Encrypted Image Frame Thumbnail Identification Without Decryption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multimedia devices face challenges in maintaining compatibility between image encoding, decoding, encryption, and decryption processes, particularly in identifying low-resolution images without decrypting the original encrypted images, which complicates the handling and processing of multimedia data.

Innovation Solution

An image processing device and method that generates an encrypted image frame with a marker information field between a thumbnail image field and an encrypted original image field, allowing for the identification of low-resolution images without decryption, and facilitates compatibility between encoding, decoding, encryption, and decryption processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the original image is encrypted using encryption schemes, then security and protection of multimedia data is improved, but the ability to identify and process low-resolution images without decryption deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoididentification of low-resolution images
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The encrypted image data is segmented into multiple encryption blocks, where at least one block contains both the encrypted original image and embedded identification information for the low-resolution thumbnail image. This segmentation allows the thumbnail to be identified without decrypting the entire original image, resolving the contradiction between security and ease of identification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where identification information about the low-resolution image is embedded within the encryption blocks of the encrypted original image. This intermediary allows external systems to identify and process thumbnails without having decryption keys, while the full decryption remains secure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If high-resolution images are processed and transmitted, then image quality is improved, but power consumption and bandwidth usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of processing and transmitting the entire high-resolution original image, the system performs partial action by extracting and transmitting only the low-resolution thumbnail image for identification purposes. The full high-resolution image is transmitted only when explicitly requested and decrypted, significantly reducing routine power consumption and bandwidth usage while maintaining the ability to provide high quality when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If encryption and decoding processes are made compatible, then security protection is improved, but processing complexity and incompatibility between encoding/decoding and encryption/decryption deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity protectionVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by embedding identification information about the low-resolution image into the encryption blocks during the encryption process itself. This preliminary embedding of metadata allows subsequent systems to identify and process thumbnails without requiring complex decryption operations, thereby maintaining security while reducing processing complexity for identification tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3691279A1Device and method for processing image
Publication Date: 2020.08.05 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3691279A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3691279A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3691279A1 patent drawingFigure 5A~5C

AI summary

A device and a method for processing an image by a multimedia device that supports encryption and decryption are provided. The device includes a thumbnail image of an original image is obtained and the original image is encrypted using a first encryption scheme. An encrypted image frame is generated such that the encrypted image frame includes an identity field in which marker information is recorded between a first image field in which the obtained thumbnail image is recorded and a second image field in which the encrypted original image is recorded. The marker information indicates whether the encrypted image frame includes the second image field.