Image Encryption Region Pixel Value Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image encryption techniques for printed images are inadequate as they fail to prevent information leakage when an incorrect password is input, and existing methods for embedding passwords in printed documents are prone to distortion and increase processing costs.
Innovation Solution
An image encryption apparatus that specifies an encryption region, converts the image using an encryption key, embeds encryption key-related information, and performs pixel value conversion to ensure the encryption region's position is identifiable during decryption, using methods like pixel value inversion and embedding in minimal regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional image encryption is applied to printed images, then the original image can be converted into an unrecognizable form, but when an incorrect password is input, the converted image may coincidentally resemble the original image, allowing concealed contents to be inferred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by embedding authentication information (password) into the encrypted image before the encryption process. This embedded information serves as a preliminary verification mechanism that must be satisfied before the encrypted image can be properly decrypted. The authentication information is embedded in a specific region and used to verify the correctness of the input password during decryption, preventing accidental resemblance to the original image even when incorrect passwords are used.
2Ease of operation
If password information is embedded into the document image using electronic watermark, then the password can be extracted for authentication, but the method is susceptible to distortion caused by printing, copying and scanning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by embedding the authentication information in a specific local region of the encrypted image rather than distributing it throughout the entire image. This localized embedding allows for more controlled and robust password extraction, as the authentication information is concentrated in a defined area that can be independently processed and verified, making it less susceptible to distortion from printing, copying, and scanning operations.
3Reliability
If barcode is used to embed password information, then the embedding method is resistant to distortion, but it cannot be applied when there is no appropriate margin region besides the encryption region
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from conventional 2D barcode embedding (which requires margin regions) to a method where authentication information is embedded within the encryption region itself by converting specific pixel values. This approach moves the embedding space from external margins to the internal structure of the encrypted image, allowing authentication information to be embedded regardless of margin availability while maintaining distortion resistance through systematic pixel value conversion.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple barcodes are printed for multiple encryption regions, then each region can be encrypted separately, but the number of barcodes increases and processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining the authentication information embedding process with the encryption process itself. Instead of using separate barcodes for each encryption region, the authentication information is embedded directly into the encrypted image data of each region through pixel value conversion. This merging of authentication and encryption functions eliminates the need for multiple separate barcodes, reducing processing complexity while maintaining the ability to handle multiple encryption regions.
Data Source
AI summary
Input data is converted into an image, and in the input image, an encryption region that is a region in which the image is to be encrypted. Meanwhile, on the basis of an encryption key, encryption key-related information that is information related to the encryption key is generated, and the encryption key-related information is embedded into the image in the encryption region, to generate a first intermediate image. Next, the first intermediate image is converted on the basis of the encryption key, to generate a second intermediate image. Then, the pixel values of the second intermediate image are converted so that the position of the encryption region can be specified. As a result of the conversion, an encrypted image in which the part corresponding to the encryption region in the input image is generated.