Image Forming Data Masking for Confidential Defect Analysis

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming technologies fail to efficiently analyze defects in image forming data containing confidential information without executing the image forming process, leading to potential data leakage and inefficient defect analysis.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus and method that generates second image forming data with confidential data replaced by non-disclosing data, executes the process on this data, and outputs defect analysis data based on the processing results, including comparison and difference data to enhance defect analysis efficiency and prevent data leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If confidential data in image forming data is replaced with other data without executing image forming processing, then data leakage is prevented, but defect analysis efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata securityVSAvoiddefect analysis efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary defect analysis by executing image forming processing on modified image forming data (with confidential data replaced) before actual production. This preliminary action allows defect detection patterns to be established in advance without compromising confidential data, resolving the contradiction between data security and analysis efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary process that replaces confidential data with placeholder data while maintaining the structural characteristics needed for defect analysis. This intermediary approach allows defect patterns to be analyzed without exposing actual confidential information, simultaneously achieving data security and analysis effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of time

If image forming data including confidential data is used as defect analysis data without execution, then data leakage risk increases, but processing time is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing timeVSAvoiddata security
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts and removes confidential data from image forming data before defect analysis, separating the essential structural information needed for defect detection from the sensitive confidential content. This extraction allows rapid analysis while eliminating data leakage risks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a copy of image forming data with confidential data replaced by placeholder data, allowing defect analysis to be performed on the copy without risking exposure of the original confidential information. This copying approach enables fast processing while maintaining data security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If confidential data is replaced with replacement data without executing image forming processing, then defect reproduction accuracy deteriorates, but data protection is improved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata protectionVSAvoiddefect reproduction accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different quality characteristics to different parts of the image forming data: confidential data regions are replaced with placeholder data for protection, while non-confidential regions maintain their original characteristics for accurate defect reproduction. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between data protection and defect analysis accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4336816B1Image forming apparatus, image forming program, and image forming method
Publication Date: 2025.11.19 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP
  • EP4336816B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4336816B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4336816B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes a processor configured to generate second image forming data for defect analysis in which confidential data included in first image forming data is invisible in a case where a defect occurs in image forming processing of the first image forming data, execute the image forming processing for the generated second image forming data, and output defect analysis data corresponding to a processing result of the image forming processing executed for the second image forming data.