Image Segmentation Masking for Visual Data Privacy Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current image segmentation techniques fail to protect private information in images from misappropriation.
Innovation Solution
A user device processes images using binary swapping or blind three-dimensional models to convert them into binary images, clusters pixels using color-space-based clustering, selects and masks specific segments, and stores the protected images with identifiers and original pixel data in a secure data structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current image segmentation techniques are used, then image processing can be performed, but private information in images cannot be protected from misappropriation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the image into multiple segments after initial processing, where each segment can be independently masked or protected. This allows selective protection of private information regions while maintaining overall image functionality, directly addressing the privacy protection need without requiring complete image encryption or complex transformation of the entire image.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action through pre-processing the image into a binary image before segmentation and masking operations. This preliminary binary conversion simplifies subsequent processing steps and establishes a foundation for efficient privacy protection mechanisms, reducing the complexity of later operations while ensuring reliable privacy safeguarding.
2Reliability
If comprehensive image protection measures are implemented, then privacy is protected, but computing and networking resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates only the necessary protected segments from the image rather than processing or protecting the entire image. By identifying and masking only the segments containing private information, the system reduces computing resource consumption significantly compared to comprehensive image-wide protection measures, while maintaining effective privacy protection for critical regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by implementing differential protection strategies where only specific segments requiring privacy protection are masked, while other segments remain accessible. This localized approach to privacy protection optimizes resource usage by avoiding unnecessary processing of non-sensitive image regions, thereby reducing overall computing and networking resource consumption.
3Productivity
If simple masking techniques are used, then processing is fast, but segmented images can be easily cracked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where binary image data is embedded within segmented regions, and masking information is layered within the segmented framework. This nested organization creates multiple levels of data structure that increase the complexity of potential cracking attempts while maintaining efficient processing through the hierarchical organization, thus improving security without significantly sacrificing processing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite data structure combining binary image data, segmentation information, and masking layers into a unified protected image format. This composite structure integrates multiple protective mechanisms work together, making the system more resistant to cracking attempts compared to simple masking alone, while maintaining processing efficiency through the integrated design of the composite structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A device may receive an image and may process the image, with a first model or a second model, to convert the image into a binary image. The device may generate an identifier that identifies the first model, or identifies the second model and a color removed from the image, and may utilize clustering to cluster pixels of the binary image and to generate a segmented image with a quantity of segments. The device may generate a particular number of segments to select, and may select the particular number of segments, as selected segments, from the quantity of segments. The device may mask the selected segments to generate a protected image with masked segments, and may associate the protected image with the identifier and with original pixel data of the masked segments. The device may store the protected image, the identifier, and the original pixel data in a data structure.