Imaging Apparatus Face Detection Security Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
As digital camera resolutions increase, personal information in images becomes easier to extract, particularly on social networking services, necessitating improved techniques for protecting such information.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus with a storage unit for registration information, a setting unit for security modes, a detector for identifying faces, and an image processor for executing security-protection processes, allowing users to select security modes that protect personal information by blurring, masking, or pixelating faces and other identifying features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If image resolution is increased to improve image quality, then image quality is improved, but personal information extraction becomes easier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting faces and personal information in images before they are uploaded or shared. The face detection and personal information protection processes are performed in advance, allowing the system to protect sensitive data before it becomes a security risk. This is evident in the workflow where images are processed through detection and protection mechanisms before being made available for sharing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism between image capture and image sharing. The personal information protection function acts as an intermediary that automatically detects, marks, or redacts sensitive information in images before they are uploaded to social networking services or shared. This intermediary layer ensures that high-resolution images can be shared while personal information is protected through automatic processing.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If manual security measures are applied to protect personal information, then personal information protection is improved, but user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the imaging apparatus to automatically detect faces and personal information, and automatically apply protection measures without requiring user intervention. The system autonomously performs face detection, identifies personal information, and applies appropriate protection (such as blurring or masking) without the user needing to manually process each image. This automation significantly improves user convenience while maintaining strong personal information protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical processes with automated electronic and optical systems. Instead of requiring users to manually review and protect personal information in images, the system uses automated face detection algorithms, image processing units, and electronic controls to identify and protect sensitive data. This substitution of manual operations with automated technological systems resolves the contradiction between protection effectiveness and user convenience.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If face detection and security processing are performed, then personal information protection is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs face detection and security processing as preliminary actions during the image capture or before-upload stage, rather than as post-processing steps. By integrating detection and protection into the initial image workflow, the system minimizes additional processing time. The face detection and personal information identification are performed proactively, allowing protected images to be ready for sharing without significant time delays.
Data Source
AI summary
Imaging apparatus includes storage that records registration information, including face information, for personal authentication, setting unit that selects a security mode from a plurality of security modes, imaging unit that generates first image data from optical information, detector that detects a face of a subject within the first image data and detects the security-protection target according to a result from a comparison between the face detected and the face information recorded, image processor that executes the security-protection process on the security-protection target detected by detector to generate second image data, and controller that controls detector and image processor in accordance with the security mode selected. The plurality of security modes include a first security mode and a second security mode. The first security mode sets, as the security-protection target, the face information not included in the registration information, and the second security mode sets, as the security-protection target, the face information included in the registration information.