Monochrome Conversion Suppressing Yellow Security Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing color/monochrome conversion methods struggle to prevent visualization of yellow security information when converting color originals to monochrome, leading to potential unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that uses specific color/monochrome conversion equations, such as sRGB, NTSC, and uniform RGB, to adjust the luminance and density of yellow pixels, ensuring security information remains invisible in monochrome output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the blend ratio of red, green, and blue read signals is adjusted to improve yellow pixel reproducibility, then the visibility of yellow characters is improved, but yellow security information becomes visualized in the monochrome copy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different processing to different regions of the image: yellow characters are enhanced for visibility while yellow security information is suppressed. This is achieved by analyzing the spatial distribution and characteristics of yellow regions, then applying localized adjustments to preserve legitimate content while eliminating security threats.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of uniformly enhancing all yellow pixels to improve readability, the patent inverts the approach by selectively suppressing yellow security information while preserving yellow characters. This is done by identifying characteristics that distinguish security information from legitimate content, then applying opposite processing (suppression vs. enhancement) based on these characteristics.
2Device complexity
If standard color/monochrome conversion is used, then processing simplicity is maintained, but yellow security information is visualized in the output
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary analysis of the input image to identify yellow security information before the monochrome conversion process. By detecting the presence and characteristics of security information in advance, the system can apply targeted suppression during conversion, preventing visualization without complicating the overall process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the conversion parameters dynamically based on the detected content. When yellow security information is detected, specific parameter adjustments are applied to suppress it, while normal conversion parameters are used for legitimate content. This allows the system to maintain simplicity for standard conversions while automatically adapting when security threats are present.
Data Source
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AI summary
An image processing apparatus determines whether a color image is formed by reading an original with a reading unit or input from an external apparatus, and sets a conversion method for converting the color image into a monochrome image such that when an image obtained by monochrome converting the color image is output onto a recording medium, security information included in the color image is difficult to be discriminated by human eyes, if the color image is formed by reading an original. If the color image is input from the external apparatus, the image processing apparatus sets a monochrome conversion method selected by a user. The apparatus then converts the color image into a monochrome image by the set monochrome conversion method.