Image Processing Apparatus Dynamic Masking Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing techniques fail to ensure that a newly generated image from an original image retains the same protection as the original image, leading to potential unauthorized viewing or redistribution of sensitive information.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus comprising an image processing unit and a control unit that generates and saves images while adding protection information from the original image to the newly generated image, ensuring the same level of protection is maintained.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an image is permanently masked for privacy protection, then the protection level is maintained, but switching between masked and unmasked images is required for different users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the mask state changeable based on user authentication. The image protection state transitions from static (permanently masked) to dynamic (conditionally unmasked), allowing the system to adapt to different user authorization levels without requiring manual switching operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (authentication system) that mediates between the protected image and different users. This intermediary determines whether to apply the mask based on user credentials, eliminating the need for manual switching while maintaining security.
2Ease of operation
If a screenshot is captured from an unmasked image, then the image can be viewed by unauthorized users, but the protection information is lost in the saved image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by embedding protection information into the image data before any screenshot or save operation occurs. This ensures that even if the image is captured or saved, the protection information remains embedded and can be verified by the system, preventing unauthorized viewing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by embedding protection information within the image data structure itself. The protection information is nested inside the image file, similar to a nested doll, so that the image can be viewed when authorized while the protection information remains intact and enforceable.
3Reliability
If mask processing is applied to protect sensitive information, then privacy is protected, but the image cannot be freely distributed to authorized users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the mask application dynamic based on user authorization. The same image can be displayed with or without masking depending on the viewer's credentials, allowing flexible distribution to authorized users while maintaining privacy protection for unauthorized users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by selectively applying mask processing only to specific regions or conditions. The mask is applied locally based on user authorization status, allowing the image to maintain different protection levels in different contexts while enabling flexible distribution to authorized users.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus comprises an image processing unit configured to generate an image to be saved, and a control unit configured to control the image processing unit in response to an instruction for generating a second image from a first image and saving the second image. When the second image is saved in response to the instruction, the image processing unit adds protection information to the second image and save the second image, the protection information being recorded in the first image for protecting at least a part of the image.