Copier Image Processing for Document Redaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing unwanted sections from documents during printing, especially free-form shapes, are cumbersome and require multiple software steps, making it difficult for users to efficiently exclude confidential or unnecessary content.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allows users to directly draw an outline around sections to be removed on a document using a pen or marker, which are then identified and eliminated through image processing, enabling a simple one-step printing process without the need for third-party software.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If third-party cropping software is used to remove unwanted sections, then the document can be modified, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of removing unwanted sections from complex third-party software and implements it directly in the copier device. The copier detects outlines drawn on the document and automatically removes the enclosed sections during copying, eliminating the need for separate cropping or redaction software steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The copier device performs the removal operation itself without requiring external software intervention. The device autonomously detects the outlined sections and executes the removal during the copying process, making the system self-sufficient for this function.
2Manufacturing precision
If third-party software is used for cropping, then sections can be removed, but multiple steps and software knowledge are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of removing unwanted sections from complex third-party software and implements it directly in the copier device. The copier detects outlines drawn on the document and automatically removes the enclosed sections during copying, eliminating the need for separate cropping or redaction software steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The copier device performs the removal operation itself without requiring external software intervention. The device autonomously detects the outlined sections and executes the removal during the copying process, making the system self-sufficient for this function.
3Manufacturing precision
If free-form shapes are cropped using a mouse, then sections can be removed, but the process is tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical mouse-dragging operation with a simple pen-based drawing system. Users draw outlines directly on the document with a pen, and the copier's image processing system automatically detects these outlines and removes the enclosed sections, eliminating the tedious mouse operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the document itself as the interface for marking sections to be removed. By drawing outlines directly on the original document, the system eliminates the need to translate selections from a digital interface back to the physical document, streamlining the process.
4Manufacturing precision
If complex free-form shapes are outlined, then precise sections can be targeted, but accuracy is difficult to achieve with a mouse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical mouse-dragging operation with a simple pen-based drawing system. Users draw outlines directly on the document with a pen, and the copier's image processing system automatically detects these outlines and removes the enclosed sections, eliminating the tedious mouse operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the document itself as the interface for marking sections to be removed. By drawing outlines directly on the original document, the system eliminates the need to translate selections from a digital interface back to the physical document, streamlining the process.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for eliminating one or more outlined sections of a document before printing is described herein. The method comprising receiving an input image of the document including the one or more outlined sections and a user input indicating color information of one or more outlines, identifying the one or more outlines and the one or more outlined sections of the image, obtaining the one or more outlined sections associated with the one or more outlines of the image, and outputting an output image to be printed, wherein the one or more outlined sections are eliminated from the output image of the document.