tradition of merging social satire with political commentary in a society. It has in several situations, been the most direct medium for criticizing maladministration in governments (Agberia, 1993). According to Onipede (2007) the history of the struggle for democracy in Nigeria will not be complete without discussing the role of Nigerian cartoonists during the military era.
People no longer react to the information cartoons portrays any longer, most government official are neglecting the power of cartoon in the society not knowing that cartoon can be able to bring about change in national development.
Most cartoons that appear in this papers are more comic than social and therefore addressed in a humorous than in a persuasive manner most cartoonist are not representing cartoon in a way to influence our social life rather they are misinterpreted to motivate the wrong perception of reasoning more or most especially towards government and its policies.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The main aim of the study is to Design and Implement a software that will cartoonize images of different format such as: jepg, and png. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To develop a software using MATLAB that will cartoonized images,
- To design a database that will store or save cartoonized images for retrieval purpose, and
- To develop a software using MATLAB that will support all image format for cartoonification.
1.5 Significance of Study
This study will be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.6 Scope of Study
The study focuses on the Design and Implementation of a software that will cartoonize images of different format such as: jepg, and png using MATLAB.
1.7 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet).
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