Camera Auxiliary Device for Privacy Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies for protecting personal information during image capture and processing are unreliable, as they often require connection to external networks and can influence applications like somatometry and 3D avatar reconstruction, leading to concerns about data privacy.
Innovation Solution
A camera auxiliary device that splits an input light beam into two beams, detects and converts the privacy protection area to replace personal information with masking images, low-resolution images, or arbitrary objects, ensuring personal information is not visually identifiable, and is physically attached to the camera without network connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If image processing methods are used to pixelate personal information, then personal information can be protected, but users still have anxiety that personal information might be stored and the protection is not reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical path into two separate beams: a first input beam directed to a sensor for detecting privacy protection areas, and a second input beam transferred to the camera for capturing images. This segmentation ensures that the camera never receives unprocessed light containing personal information, fundamentally preventing information leakage while maintaining image quality in non-privacy areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary detection of privacy protection areas using the first input beam before the second input beam reaches the camera sensor. By identifying privacy areas in advance and converting the corresponding portions of the second input beam, the system prevents personal information from being captured in the first place, rather than attempting to protect it through post-capture processing.
2Reliability
If existing privacy protection technology is applied, then personal information can be protected, but it has significant influence on applications like somatometry and 3D avatar reconstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different processing treatments to different regions of the image based on privacy requirements. Privacy protection areas are converted using masking images, low-resolution images, or arbitrary object images, while non-privacy areas maintain their original quality. This localized approach preserves application functionality in non-privacy regions while providing protection where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the resolution parameter of privacy protection areas by replacing them with low-resolution images, which maintains privacy while preserving enough information for applications like somatometry and 3D avatar reconstruction that require spatial relationships but not detailed facial features.
3Ease of operation
If network connection is required for privacy protection, then processing can be performed, but users cannot reliably use services due to network dependency and security concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service privacy protection by performing all privacy detection and conversion operations locally within the camera system using the processor, sensor, and memory components. The system autonomously identifies privacy areas and converts corresponding image portions without requiring external network communication, ensuring service availability and reliability regardless of network conditions.
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
This solution provides reliable privacy protection by preventing personal information transfer during image capture, allowing users to check protected information without network connection and minimizing influence on applications like somatometry and 3D avatar reconstruction.
Implementation Method 1
a processor for splitting an input light beam that is reflected from a capturing target into a first input beam for detecting a privacy protection area and a second input beam to be transferred to a camera connected to a user terminal
Implementation Method 2
converting the second input beam and then transferring a converted second input beam to the camera so that personal information included in the privacy protection area is not visually identified
Data Source
AI summary
A camera auxiliary device for privacy protection and a privacy protection method using the camera auxiliary device. The camera auxiliary device for privacy protection includes a processor for splitting an input light beam that is reflected from a capturing target into a first input beam for detecting a privacy protection area and a second input beam to be transferred to a camera connected to a user terminal, detecting a privacy protection area in an image signal generated based on the first input beam, and converting the second input beam and then transferring a converted second input beam to the camera so that personal information included in the privacy protection area is not visually identified, and a memory for storing the image signal and the privacy protection area.