AR Device Unobfuscating Confidential Document Text via Marker Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current augmented reality technologies lack effective methods for securely viewing and managing confidential information within documents, particularly in financial and personal contexts, where sensitive data is often obfuscated but not adequately protected from unauthorized access.

Innovation Solution

An augmented reality device method that identifies and authenticates users to unobfuscate specific sections of documents marked with unique markers, using biometric authentication and optical character recognition to ensure only authorized individuals can access and view sensitive information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If obfuscated text is used in documents, then data privacy is improved, but authorized access becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata privacyVSAvoidauthorized access

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-places markers at the locations of obfuscated text before viewing. When an authorized user points the AR device at the obfuscated text, the pre-positioned marker is detected and triggers automatic unobfuscation, eliminating the need for manual authentication steps while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Physical markers serve as intermediaries between the obfuscated text and the AR device. The markers contain encoded information that links the obfuscated text to its unobfuscated version, enabling the system to verify authorization and restore the text without compromising the obfuscation's protective function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If markers are added to documents, then authorized access is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthorized accessVSAvoiddocument structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The markers utilize visual characteristics such as color, transparency, or optical properties that can be detected by the AR device's camera. These visual changes allow the marker to be embedded in the document without adding physical bulk or complex structural elements, maintaining document simplicity while enabling automated detection and authentication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Reliability

If authentication is required, then data security is improved, but user convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata securityVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The AR device automatically performs authentication by detecting the marker's unique characteristics and verifying them against stored credentials. The system handles the entire authentication process without requiring the user to manually input passwords or credentials, making security verification transparent and convenient while maintaining strong data protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11836999B1Augmented reality confidential view

Publication Date: 2023.12.05 WELLS FARGO BANK NA

AI summary

A method implemented on an augmented reality (AR) device includes receiving an image of a document on the AR device. The image of the document includes one or more areas of obfuscated text. A marker on the document is identified. The marker is associated with an area of obfuscated text on the document. The marker is scanned using the AR device. When the user of the AR device is authenticated, a non-obfuscated image of the text associated with the marker is displayed on the AR device.