Digital Image Cell Redaction for Secure Document Viewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Digital images of documents, such as checks, often contain sensitive information that is not adequately secured during online viewing, risking exposure to fraud and identity theft, and existing solutions require manual editing or complex processes.
Innovation Solution
An image masking system that divides digital images into cells, allowing for real-time redaction of sensitive information without altering the original image, using techniques like blurring or pixelation to create a secure, sanitized version for display, which can be integrated into existing processes for automated backend security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If digital images of documents are displayed online for viewing, then ease of access and convenience are improved, but security of sensitive information deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the digital image into multiple cells, allowing selective redaction of specific regions containing sensitive information while preserving other regions for viewing. This segmentation enables the system to display useful information online while protecting sensitive data through automated cell-based redaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different quality treatments to different regions of the image. Sensitive regions are redacted or obscured while non-sensitive regions remain clearly visible. This local differentiation allows the system to maintain overall image utility while protecting specific sensitive information locally.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If manual editing tools are used to redact sensitive information, then security is improved, but productivity and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automated redaction without requiring manual intervention. The image processing system automatically identifies sensitive information regions and applies redaction algorithms, eliminating the need for manual editing while maintaining security. This self-service approach dramatically improves processing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of image cells automatically based on predefined criteria for sensitive information. By adjusting redaction parameters programmatically rather than manually, the system achieves both security and high productivity in processing large volumes of documents.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the original digital image is altered to protect sensitive information, then security is improved, but loss of original information quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a copied version of the original image with redactions applied only to the copied version. The original image remains unchanged and preserved in its full quality, while the copied version is used for online display with sensitive information protected. This copying approach maintains original information quality while achieving security goals.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides methods and apparatus for securing personalized or sensitive information appearing in digital images. Digital images containing information to be secured is processed and divided into a plurality of image cells. At least one image cell from the plurality of image cells is selected and redacted or altered to render the information to be secured with the selected image cells indecipherable. The invention also provides methods and apparatus for transmitting or streaming unredacted image cells alone or in combination with redacted image cells for secured viewing on a user browser or computer.