Image Reconstruction via Residual Data Encryption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods fail to efficiently reconstruct original images from modified copies, leading to permanent loss of original content during editing processes such as watermarking, logo removal, or adding embellishments, as they do not provide a reliable method for recovering the original image.

Innovation Solution

A method involving image reconstruction information, such as residual pixel values, is generated and encrypted, allowing the original image to be recovered by combining this information with the modified image, with options for different encryption techniques to control access and storage as metadata or separately.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the original content is modified to produce an edited image, then the edited image can be created with watermarks or other modifications, but the original content is permanently lost

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEase of image modificationVSAvoidLoss of original image content
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by generating and storing image reconstruction information (such as residual values or difference data) before the original image is permanently lost during editing. This reconstruction information is created in advance and stored alongside the modified image, enabling later recovery of the original content without needing to preserve the original image file itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a copy of the original content is stored together with the edited image, then the original content can be preserved, but storage space and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePreservation of original contentVSAvoidStorage and management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential reconstruction information needed to recover the original image, rather than storing the entire original image copy. By storing only the difference data or residual values that capture the modifications made, the system achieves reliable original content preservation while minimizing storage requirements and avoiding the complexity of managing complete image copies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Loss of information

If existing methods are used for image reconstruction, then some recovery may be attempted, but the reconstruction is not efficient or reliable

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRecovery of original imageVSAvoidReconstruction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a simplified copy of the reconstruction information in a standardized format that can be efficiently processed. By representing the reconstruction data as compact residual values or difference images with associated metadata, the system enables fast and reliable original image recovery without requiring complex computational processes, thereby improving reconstruction efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP3714425B1Method and apparatus for reconstruction of original images from modified images
Publication Date: 2023.05.03 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3714425B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3714425B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3714425B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

An image processing method is disclosed, comprising comparing a first image and a modified second image, the modified second image comprising a copy of the first image in which at least one pixel value of one or more pixels have been modified, and based on the result of the comparison, generating first image reconstruction information which can be combined with the modified second image to reconstruct the first image. A corresponding image reconstruction method comprises combining the image reconstruction information with the modified second image to reconstruct the first image. Apparatus for implementing the methods is also disclosed.