Image File Metadata Flagging for Hidden Privacy Information
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image file formats, such as HEIF, do not adequately protect privacy information embedded in metadata that is not intended for display, risking unintentional leakage of personal information when images are shared or published.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that identifies and marks image files containing privacy information by adding identification metadata to indicate the presence of non-displayed privacy information, ensuring users are aware before sharing or publishing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pieces of image data and metadata are stored in a single image file, then the file structure can store various information including shooting conditions and GPS information, but privacy information may be unintentionally leaked when the image file is shared or published
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by adding identification metadata to image files before they are shared or published. This identification metadata marks the presence of privacy information in advance, allowing users to be notified and take preventive measures before the privacy leakage can occur. The system proactively identifies and flags privacy-containing data rather than reacting after leakage occurs.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If additional information such as GPS information is automatically deleted when transferring image files, then shooting information and personal information can be protected, but image files cannot be transferred with complete information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating between types of metadata in the image file. Instead of deleting all additional information uniformly, the system selectively identifies metadata containing privacy information and adds specific identification markers only to those portions. This allows the image file to retain complete information for legitimate uses while flagging only the privacy-sensitive portions for selective deletion or user notification.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If identification information is added to image files to indicate the presence of privacy information, then users can be notified before sharing, but the file structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nested doll principle by embedding identification metadata within the existing image file structure. Rather than creating a separate complex system, the identification information is nested within the metadata section of the image file itself, utilizing the existing file structure. This minimizes overall complexity while still providing the necessary privacy identification functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus that processes an image file having a structure that includes a plurality of pieces of image data and metadata relating to the plurality of pieces of image data. The apparatus includes a determining unit configured to determine whether the structure is a file structure in which privacy information can be included in data, among the plurality of pieces of image data and the metadata, that is not to be displayed at a first priority, and a display control unit configured, when the determining unit determines that the structure is a file structure in which privacy information can be included in the data, to display identification information capable of identifying the structure as a file structure in which privacy information can be included in the data.