Coded Aperture Secure Image Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for secure image transmission lack robustness in ensuring unauthorized access is prevented, particularly in applications requiring high security.
Innovation Solution
A coded aperture system with a mask having transparent areas in a coded pattern is used to create a superpositioned, physically encoded image on a sensor, which is then deconvolved using a decryption key at a remote platform, where the raw data is encrypted before transmission and decrypted before deconvolution for secure image decoding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If raw image data is transmitted without physical encoding, then transmission speed is fast, but security is compromised allowing unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The coded aperture mask is placed in front of the sensor before image capture to physically encode the light patterns. This preliminary encoding action transforms standard light patterns into coded patterns that appear as random noise without the decryption key, establishing security at the optical level before data transmission occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The coded aperture mask serves as an intermediary optical element between the scene and the sensor. It mediates the light transmission by encoding spatial information into coded patterns, which then require the corresponding decryption key to reconstruct the original image, thus providing security without requiring complex digital encryption algorithms.
2Reliability
If conventional digital encryption is used, then security is provided, but the system lacks robustness against advanced interception methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional digital encryption mechanisms with a physical/optical encoding system. Instead of using software-based cryptographic algorithms, the system uses a coded aperture mask to physically encode light patterns, making the security mechanism based on optical physics rather than computational complexity, thereby enhancing robustness against digital interception methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the fundamental parameter of image encoding from digital data transformation to optical light pattern modulation. By encoding information in the spatial distribution of light through the coded aperture mask rather than in digital bit sequences, the system creates a more robust security mechanism that is resistant to conventional digital decryption methods.
3Reliability
If a coded aperture mask is used for physical encoding, then security is enhanced, but image processing complexity increases due to deconvolution requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The coded aperture mask performs preliminary encoding of the light patterns during image capture. This preliminary action embeds the security mechanism directly in the optical path, so that the encoding is already accomplished before the data reaches the digital processing stage, simplifying the overall system architecture despite the deconvolution requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a coded copy of the light pattern through the aperture mask, where the coded pattern serves as both the security mechanism and the encoded image data. The deconvolution process then reconstructs the original image from this coded copy using the decryption key, maintaining ease of operation through straightforward optical and computational steps.
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 method provides a secure and robust image transmission system by ensuring only authorized parties can decode the image, adding an additional layer of security through encryption and decryption processes.
Implementation Method 1
forming the superpositioned, physically encoded image of the scene on the sensor includes optically overlaying respective views of the scene from the transparent areas onto the sensor
Implementation Method 2
using the platform remote from the imaging platform to deconvolve the superpositioned, physically encoded image into a decoded image
Data Source
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AI summary
A method includes forming an image of a scene (110) on a sensor (106) through a coded aperture (104), wherein the coded aperture and sensor are optically coupled within an imaging platform (102) to form a superpositioned, physically encoded image of the scene on the sensor. The method includes generating raw image data from the sensor representative of the superpositioned, physically encoded image of the scene, and transmitting the raw image data to a platform remote from the imaging platform so the raw data is encrypted during transmission. The method can include using the platform remote from the imaging platform to deconvolve the superpositioned, physically encoded image into a decoded image.