Image Display Apparatus Confidentiality Format Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image display apparatuses in image processing devices, such as MFPs, face challenges in maintaining security and simplicity while displaying image data, as existing solutions either complicate processing, require high-performance equipment, or compromise operability when attempting to prevent unintended viewing of sensitive regions during preview displays.
Innovation Solution
An image display apparatus with a reading unit, display unit, setting unit, modification unit, and control unit that sets and applies a format designating non-display regions, allowing the apparatus to modify and control the display of image data to keep sensitive regions invisible, while storing format location information for efficient data transmission and processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If image data is displayed for preview on a large-size image display apparatus arranged at a readily viewable position, then operability is improved and image checking is facilitated, but security is compromised as the preview display may be seen by unintended third parties
Solution Approach 1:
The display area is segmented into display regions and non-display regions. The non-display regions are portions of the image data that are suppressed from being displayed on the display apparatus, while display regions are portions that are permitted to be displayed. This segmentation allows the system to maintain security for sensitive areas while preserving operability through visible preview of non-sensitive areas.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the image data are assigned different display qualities - some regions are made visible for operational checking, while other regions are made invisible for security protection. This local differentiation of display properties allows simultaneous achievement of security and operability based on the specific requirements of different image areas.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If technology from Patent Document 1 or Patent Document 2 is applied to prevent display leakage, then security is improved, but processing time increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis during image data acquisition to identify and designate non-display regions before actual display occurs. By pre-designating these regions based on acquisition information, the system avoids the need for complex real-time analysis during display, thereby reducing processing time and device complexity while maintaining security.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If technology from Patent Document 3 is applied to mask sensitive regions, then security is improved, but operability deteriorates due to the need for designating regions to be masked
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically designates non-display regions based on acquisition information without requiring manual user input for each masking operation. The image display apparatus itself performs the designation function, eliminating the need for users to manually specify regions to be masked, thus maintaining security while preserving ease of operation.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If analysis or setting of non-display region is performed each time for fixed-format images, then security is maintained, but device complexity and operation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the analysis and designation of non-display regions in advance during image data acquisition, storing this information alongside the image data. This preliminary action eliminates the need to repeat the analysis process for each subsequent display operation, thereby reducing device complexity and operational complexity while maintaining security across multiple displays.
5Object-affected harmful factors
If masking or non-display region setting is applied to image data, then security is improved, but data amount increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding masking data or modification information to the image data, the system extracts only the essential non-display region designation information and stores it separately. This extraction approach maintains security by preserving the necessary control information while minimizing the increase in overall data amount, as only the critical designation data is stored rather than redundant masking information.
Data Source
AI summary
In setting, by using a format, a non-display region in image data obtained by an image reading unit, a format location information input unit writes in the image data, an image representing information on access to a format storage unit in an external apparatus where a format to be used has been stored. In displaying the image data, a format location information extraction unit extracts the format location information by extracting the image from the image data. A format obtaining unit obtains the format by accessing the format storage unit based on the information. An image modification unit uses the obtained format to modify the image data such that the designated region is displayed in an invisible manner.