Dynamic Image Obfuscation with Region-Specific Marking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current image obfuscation techniques do not optimize the obfuscation process for different regions within an image, such as faces with varying contrast, leading to suboptimal image quality and de-obfuscation challenges.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that dynamically analyze an image to determine optimal obfuscation processes for each region, applying different obfuscation techniques based on regional characteristics and marking the processes for effective de-obfuscation, while allowing users to set constraints for specific image regions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a single obfuscation process is applied to the entire image, then the implementation is simple, but the image quality after de-obfuscation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of obfuscation processVSAvoidimage quality after de-obfuscation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The image is divided into multiple regions of interest (such as faces, objects, or specific areas) that are identified and processed independently. Each region is analyzed to determine its specific characteristics, and appropriate obfuscation techniques are applied selectively to each region rather than uniformly across the entire image, thereby preserving overall image quality while achieving effective obfuscation where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different obfuscation techniques and parameters are applied to different regions based on their local characteristics. For example, regions with high contrast or important features may receive different treatment compared to uniform regions. This localized approach ensures that obfuscation is effective where necessary while minimizing impact on the overall image quality and facilitating better de-obfuscation results.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If strong obfuscation is applied to protect privacy, then privacy protection is improved, but the image quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprivacy protection effectivenessVSAvoidimage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of applying strong obfuscation uniformly across the entire image, the system applies obfuscation selectively only to specific regions of interest that require privacy protection. The degree of obfuscation is adjusted based on the importance and characteristics of each region, applying just enough protection to maintain privacy while preserving overall image quality for non-critical areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The obfuscation parameters (such as blur intensity, distortion level, or pixelation degree) are dynamically adjusted based on region characteristics and privacy requirements. This allows the system to apply varying degrees of obfuscation strength - stronger where privacy is critical and weaker where image quality is more important - thereby balancing privacy protection with image quality preservation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If different obfuscation processes are applied to different regions, then image quality is improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage quality after de-obfuscationVSAvoidobfuscation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary analysis and identification of regions of interest before applying obfuscation. By pre-segmenting the image and categorizing regions based on their characteristics and privacy requirements, the system establishes a structured framework that guides subsequent obfuscation operations. This preliminary organization simplifies the overall process despite the complexity of applying multiple techniques, as each region's treatment is predetermined based on its analyzed properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary analysis layer that automatically identifies regions, determines appropriate obfuscation techniques, and manages the application process. This intermediary component acts as a mediator between the raw image and the obfuscation operations, automatically making decisions about which techniques to apply where based on region characteristics. This automation reduces the perceived complexity by centralizing the decision-making logic in a dedicated analysis module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10169548B2Image obfuscation
Publication Date: 2019.01.01 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION
  • US10169548B2 patent drawing
  • US10169548B2 patent drawing
  • US10169548B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method to obfuscate images is provided. The method may include a monitoring engine determining which images and regions of images need to be obfuscated. The method may also include an obfuscation engine determining the proper obfuscation processes in order to optimally obfuscate an image. The method may further include obfuscating the regions of the image based on the determined proper obfuscation processes. The method may also include marking the regions with an identifier representing the obfuscation process used. The method may also include using the identifiers in order to then de-obfuscate the image without a loss of image quality.