Network Endpoint Image Filtering via Signature Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image filtering technologies at device levels are not comprehensive and can be easily bypassed, leading to concerns about inappropriate dissemination of images and videos over network endpoints.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for managing image data at a network endpoint, which involves analyzing data streams for image data, comparing it with cataloged image signatures, and modifying the image data according to a network image policy before transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If image filtering is performed at the device level, then image filtering capability is provided, but the filtering can be easily bypassed or tampered with
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network endpoint as an intermediary device between image-generating devices and external networks. This intermediary performs image filtering and analysis, preventing direct device-level filtering while providing centralized control. The endpoint acts as a mediator that intercepts, analyzes, and modifies image data before transmission, solving the bypass problem while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent shifts the filtering operation from the device level (one dimension) to the network level (another dimension). By moving the filtering function to the network endpoint, the system operates at a different hierarchical level, preventing device-level bypass attempts while providing comprehensive filtering coverage across all connected devices.
2Reliability
If comprehensive image filtering is implemented at the network endpoint, then all images are filtered effectively, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements selective filtering by analyzing image data for specific characteristics (such as detecting human faces, identifying inappropriate content) rather than processing every image uniformly. The system applies filtering actions only when specific conditions are met, reducing overall processing time while maintaining comprehensive filtering effectiveness for relevant content.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/image processing filtering methods with automated analysis systems that use algorithms to identify and filter inappropriate content. This substitution enables faster processing by using computational analysis instead of manual or device-level filtering mechanisms, reducing processing time while maintaining filtering comprehensiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for managing image data transceived via a network endpoint communicatively coupled to one or more image generating devices is disclosed. The method comprises accepting a plurality of data streams in the network endpoint, at least one data stream of the plurality of data streams comprising image data from the one or more image generating devices, analyzing the plurality of data streams to identify the image data and to compare the identified image data with an image signature of a cataloged object, determining, from the comparison, that the image data depicts the cataloged object, modifying the image data according to an network image policy stored by the network endpoint, and transmitting the plurality of data streams including the modified image data.