Image Classification Masking for Confidential Data Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image classification processes, incorrect classification of documents containing confidential information leads to increased user effort and time in investigating the cause, as existing methods often degrade image quality when masking sensitive data, potentially losing essential information.
Innovation Solution
An image processing system that includes an image scanning apparatus and a terminal apparatus, which perform classification, allow users to correct classification errors, and implement a masking process to generate a secure image by masking regions outside the specified classification rules, ensuring confidential information is hidden while maintaining necessary information for investigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If masking processing is performed on images containing confidential information, then security is improved, but image quality deteriorates and essential information may be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image into multiple regions based on classification rules. Only specific regions containing confidential information are masked, while other regions preserving essential information for cause investigation remain unmasked. This selective segmentation approach resolves the contradiction by applying masking only where necessary for security while maintaining information availability where needed for investigation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If user performs manual masking processing to protect confidential information, then security is improved, but user time and effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs masking processing based on pre-stored classification rules without requiring manual user intervention. The classification result determination unit and masking processing unit work autonomously to identify and mask confidential information regions, eliminating the need for users to manually perform time-consuming masking operations while still achieving secure protection.
3Productivity
If classification processing is performed on images with confidential information, then organization is improved, but incorrect classification occurs requiring additional user investigation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism where the determination unit receives classification results and feeds them back to the masking processing unit. This feedback loop allows the system to adjust masking operations based on classification outcomes, enabling correction of incorrect classifications while maintaining overall processing efficiency. The feedback mechanism ensures that classification errors can be identified and addressed without compromising productivity.
Data Source
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AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes a classifying unit and a replacing unit. The classifying unit classifies an input image into a category among plural categories. The replacing unit replaces a portion of the input image with a first image in a case where the category into which the input image is classified by the classifying unit is corrected by a user to a correct category among the plural categories.