Optical Fiber Sensing Data Masking for Privacy Compliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Distributed optical fiber sensing systems face challenges in regulating data acquisition in sensitive areas, where environmental information must not be collected for security or privacy reasons.
Innovation Solution
A processing device is integrated into the optical fiber sensing system, equipped with a mask unit that selectively masks predetermined ranges of acquired data, ensuring that sensitive information is not output externally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If distributed optical fiber sensing is used to acquire environmental information over a wide range, then the sensing coverage and information acquisition capability are improved, but the risk of collecting sensitive data in regulated areas increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical fiber sensing system into distinct functional segments: a sensing section that collects data and a processing device that applies masking. The masking function segments the data processing workflow, separating sensitive data handling from general data acquisition, thereby enabling wide-area sensing while protecting regulated information through structural division of the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing device acts as an intermediary between the optical fiber sensing system and external data recipients. It receives raw sensing data, applies masking operations to predetermined ranges, and outputs processed data. This intermediary function blocks sensitive information from reaching external systems while preserving legitimate sensing capabilities.
2Reliability
If data masking is applied to protect sensitive information, then data privacy and security compliance are improved, but the complexity of the data processing system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The masking ranges are predetermined and configured in advance within the processing device. Rather than analyzing and masking sensitive data in real-time during data flow, the system pre-defines which spatial or temporal ranges require masking. This preliminary configuration simplifies the processing workflow while ensuring security compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a masked copy of the original sensing data. The processing device generates processed data that replicates the structure and non-sensitive content of the original data while having sensitive portions replaced with masking information. This copying approach maintains data usability for legitimate purposes while protecting sensitive information, without requiring fundamental system redesign.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively limits the utilization of acquired data in regulated areas, maintaining data privacy and compliance with security regulations while allowing data acquisition in other areas.
Implementation Method 1
The backscattered light is typically Rayleigh backscattered light
Implementation Method 2
The change is mainly a change of a phase (phase change)
Data Source
AI summary
A processing device disposed inside a transmitter/receiver intended for use in optical fiber sensing using an optical fiber in order to enable restricting utilization of a prescribed range of acquired data, the processing device comprising: a mask unit which masks a prescribed range of acquired data, which is the data acquired by the transmitter/receiver through the optical fiber sensing; and an output unit which outputs post-masking data, which is the data that has undergone the aforementioned masking, to the outside of the transmitter/receiver, wherein the acquired data prior having the masking performed thereon for the prescribed range is not outputted to the outside.