Image Forming Apparatus Confidentiality Control via Person Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses lack effective mechanisms to protect confidentiality of printed images when highly sensitive information is being processed, as they cannot prevent non-users from viewing images on paper outputs, especially in public settings where such information is displayed.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus equipped with an imaging unit, user-recognizing unit, and person-recognizing unit, which uses confidentiality-protected output methods to shield images on paper by inverting the paper or withholding output when non-users are detected in the vicinity, ensuring that sensitive information remains undisclosed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the image forming apparatus displays preview images on the display unit for user convenience, then the ease of operation is improved, but the confidentiality of the information is compromised when non-users are present
Solution Approach 1:
The display control is made dynamic by continuously monitoring the surrounding environment using the imaging unit and person-recognition algorithms. The preview image display state changes dynamically based on whether a non-user is detected: when no non-user is present, full preview images are displayed for ease of operation; when a non-user is detected, the display automatically switches to a confidential state where preview images are hidden or obscured, thus preventing information leakage while maintaining user convenience when appropriate
Solution Approach 2:
A feedback loop is established where the imaging unit continuously captures images of the surrounding environment, the control unit analyzes these images to detect non-users, and based on this detection, the display unit adjusts its preview image display behavior. This closed-loop feedback system ensures that confidentiality is automatically enforced when non-users are present while maintaining normal operation when only authorized users are present
2Productivity
If the image forming apparatus outputs paper with images for user convenience, then the productivity is improved, but the confidentiality of the information is compromised when non-users are present
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of non-users in the surrounding environment before the paper output process completes. The imaging unit and person-recognition algorithms continuously monitor the area around the paper discharge unit. If a non-user is detected before or during paper output, the system automatically executes preliminary protective actions such as halting the output process or inverting the paper orientation, thereby preventing confidential information from being viewed by unauthorized persons while maintaining efficient operation when conditions are safe
Solution Approach 2:
When a non-user is detected during paper output, the system inverts the paper orientation so that the printed surface faces downward. This inversion ensures that even though the paper is output maintaining productivity, the confidential information on the printed surface cannot be viewed by non-users standing around the device. The user can still retrieve and view the printed information privately, thus resolving the contradiction between efficient output and information protection
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an image forming apparatus that is capable of protecting the confidentiality of an image that is printed and outputted on paper. The image forming apparatus according to this disclosure is an image forming apparatus that outputs paper on which an image is formed. The image forming apparatus includes an imaging unit, a user-recognizing unit, a person-recognizing unit, and a control unit. The imaging unit performs imaging of the surroundings. The user-recognizing unit recognizes a user of the image forming apparatus. The person-recognizing unit recognizes persons in imaging data obtained by the imaging unit. The control unit performs confidentiality-protected output of outputting the paper so that the image on the paper is shielded when the person-recognizing unit recognizes another person who is other than the user in the imaging data.