Barcode Scanner Video Stream Redaction for Sensitive Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cameras in public locations, such as barcode scanners, capture sensitive information like credit card numbers and PINs, which can lead to security risks due to the potential for fraudulent activity and data compromise.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for a barcode scanner that includes a camera and processor to receive configuration data defining an image redaction area, allowing the scanner to redact sensitive information by blurring or obscuring specific areas within the captured video stream, thereby reducing security risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the camera captures images in public locations to enable barcode scanning, then the barcode scanning function is improved, but sensitive information such as credit card numbers and PINs can be captured leading to security risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary barcode information from the captured image while removing (taking out) the sensitive information such as credit card numbers and PINs. The system processes the captured image to isolate the barcode region and separates it from the sensitive data regions, then outputs only the barcode data for scanning while discarding or redacting the sensitive information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful captured images into beneficial output by using image processing techniques to automatically identify and redact sensitive information. The system takes the full image capture capability (which could be harmful) and transforms it into a secure barcode scanning solution by automatically detecting and removing sensitive data while preserving the useful barcode scanning function.
2Measurement precision
If the camera captures images to scan barcodes, then barcode reading capability is improved, but sensitive information like credit card numbers and personal identification numbers can be captured
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the barcode information needed for reading while taking out (removing) sensitive information such as credit card numbers and personal identification numbers from the captured image. The image processing algorithm identifies the barcode region and separates it from sensitive data regions, then outputs only the necessary barcode data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different processing quality to different regions of the captured image. The barcode region is processed with high precision for accurate reading, while sensitive information regions are redacted or obscured. This local differentiation allows the system to maintain high barcode reading capability while protecting sensitive information.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the barcode scanner redacts sensitive information from captured images, then security risks are reduced, but the ability to process barcode data may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the captured image into distinct regions: the barcode region containing useful information and the sensitive information regions that need redaction. By segmenting the image, the system can independently process each region - extracting barcode data from the barcode region while redacting sensitive information from other regions, thus maintaining barcode processing capability while improving security.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary image processing to identify and locate sensitive information regions before the actual barcode scanning operation. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare redaction masks and configurations in advance, ensuring that the barcode data processing can proceed efficiently without affecting the security redaction capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, such as a barcode scanner, can include a camera directed at a scene. The scene can include an area that occasionally includes sensitive information; such an area can include a keypad for entering PINs or a tray for writing checks. The system can generate a video stream of the scene. The system can recognize an object temporarily physically positioned within the scene. The system can demarcate a redaction area within a field of view of the video stream in response to the temporary position of the object in the scene. The system can blur, or otherwise obscure, the redaction area within the field of view of the video stream of the scene to form a redacted video stream of the scene. The system can output the redacted video stream of the scene, which can decrease a risk of theft of the sensitive information.