Image Source Detection Using Edge Chroma in Scanned Images

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image-processing technologies fail to differentiate between images generated through scanning and digital methods, leading to inefficient and suboptimal processing due to color edges in scanned images, which affects the quality and efficiency of image processing.

Innovation Solution

An image source determination method that selects a target region, extracts edge pixels, and determines the image generation source based on the quantity of chromas in those pixels, distinguishing between scanning and digital image sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If unified processing is applied to all electronic images regardless of source, then processing consistency is maintained, but image-processing efficiency deteriorates due to unnecessary processing of digital images

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage-processing efficiencyVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by determining the image generation source before processing. The system analyzes chroma information in edge pixels to identify whether an image is scanned or digital-generated in advance, allowing subsequent processing steps to be optimized based on this pre-determined classification, thereby avoiding unnecessary processing of digital images while maintaining consistent processing for scanned images

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the processing workflow into distinct branches based on image source type. Scanned images and digital images are handled through different processing pipelines - scanned images undergo color edge removal and enhancement while digital images skip these steps. This segmentation allows the system to optimize processing efficiency for each image type independently

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If color edge removal processing is applied to all images, then quality of scanned images is improved, but processing time increases for digital images that do not require such processing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of chroma information in scanned images into a beneficial feature for source identification. By detecting and analyzing chroma information in edge pixels, the system not only identifies the image source but also prepares the data for subsequent color edge removal processing, turning what was previously a quality-degrading factor into a useful diagnostic tool

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by applying different processing operations to different regions and types of images. The system selectively applies color edge removal only to scanned images in specific regions where chroma information degrades quality, while leaving digital images unprocessed. This localized approach ensures quality improvement where needed without wasting time on images that don't require it

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4440096B1Image source determination method and apparatus thereof, electronic device, and storage medium
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 ZHUHAI PANTUM ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4440096B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2(a)
  • EP4440096B1 patent drawingFigure 2(b)~3
  • EP4440096B1 patent drawingFigure 4(a)

AI summary

The present disclosure provides an image source determination method, an image source determination apparatus, and a storage medium. The image source determination method includes selecting at least a portion of a target image as a target region; when the target region is a valid region, extracting edge pixels in the target region; and determining a generation source of the target image according to a quantity of chromas of the edge pixels in the target region.