Watermarked Image Processing for Per-Function Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses lack the ability to determine whether to permit the execution of various functions based on embedded information, compromising security and convenience.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that includes a reading unit to extract digital watermark information from images, and a processing unit to restrict function execution based on attributes within the watermark, ensuring secure and convenient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If image forming apparatus determines whether to permit execution of processing for each function based on embedded information, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the authority determination process by separating the extraction of embedded information (digital watermark) from the determination of processing authority. The extraction unit extracts embedded information containing authority information, while the determination unit uses this information to control function execution. This segmentation allows security enhancement through detailed per-function authority control without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by embedding authority information (digital watermark) in the image data before processing. The embedded information is prepared in advance with authority attributes that indicate whether each type of processing should be restricted. This allows the image forming apparatus to make authorization decisions based on pre-prepared information, improving security while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Reliability
If image forming apparatus restricts function execution based on embedded information attributes, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the image data itself to carry its own authority information through embedded digital watermarks. The image forming apparatus automatically extracts and processes this embedded information to determine whether to permit processing, without requiring manual authorization checks or complex user interactions. This maintains ease of operation while achieving security through automated, data-driven authorization decisions.
3Ease of operation
If image forming apparatus processes image information using multiple functions without restriction, then convenience is improved, but security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the authority determination flexible and adaptive based on the specific embedded information attributes. Rather than fixed restrictions or complete freedom, the determination unit dynamically decides whether to permit each type of processing based on the authority information extracted from the embedded digital watermark. This allows the system to provide convenience when appropriate while maintaining security when needed, resolving the contradiction between convenience and security.
Data Source
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AI summary
An image processing apparatus (1) includes a reading unit (210) to read an image printed on a medium to generate image information, an extraction unit (301) to extract, from the image information, embedded information embedded as a digital watermark in the image, and a processing unit (270) to process the image information using at least one of a plurality of types of functions. In the image processing apparatus (1), the processing unit (270) is configured to, in processing the image information using the at least one of the plurality of types of functions, 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.