Image Processing Control via Digital Watermark Attributes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses lack the ability to securely control the execution of functions based on embedded digital watermark information, compromising confidentiality and security of processed images.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that extracts and processes digital watermark information to determine function execution restrictions, using attributes within the watermark to control operations such as copying, scanning, and facsimile transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If image forming apparatus determines authority based on embedded information and controls image formation, then confidentiality of information is maintained, but the apparatus lacks ability to securely control execution of functions based on digital watermark information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control mechanism by separating the digital watermark information extraction function from the function execution control. The watermark contains embedded information that is extracted and used to determine whether to restrict specific functions (copying, scanning, facsimile transmission) independently, allowing fine-grained control over different operations based on the same watermark data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by embedding the control information in digital watermarks before the image is even processed. The watermark information is pre-encoded with instructions about which functions should be restricted, so that when the image is later copied, scanned, or transmitted via facsimile, the control decisions have already been predetermined, ensuring confidentiality from the outset.
2Reliability
If functions are restricted based on embedded attributes in watermark information, then unauthorized use and information leakage are prevented, but device complexity increases due to additional processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component - the digital watermark information - that carries the control instructions. Instead of the image forming apparatus directly implementing complex security logic, the watermark acts as a mediator that encapsulates the control decisions. The apparatus only needs to extract and interpret the watermark information, which simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying in the sense that the control information is copied into the digital watermark itself. The watermark is embedded in the image and can be extracted and copied for analysis without affecting the original image quality. This allows the control logic to be based on a separate, extractable data structure rather than requiring complex analysis of the image content itself.
3Reliability
If digital watermark information is extracted and processed to control function execution, then secure handling of sensitive information is ensured, but loss of time occurs due to additional extraction and processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The control information is prepared in advance and embedded in the digital watermark during the image creation or distribution phase. This preliminary action means that when the image reaches the forming apparatus, the control decisions are already encoded and ready to be extracted, eliminating the need for complex real-time analysis and reducing processing time delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the necessary control information from the digital watermark rather than processing the entire image. The watermark extraction process is designed to efficiently retrieve specific embedded attributes that determine function execution restrictions, separating the essential control data from the rest of the image content to minimize processing time.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes circuitry to obtain image information generated by reading an image printed on a medium, extract, from the image information, embedded information embedded as a digital watermark in the image, and process the image information using at least one of a plurality of types of functions. In the image processing apparatus, in processing the image information using the at least one of the plurality of types of functions, the circuitry is to determine to restrict execution of processing on the image information in which the embedded information is embedded, based on an attribute included in the embedded information, the attribute indicating whether to restrict the execution of the processing of each of the plurality of types of functions.