Camera Module With Optical Image Encryption Against Terminal Hacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for encrypting images containing personal information are vulnerable to hacking at the terminal level, leading to privacy data leakage and increased risks in shared environments, particularly in IoT devices, and there is a need to protect personal information while utilizing data for AI training.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a camera module that includes an optical element to capture encrypted images, using a combination of optical and software encryption to ensure images are unidentifiable, and a processor to control image decryption based on an encryption key, allowing restoration only when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If software encryption is applied to original images at the reception device, then personal information can be protected, but terminal-level hacking risks remain vulnerable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing image encryption at the capture stage through the optical element rather than at the reception device. The optical element is designed to optically encrypt the image as it is being captured, so that even if the terminal is hacked, the stolen data remains encrypted and unusable. This shifts the encryption timing from post-capture to during-capture, preventing terminal-level security breaches from compromising privacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/software-based encryption system with an optical encryption system. Instead of using software algorithms to encrypt images after capture, the system uses an optical element with specific refractive index distribution to perform encryption through optical path manipulation. This substitution enables encryption to occur at the hardware/optical level, making it more resistant to terminal-level hacking attempts.
2Adaptability or versatility
If images are captured and stored in original form, then data can be utilized for AI training, but privacy data leakage risk increases in shared environments
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary encryption of images at the moment of capture through the optical element. This ensures that all stored and shared image data is already in encrypted form, allowing AI training to proceed on encrypted datasets without risking privacy leakage. The preliminary encryption action maintains data utility for training while eliminating the vulnerability of storing original identifiable images.
3Reliability
If mechanical covers are used to protect camera lenses, then privacy can be protected, but convenience is reduced and lens coverage becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cover system with an optical encryption system. Instead of physically covering the lens to prevent image capture, the system uses an optical element that encrypts the captured image optically. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical intervention while maintaining privacy protection, significantly improving ease of operation and enabling continuous camera functionality without manual cover management.
4Reliability
If optical encryption is implemented in the camera module, then terminal-level hacking is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the encryption function directly into the existing camera module by integrating the optical element with the lens system. The optical element is positioned within the camera module's optical path, combining image capture and encryption functions into a single integrated component rather than adding separate encryption hardware. This merging approach minimizes the increase in device complexity while achieving security enhancement.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical element serves multiple functions: it acts as both an imaging component and an encryption device. By designing the optical element with specific refractive index distribution, it simultaneously performs light focusing for image capture and optical path manipulation for encryption. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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
Prevents hacking of personal information at the terminal level, reduces privacy data leakage, and safeguards IoT devices by rendering images unidentifiable, ensuring privacy protection and secure data utilization for AI training.
Implementation Method 1
the optical element is designed to capture the image as an encrypted image
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device that encrypts image information comprises a camera module configured to capture an image, wherein the camera module includes an optical element designed to capture the image as an encrypted image within the camera module. The electronic device may perform a decryption process using an encryption key.