Boundary Pixel Modification for Secure Video Background Substitution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication devices struggle to effectively replace the original background with a substitute background without allowing the original background to be recovered or reproduced, especially in videoconferencing and video postings, due to imperfections in boundary pixel positioning and residual color data in boundary pixels.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where boundary pixels are modified by replacing either the entire pixel with a set color or estimating and subtracting the original background color, using neighboring pixels to determine the foreground and background colors, and reformulating a substantial percentage of boundary pixels to eliminate the original background, ensuring the original background color is minimized in the composite image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If boundary pixels are not modified, then the composite image maintains natural transitions, but the original background can be recovered from boundary pixel color data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the original background color information from boundary pixels by replacing it with substitute background color data. This extraction of harmful information (original background colors) from the boundary pixels prevents background recovery while maintaining the composite image's visual quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the color parameters of boundary pixels by substituting original background colors with substitute background colors. This parameter transformation ensures that boundary pixels no longer contain recoverable information about the original background while maintaining natural image appearance.
2Reliability
If boundary pixels are replaced with substitute background color, then the original background cannot be recovered, but the boundary region may show unnatural color transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively modifying only the boundary pixels that contain original background color information, while leaving other pixels unchanged. This targeted approach removes recoverable information without creating widespread unnatural artifacts in the image.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different treatments to different regions: boundary pixels receive substitute background color replacement to prevent recovery, while interior foreground and background pixels maintain their original properties. This local differentiation ensures security where needed while preserving natural appearance where not required.
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method of modifying an image containing a foreground and an original or substitute background are disclosed. Boundary pixels contain only the original background or the original background and the foreground. The original background is replaced by a predetermined or random color or by a color corresponding to the substitute background. The entire boundary pixel can be replaced by the replacement color. Alternatively, the ratio of the foreground to the original background can be estimated from the neighboring pixels and only the original background replaced by the replacement color. Once some or all of the boundary pixels are replaced, the image can be transmitted or otherwise transferred to other devices or viewers. Some or all of the images in a video can be modified.