Camera Lens Optical Blurring for Privacy-Safe Image Encoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image encryption methods fail to protect personal information from hacking and ensure privacy in environments where data is shared and utilized, particularly in deep learning applications, leading to vulnerabilities and psychological discomfort.
Innovation Solution
Implement an optical element in the camera lens to blur images unidentifiably, using hardware and software encryption techniques, allowing images to be rendered unidentifiable and reversible through a mathematical encryption key.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If software encryption is used on the reception electronic device, then personal information can be protected to some extent, but the encrypted images remain vulnerable to hacking risks at the terminal level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing image encryption at the camera capture stage rather than at the reception device. The optical element is integrated into the camera lens to blur images before they are captured and stored, ensuring that personal information is protected from the very beginning of the data lifecycle, preventing terminal-level hacking risks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces software-based encryption with a hardware-based optical encryption system. An optical element (such as a diffuser or microlens array) is physically integrated into the camera lens to perform optical blurring, substituting the mechanical/optical system for software encryption and providing more reliable protection against hacking
2Productivity
If images are captured for AI training and data utilization, then data resources can be promoted, but the risk of privacy data leakage increases in shared environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by encrypting images at the capture stage using an optical element integrated into the camera. This ensures that even when images are shared for AI training and data utilization, the personal information remains protected from the beginning, eliminating privacy leakage risks in shared environments while maintaining data productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making the encryption property inherent to the captured image data itself through optical blurring. The encrypted images can be freely shared and utilized for AI training in various locations and environments, with the privacy protection embedded locally in the image data structure
3Ease of operation
If mechanical covers or shutters are used to protect camera privacy, then users feel psychologically comfortable, but these measures are passive and cause inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive mechanical privacy protection (covers and shutters) with an active optical encryption system integrated into the camera lens. The optical element continuously encrypts images at the optical level, providing reliable privacy protection without requiring user actions, thereby eliminating both the inconvenience and the passivity of mechanical solutions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by making the camera system itself perform the encryption function automatically through the integrated optical element. The camera actively protects its own output without requiring external mechanical covers or user intervention, providing both convenience and reliable privacy protection
4Reliability
If optical elements are added to the camera lens to blur images, then personal information can be protected unidentifiably, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating the optical element directly into the camera lens structure. The encryption function is combined with the existing imaging components, merging multiple functions (imaging and encryption) into a single integrated system, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable privacy protection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing the optical element to serve multiple functions within the camera system. The same optical component that focuses light for imaging also performs encryption through its optical properties, making the system multi-functional and reducing the need for additional separate components
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
Ensures privacy protection by maintaining image quality for necessary functions like video chatting and remote monitoring while preventing identification of personal information, even in hacked or shared environments, and reducing risks of data breaches.
Implementation Method 1
an optical element 125 arranged in an area in front of at least one lens 121 to 123 of the camera module 120, the optical element 125 configured to blur the image
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device for encoding image information, according to the present specification, comprises: a camera module including at least one lens configured to capture an image; and an optical element movably coupled to a front area of the at least one lens so that an object in the image is unidentifiably encoded.