Image Blocking Component for Web Content Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies are inadequate in protecting users from accidentally viewing unwanted or offensive images on the web, as they do not effectively block or blur such content, even though they may be virus-free.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and process that includes a processor, memory, and a browsing application with an image blocking component, which extracts and compares image features against a customized database to block or blur images with unwanted content before display, using feature extraction and comparison techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If web reputation technology is used to filter content, then virus-free websites are protected, but unwanted images on legitimate sites cannot be blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments image content into distinct features (spiders, insects, body parts, etc.) that can be independently identified and blocked. By extracting specific visual features rather than treating images as monolithic units, the system can selectively block unwanted elements while preserving legitimate content on the same webpage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary image blocking component that sits between the web browser and the displayed content. This component intercepts images, analyzes their features against a database of unwanted content, and selectively blocks or blurs matching images before they reach the user, thereby protecting users without requiring website changes.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If comprehensive image blocking is implemented, then user protection from unwanted content is improved, but false blocking of legitimate images increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates user feedback mechanisms that allow users to report false positives (legitimate images incorrectly blocked) and false negatives (unwanted images incorrectly displayed). This feedback loop enables continuous refinement of the feature database and matching algorithms, improving accuracy over time and reducing false blocking of legitimate content.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs adjustable blocking parameters and thresholds that allow users to customize their protection level. By changing parameters such as matching sensitivity and confidence thresholds, the system can adapt between aggressive blocking (maximum protection) and conservative blocking (minimum false positives), accommodating different user needs and reducing inappropriate content loss.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment relates to an apparatus for blocking or blurring unwanted image features. The apparatus includes at least a memory, a processor, a browsing application, and an image blocking component. The image blocking component is configured to block or blur images with unwanted image features before the images are displayed by the browsing application. Another embodiment relates to a process for blocking or blurring unwanted image features prior to displaying web pages. A web page including an image is received, but it is not displayed the image until after checking the image for unwanted image features. Image features are extracted from the image, and the extracted image features are compared against features in a customized image feature database. The image is displayed if no match is found during said comparison. The image is blocked or blurred if a match is found during said comparison. Other embodiments are also disclosed.