Protecting data of objects in a lab environment

Abstract

The disclosed subject matter relates to methods and systems for protecting data of objects in a laboratory environment. An image capture device configured in a laboratory instrument can capture images of multiple objects in a laboratory environment. A processor in the laboratory instrument can identify one or more objects matching predefined target objects from the images. The processor can apply a virtual masking object on or around the identified objects to prevent exposure of data associated with the identified objects, thereby providing data confidentiality.

Description

[0001] priority

[0002] This is related to and claims the benefit of previously filed provisional application 62 / 835,833, filed in the United States on April 18, 2019, entitled “Securing data of objects in a laboratory environment.” The disclosure of that application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to instrumentation. Background Art

[0004] Typically, a laboratory environment can be associated with a laboratory instrument that performs various operations. The laboratory environment can also include personnel operating the laboratory instrument. Typically, the various operations of the laboratory instrument can be captured in the form of images and videos by an image capture device such as a camera associated with the laboratory instrument. Therefore, the image capture device can capture images and videos of objects present near the laboratory instrument and images and videos of the operation of the laboratory instrument. Objects present near the laboratory instrument may include facial areas of one or more personnel in the laboratory environment, one or more devices in the laboratory environment such as independent analyzers and desktop analyzers, and one or more areas of the equipment such as a console or display area. Typically, capturing images and videos of such objects may bring the risk of exposing information that may be confidential, such as personal information of users near the laboratory instrument or information associated with one or more objects, thereby jeopardizing data confidentiality / security.

[0005] The present disclosure overcomes current shortcomings by providing methods, systems, and laboratory instruments for protecting data associated with objects in a laboratory environment.

[0006] The information disclosed in this background art section of the present disclosure is only for enhancing the understanding of the general background art of the present disclosure and should not be regarded as an admission or any form of suggestion that the information constitutes the prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the invention

[0007] One or more disadvantages of the prior art can be overcome, and other advantages can be provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure. Other features and advantages can be realized by the technology of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and various aspects of the present disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered to be a part of the disclosure claimed.

[0008] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods for protecting data associated with objects captured in a laboratory environment. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving images of multiple objects in a laboratory environment. In another embodiment, the method includes identifying one or more objects that match a predefined target image from the image. The predefined target object may include security data. The method also includes applying a virtual masking object on and around one or more objects that match the predefined target object to protect data associated with the one or more objects. In some embodiments, when the one or more objects identified are one of a user's facial area or an ID card of a user in a laboratory environment that constitutes confidential data of the user, the virtual masking object is applied on the one or more objects. In some embodiments, when the one or more objects identified are devices or areas of devices that match the predefined target object, the virtual masking object is applied around the one or more objects. The virtual masking object is applied at a predefined distance from a laboratory instrument configured with an image capture device for capturing images.

[0009] The foregoing summary is merely illustrative in nature and is not intended to limit the embodiments disclosed herein in any way.In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the present disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles disclosed. In the drawings, the leftmost digit of a reference number identifies the drawing in which the reference number first appears. The same reference numerals are used to refer to similar features and components throughout the drawings. Some embodiments of systems and / or methods according to embodiments of the present subject matter will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0011] Figure 1A An exemplary laboratory environment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0012] Figure 1B An exemplary block diagram of a laboratory instrument according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0013] Figure 2A and Figure 2B An exemplary method of applying a virtual masking object on a target object according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0014] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D An exemplary method of applying a virtual masking object around a target object according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0015] Figure 4 A flow chart illustrating a method for protecting data associated with an object captured in a laboratory environment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0016] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any block diagram herein represents a conceptual diagram of an illustrative system that embodies the principles of the subject matter. Similarly, it will be appreciated that any flow chart, flow diagram, state transition diagram, pseudo code, etc. represent various processes that can be substantially represented in a computer-readable medium and executed by a computer or processor, regardless of whether such a computer or processor is explicitly shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] In the following specific description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this article, and in which specific embodiments in which the present disclosure can be practiced are shown by way of illustration. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the teachings of the present disclosure, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and may be changed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the following description should not be considered as limiting. The description of the embodiments with multiple components that communicate with each other does not mean that all such components are required. On the contrary, various optional components are described to illustrate a variety of possible embodiments of the present invention.

[0018] In this document, the word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment or implementation of the subject matter described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments that may be disclosed.

[0019] Although the present disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown as examples in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail below. However, it should be understood that this is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the disclosed form, but on the contrary, the present disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0020] The terms "comprises," "comprising," "including," or any other variation thereof are intended to encompass non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setting, device, or method that includes a list of components or steps includes not only those components or steps, but may also include other components or steps that are not explicitly listed or that are inherent to such a setting, device, or method. In other words, without further constraints, one or more elements in a system or device beginning with "comprising ... one" do not exclude the presence of other elements or additional elements in the system or method. In addition, the words "comprising," "having," "including," and "including," and other similar forms are intended to be equivalent in meaning and are open-ended, in that one or more items following any of these words do not imply an exhaustive list of such one or more items, or are intended to be limited to the one or more items listed. It must also be noted that, as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0021] According to one embodiment, a method for protecting data associated with an object captured in a specific environment may be provided. In an example embodiment, such a specific environment may be a laboratory environment. Such a method may include receiving an image of a plurality of objects, wherein the plurality of objects may be associated with a device. Such a method may include identifying one or more objects that match a predefined target object from the image. Such a method may include applying a virtual masking object on the one or more objects that match the predefined target object to protect data associated with the one or more matching objects.

[0022] According to another embodiment, the method as described in the preceding paragraph may be configured to allow a user to dynamically mark multiple objects in real time. According to another embodiment, a method as described in the preceding paragraph may be provided, wherein applying a virtual masking object around one or more objects may include: identifying a predefined distance around a device in a specific environment including an image capture device, the image capture device being configured to capture images of multiple objects in the specific environment. In such a method, applying a virtual masking object around one or more objects may also include: applying the virtual masking object at a predefined distance from the image capture device. According to another embodiment, a method as described in the preceding paragraph may be provided, wherein applying a virtual masking object around one or more objects includes: marking a predefined distance by a user in real time around a device in a specific environment including an image capture device, the image capture device being configured to capture images of multiple objects in the specific environment. In such a method, applying a virtual masking object around one or more objects may also include: applying the virtual masking object at a predefined distance from the image capture device.

[0023] According to another embodiment, a method as described in any of the previous two paragraphs may be provided, wherein one or more objects may include at least one of the following: facial areas of one or more persons in a specific environment or areas selected by a user in real time, identification cards of one or more persons in a specific environment, one or more devices in a specific environment, and one or more areas of one or more devices.

[0024] According to another embodiment, a method as described in any of the three preceding paragraphs may be provided, wherein one or more objects matching a predefined target object may be identified based on processing of the one or more objects using machine learning techniques.

[0025] According to another embodiment, a method as described in any of the four preceding paragraphs may be provided, wherein the images of the plurality of objects in the laboratory environment may be still images or videos.

[0026] According to another embodiment, a method as described in any of the five preceding paragraphs may be provided, wherein the specific environment is a laboratory environment, and wherein the device is a laboratory instrument.

[0027] According to another embodiment, a system for protecting data associated with objects captured in a laboratory environment may be provided. Such a system may include a processor and a memory unit, the memory unit being communicatively coupled to the processor and storing processor-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to perform a method as described in the context of any of the six preceding paragraphs. According to another embodiment, a laboratory instrument may be provided, the laboratory instrument comprising: at least one image capture device for capturing images of a plurality of objects in a laboratory environment; and a processor configured to perform a method as described in the context of any of the six preceding paragraphs.

[0028] Embodiments disclosed herein may include methods, systems, and laboratory instruments (commonly referred to as diagnostic instruments) for protecting data associated with objects in a laboratory environment. In some embodiments, an object may include, but is not limited to, an apparatus such as a laboratory instrument, one or more persons in a laboratory environment, and one or more areas of the apparatus. In some embodiments, the data may be personal information associated with one or more persons and confidential data associated with the apparatus. In some embodiments, the laboratory instrument may include, but is not limited to, a diagnostic instrument and a non-diagnostic instrument. In another embodiment, the laboratory instrument may include an instrument related to healthcare. In some embodiments, the phrase "one or more persons" and the word "personnel" may be used alternatively. The laboratory instrument may be associated with one or more devices to perform at least one operation of the laboratory instrument. In some embodiments, at least one image capture device and a processor may be coupled to the laboratory instrument. In some embodiments, the phrase "at least one image capture device" and the word "image capture device" may be used alternatively. In some embodiments, the image capture device may be configured to capture at least one of an image and a video during operation of the laboratory instrument. In some embodiments, the image capture device may be fixed, with a fixed field of view (FOV). In some other embodiments, the image capture device may be movable, with a varying FOV. In some embodiments, the image capture device associated with the laboratory instrument can capture images of multiple objects in the laboratory environment. In certain other embodiments, the processor can receive the captured image. Upon receiving the captured image, the processor can identify one or more objects that match the predefined target object. In some embodiments, the predefined target object can be the facial area of ​​one or more personnel in the laboratory instrument. In some other embodiments, the predefined target object can be a device such as a desktop analyzer and a stand-alone analyzer. In yet other embodiments, the phrase "one or more devices" and the word "device" can be used alternatively. In some other embodiments, the predefined target object can be one or more areas of one or more devices, such as a console screen. In some other embodiments, the user can be allowed to mark an area of ​​interest in real time, thereby defining the predefined target object.

[0029] In some embodiments, the processor may apply a virtual masking object on and / or around one or more objects identified to protect data associated with one or more objects identified. In some other embodiments, if the identified object is a facial region of one or more persons in a laboratory environment or an identification (ID) card of one or more persons, the virtual masking object may include but is not limited to an emoticon, which may be applied to the identified facial region or the identified ID card. In some embodiments, if the identified object is one or more devices or one or more devices such as a desktop analyzer, one or more regions of a stand-alone analyzer, the processor may apply a virtual masking object around the identified object. In some embodiments, a virtual masking object may be applied at a predefined distance from a laboratory instrument including an image capture device. In some embodiments, a virtual masking object may include but is not limited to a curtain board based on augmented reality. In some embodiments, a virtual masking object may be applied to mask the identified object, and thus prevent data associated with the identified object from being exposed to an external environment. In some embodiments, the external environment may be a remote server associated with one or more devices in a laboratory environment. In some other embodiments, the external environment can be any other environment outside of the laboratory environment.

[0030] Now refer to Figure 1A , which shows an exemplary laboratory environment according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0031] The laboratory environment 100 may include one or more devices such as one or more laboratory instruments (laboratory instruments 1 1011 to laboratory instruments 101n, collectively referred to as laboratory instruments 101) and one or more users or one or more persons (collectively referred to as users / users 103) for operating the laboratory instruments 101 or viewing the operation of the laboratory instruments 101 in the laboratory environment 100. As an example, the laboratory instrument 101 may be a diagnostic instrument, a non-diagnostic instrument, or any other healthcare instrument. As an example, the laboratory instrument 101 may include, but is not limited to, a benchtop analyzer and a stand-alone analyzer. In some embodiments, the user 103 may be a laboratory technician, a visitor, or any other person viewing the laboratory instrument 101 or being present near the laboratory instrument 101.

[0032] Now refer to Figure 1B, which shows a block diagram of a laboratory instrument 101, which includes at least one image capture device 105 (also referred to as one or more image capture devices 105), a processor 107, and a memory unit 109. In some embodiments, the image capture device 105 can be coupled to the laboratory instrument 101. The image capture device 105 is configured to capture at least one image and video during operation of the laboratory instrument 101. As an example, the image capture device 105 may include, but may not be limited to, a camera that can be configured to periodically capture still images or continuously capture video. As an example, the camera can be a monochrome camera, a color camera, a digital camera, etc. The image capture device 105 can be configured to capture images of multiple objects in the laboratory environment 100. As an example, the multiple objects can be, for example, Figure 1A The device shown, the area of ​​the device, the facial area of ​​the user 103, the identification (ID) card of the user 103, etc. The processor 107 receives images of multiple objects and detects one or more objects matching the predefined target objects from the images. The predefined target objects and their corresponding one or more features are stored in the storage unit 109.

[0033] In some embodiments, the predefined target object can be defined in real time by the user 103. As an example, the predefined target object can be a facial region of the user 103 in the laboratory environment 100 and an independent device in the laboratory environment 100. Features of the facial region and the independent device are extracted and stored in the storage unit 109. As an example, the features of the facial region can be eyes, nose, and mouth. As an example, the features of the independent device can be a display area, an input area, etc.

[0034] The image capture device 105 may capture images of multiple objects in the environment. Some of the objects captured in the images may contain security data associated with the objects. If the objects being captured match predefined objects, the processor 107 may identify such objects as objects containing security data and thus mask them to prevent such data from being exposed to the external environment.

[0035] In some embodiments, when one or more objects matching the predefined object are identified, the processor 107 may apply a virtual masking object on and around the identified one or more objects to prevent exposure of security data associated with the identified one or more objects. In some other embodiments, a virtual masking object may be applied on or around one or more objects based on the identified one or more objects.

[0036] In some embodiments, the predefined target object may be a facial region of the user 103 that discloses the identity of the user 103. One or more features of the facial region may be extracted and stored in a memory unit 109 associated with the processor 107. The image capture device 105 configured in the laboratory instrument 101 may capture images of multiple objects in the laboratory environment 100. The multiple objects may include the facial region of the user 103 and one or more devices. The processor 107 may identify one or more objects that match the predefined target object from the image. The processor 107 may use machine learning techniques to identify the one or more objects based on a comparison of one or more features of the one or more objects with features of the target object. If the features of the one or more objects match the features of the predefined target object, the processor 107 may identify the one or more objects as matching the predefined target object. In this scenario, one or more users 103 may be present in the image captured by the image capture device 105. The processor 107 may detect the facial regions of the one or more users 103 that match the predefined target object. The processor 107 may apply a virtual masking object on the facial region to prevent the facial region of the user 103 from being exposed to the external environment. In some embodiments, the virtual masking object may be an emoticon or any other masking object to mask the facial region of the user 103 so that the facial region that discloses the identity of the user 103 is not exposed to the external environment.

[0037] In some embodiments, the predefined target object may be an independent device. Features of the independent device may be extracted and stored in the memory unit 109. The image capture device 105 configured in the laboratory instrument 101 may capture images of multiple objects in the laboratory environment 100. The multiple objects may include one or more users 103 and one or more devices. The processor 107 may identify one or more objects that match the predefined target object from the image. The processor 107 may use machine learning techniques to identify one or more objects based on a comparison of one or more features of one or more objects with features of the target object. If one or more features of one or more objects match one or more features of the predefined target object, the processor 107 may identify one or more objects as matching the predefined target object. In this scenario, one or more devices may exist in the laboratory environment 100. Among the one or more objects, the features of one of the devices may match the features of the predefined target object. The processor 107 identifies one of the one or more objects and applies a virtual masking object around the identified object so that the identified object is not exposed to the external environment.

[0038] As an example, the virtual masking object may be a virtual curtain board. The virtual curtain board may be placed at a predefined distance from the image capture device 105 configured in the laboratory instrument 101. As an example, the predefined distance may be 2 meters from the laboratory instrument 101 configured with the image capture device 105. The virtual masking object may be placed 2 meters from the laboratory instrument 101 including the image capture device 105. Once the virtual curtain board is placed, the view of the identified object matching the predefined target object is blocked for the laboratory instrument 101 including the image capture device 105. This prevents the security data associated with the identified object from being exposed to the external environment.

[0039] Now refer to Figure 2A , which shows an exemplary laboratory environment 100, wherein a user 103 is viewing the operation of a laboratory instrument 101. Since the user 103 is viewing the operation of the laboratory instrument 101, the user 103 is in the field of view of an image capture device 105 configured in the laboratory instrument 101. As an example, the facial region of the user 103 may be configured as a predefined target object. The image capture device 105 captures an image of the user 103. Since the user's face is captured by the image capture device 105 and it matches the predefined target object, the processor 107 in the laboratory instrument 101 applies a virtual masking object on the facial region, such as Figure 2B The emoticon 111 is shown such that the emoticon masks or prevents the facial area of ​​the user 103 from being exposed to the external environment through the image capture device 105 .

[0040] Now refer to Figure 3A , which shows an exemplary laboratory environment 100 including one or more objects. As an example, the image capture device 105 configured in the laboratory instrument 1013 can capture images of multiple objects in the laboratory environment 100. As an example, the image capture device 105 can capture an image including two objects, such as laboratory instrument 1 1011 as a stand-alone device and laboratory instrument 2 1012 as a benchtop analyzer. Features of laboratory instrument 1 1011 and laboratory instrument 2 1012 are extracted and stored in a memory unit 109 associated with a processor 107 configured in the laboratory instrument 1013. The predefined target object may be an independent analyzer. Since the independent analyzer is predefined as a target object, the data associated with the independent analyzer includes security data and therefore must be prevented from being exposed to the outside world. In some embodiments, the processor 107 uses machine learning techniques to compare features of all objects in the image with features of the predefined target object to identify objects that match the predefined object. In some embodiments, the processor 107 detects independent analyzers that match the predefined target image in the captured image. Therefore, as Figure 3BAs shown, the processor 107 applies a virtual masking object at a predefined distance from the laboratory instrument 1013 including the image capture device 105. The applied virtual masking object is an augmented reality-based virtual curtain 111 around the laboratory instrument 1013. The virtual masking object is applied to mask the field of view from the image capture device 105 so as to prevent data associated with the stand-alone analyzer from being exposed to the outside world through the image capture device 105. As an example, the predefined distance may be 2 meters. Figure 3B As shown, at a distance of 2 meters from the laboratory instrument 1013 including the image capture device 105, a virtual curtain 111 can be applied around the laboratory instrument 1013 so that the stand-alone analyzer is blocked from the view from the image capture device 105. However, the user 103 in the laboratory environment 100 can still view or operate the stand-alone analyzer. For the purpose of illustration, only the side view of the laboratory instrument 101 including the image capture device 105 is blocked, which is not shown in FIG. Figure 3B In some other embodiments, all sides of the laboratory instrument 1013 including the image capture device 105 can be blocked by the virtual curtain 111 ( Figure 3B not shown).

[0041] Now refer to Figure 3C , which shows an exemplary laboratory environment 100 including one or more objects. In some embodiments, Figure 3C As shown, the image capture device 105 may exist outside the laboratory instrument 1013. The image capture device 105 existing outside the laboratory instrument 1013 may include, but is not limited to, a device worn by the user 103 in the laboratory environment 100. glasses. As an example, the image capture device 105 can capture an image including two objects, such as laboratory instrument 1 1011 as a stand-alone device and laboratory instrument 2 1012 as a benchtop analyzer. Features of laboratory instrument 1 1011 and laboratory instrument 2 1012 are extracted and stored in a memory unit 109 associated with a processor 107 configured in laboratory instrument 1013. The predefined target object may be an independent analyzer. Since the independent analyzer is predefined as a target object, the data associated with the independent analyzer includes security data and must therefore be prevented from being exposed to the outside world. In some embodiments, the processor 107 uses machine learning techniques to compare features of all objects in the image with features of the predefined target object to identify objects that match the predefined object. In some embodiments, the processor 107 detects an independent analyzer that matches the predefined target image in the captured image. Therefore, as Figure 3DAs shown, the processor 107 applies a virtual masking object at a predefined distance from the laboratory instrument 1013. The applied virtual masking object is an augmented reality-based virtual curtain 111 around the laboratory instrument 1013. The virtual masking object is applied to mask the field of view from the image capture device 105 so as to prevent data associated with the stand-alone analyzer from being exposed to the outside world through the image capture device 105. As an example, the predefined distance may be 2 meters. Figure 3D As shown, at 2 meters from the laboratory instrument 1013, a virtual curtain 111 can be applied so that the stand-alone analyzer is blocked from the view from the image capture device 105.

[0042] Now refer to Figure 4 , which shows a flowchart of a method for protecting data associated with an object captured in a laboratory environment according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0043] like Figure 4 As shown, method 400 includes one or more blocks illustrating a method for protecting data associated with an object in a laboratory environment. Method 400 can be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions. In general, computer-executable instructions can include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, procedures, modules, and functions that perform functions or implement abstract data types.

[0044] The order in which method 400 is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the blocks describing the method may be combined in any order to implement method 400. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the method without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, method 400 may be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0045] At block 401, method 400 may include receiving, by a processor configured in a laboratory instrument, images of a plurality of objects in a laboratory environment. The plurality of objects may include, but are not limited to, equipment, regions of equipment, facial regions of a user, and identification (ID) cards of a user. The images may be captured by an image capture device associated with the laboratory instrument.

[0046] At block 403, method 400 may include identifying, by a processor, one or more objects from the image that match a predefined target object. The predefined target object may be defined by a user in real time. The predefined target object is an object that may include security data and therefore must be masked to prevent the security data from being exposed to the external environment.

[0047] At block 405, method 400 may include applying, by a processor, a virtual masking object on and around one or more objects matching the predefined target object to protect data associated with the identified one or more objects. In some other embodiments, the virtual masking object may be applied on or around one or more objects based on the identified one or more objects. When the identified object is a facial area of ​​a user or an ID card of a user, the virtual masking object may be applied on the identified object. When the identified object is a device or an area of ​​a device that may include secure data, the virtual masking object may be applied around a laboratory instrument including an image capture device.

[0048] In an embodiment, the present disclosure discloses a method, system, and laboratory instrument for protecting data associated with one or more objects in a laboratory environment. In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for applying a virtual masking object on or around one or more objects that match a predefined target object. When one or more objects are facial areas such as users in a laboratory environment, the virtual masking object can be placed on the one or more objects. When one or more objects are one or more devices or areas of one or more devices that must be blocked from leaving the field of view of an image capture device, the virtual masking object can be placed around the one or more objects. By applying a virtual masking object on or around one or more objects, the objects are prevented from being exposed to the external environment, thereby providing data security.

[0049] As described herein, the description of an embodiment with multiple components in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required. Instead, various optional components are described to illustrate various possible embodiments of the present invention.

[0050] When a single device or article is described herein, it is apparent that more than one device / article (whether or not they cooperate) may be used to replace a single device / article. Similarly, where more than one device or article (whether or not they cooperate) is described herein, it is apparent that a single device / article may be used to replace more than one device or article, or a different number of devices / articles may be used to replace the number of devices or programs shown. The functions and / or features of a device may alternatively be embodied by one or more other devices that are not explicitly described as having such functions / features. Therefore, other embodiments of the present disclosure do not necessarily include the device itself.

[0051] This specification describes methods, systems and laboratory instruments for protecting data associated with objects in a laboratory environment. The steps shown are set forth to illustrate the exemplary embodiments shown, and it should be expected that ongoing technological developments will change the way specific functions are performed. These examples are provided herein for illustrative purposes, not as limitations. In addition, for ease of description, the boundaries of the functional building blocks are arbitrarily defined herein. As long as the specified functions and their relationships are properly performed, alternative boundaries can be defined. Based on the teachings contained herein, alternatives (including those equivalents, extensions, variations, deviations, etc. described herein) will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art. Such alternatives fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosed embodiments.

[0052] Finally, the language used in this specification is selected primarily for readability and instructional purposes, and may not be selected to describe or limit the subject matter of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is not limited by this detailed description, but rather by any claims of an application based thereon. Therefore, the embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to illustrate, but not to limit, the scope of the present disclosure set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for protecting data associated with an object captured in a specific environment, the method comprising: receiving an image of a plurality of objects, wherein the plurality of objects are associable with a device; identifying one or more objects from the image that match predefined target objects; and applying a virtual masking object on and / or around the one or more objects matching the predefined target object to protect data associated with the one or more matching objects, Wherein, applying the virtual masking object around the one or more objects is based on a predefined distance around a device in the specific environment including an image capture device, the image capture device being configured to capture images of the plurality of objects in the specific environment, and applying the virtual masking object around the one or more objects comprises: Identify the predefined distance, or mark the predefined distance by a user in real time; and The virtual masking object is applied at the predefined distance from the image capture device.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The apparatus is configured to allow a user to dynamically tag the plurality of objects in real time.

3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 2, wherein: The one or more objects include at least one of: facial areas of one or more persons in the specific environment, identification (ID) cards of the one or more persons in the specific environment, one or more devices in the specific environment, and one or more areas of one or more devices.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 2, wherein: The one or more objects that match the predefined target object are identified based on processing the one or more objects using machine learning techniques.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 2, wherein: The specific environment is a laboratory environment, and wherein the device is a laboratory instrument.

6. A system for protecting data associated with an object captured in a specific environment, the system comprising: processor; as well as a memory unit communicatively coupled to the processor, wherein the memory unit stores processor-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to: A method according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5 is performed.

7. A device comprising: at least one image capture device for capturing images of a plurality of objects in a particular environment; as well as A processor configured to: A method according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5 is performed.

Images