AR Redaction Marker for Real-Time Image Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for protecting nonpublic information during image capture, such as using large cloths to conceal sensitive areas, are ineffective and often disrupt operations, leading to incidental exposure of classified information, and require post hoc editing which can be risky and incomplete.
Innovation Solution
The use of augmented reality technology that detects a redaction marker, such as a QR code, within the camera's field of view to automatically redact or encrypt sensitive areas in real-time, preventing their inclusion in the image data and reducing the risk of accidental or malicious exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If large cloths are used to cover nonpublic areas or equipment, then the nonpublic information is concealed from view, but the machinery cannot remain functional and operations must stop
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs redaction actions in advance by capturing images and automatically redacting nonpublic information before the images are viewed or distributed. This eliminates the need for physical coverings during operations, as the digital redaction occurs preliminarily in the image processing workflow, allowing machinery to remain functional throughout the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical cloths and manual covering with an automated digital image processing system. The camera captures images and software automatically identifies and redacts nonpublic information, substituting mechanical concealment methods with electronic processing that maintains operational continuity.
2Loss of information
If physical coverings are used to conceal nonpublic items, then some areas are obscured, but the coverings can be moved inadvertently, are difficult to use in some areas, or do not cover items from all angles
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces unreliable physical coverings with automated digital redaction technology. Software algorithms automatically identify and redact nonpublic information in captured images, providing consistent and reliable concealment that is not susceptible to being moved or improperly positioned like physical cloths.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where captured images are analyzed to automatically detect and redact nonpublic information. The system provides feedback on what information is being concealed and allows verification, ensuring consistent and reliable redaction across all viewing angles and positions.
3Loss of information
If images are edited post hoc to remove nonpublic information, then the information can be removed, but the images may be enhanced or reversed to expose the redacted information
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs redaction preliminarily during the image capture and processing stage, not after the image is created. By automatically redacting nonpublic information at the source, the original unredacted data never exists in the final image file, eliminating the risk of later enhancement or reversal attacks on already-captured images.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual post-hoc editing with automated real-time redaction systems. Software algorithms automatically identify and permanently remove nonpublic information during image processing, substituting the risky manual editing process with consistent automated processing that prevents exposure risks.
4Loss of information
If manual post hoc editing is performed to remove nonpublic information, then edited images can be produced, but the process is time-consuming and may not remove all information
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces time-consuming manual editing with automated image processing algorithms. Software automatically identifies, selects, and redacts nonpublic information in captured images without human intervention, dramatically reducing processing time while maintaining complete and consistent redaction across all images.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically analyzing captured images, identifying nonpublic information, and executing redaction without requiring manual review or editing. The automated system serves itself by completing the entire redaction workflow independently, eliminating time losses associated with manual processing.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and media are provided for redacting images using augmented reality. An image, such as a photograph or video, may be captured by a camera. A redaction marker, such as a QR code, may be included in the field of view of the camera. Redaction instructions may be interpreted from the redaction marker. The redaction instructions indicate a portion of a real-world environment that is to be redacted, such as an area that is not allowed to be imaged. Based on the redaction instructions, image data corresponding to the image may be redacted by deleting or encrypting a portion of the data associated with the portion of the real-world environment to be redacted. An image may be rendered using the redacted image data. The redacted image may be displayed or stored.