Iris Region Image Processing for Privacy Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing resolution of imaging devices poses a risk of illicit use of iris images for authentication, as they can be obtained without consent, and existing privacy protection methods do not effectively safeguard iris data.
Innovation Solution
An image processing method that detects the iris region and performs image conversion to prevent extraction of unique feature data, including re-arrangement, replacement, or embedding a digital watermark, ensuring the iris image cannot be used for authentication while maintaining a natural appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-resolution imaging is used to capture iris images, then authentication accuracy is improved, but the risk of illicit use and privacy leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the captured image into multiple blocks and selectively applies processing to regions containing irises. By segmenting the image and identifying iris regions through pattern recognition, the system can apply privacy protection only where necessary while preserving authentication capability in controlled environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different processing qualities to different regions of the image. Iris regions detected in the image receive mosaic processing to protect privacy, while other regions maintain original quality. This local differentiation allows the system to balance authentication needs with privacy protection.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If mosaic processing is applied to obscure the iris region, then privacy protection is improved, but authentication capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the level of processing applied to different regions based on real-time detection results. The system first detects iris regions, then applies mosaic processing only to those specific areas while leaving other regions unchanged, creating a dynamic, context-aware processing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and identifies specific iris regions from the overall image using pattern recognition, then applies processing only to those extracted regions. This extraction approach allows selective privacy protection without affecting the entire image or authentication capabilities in non-iris areas.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the entire image is processed with mosaic to protect privacy, then privacy protection is improved, but the image becomes unnatural and unusable for entertainment purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mosaic processing only to detected iris regions while leaving the rest of the image in its original state. This localized approach protects privacy in sensitive areas while maintaining the natural appearance and entertainment value of the overall image.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the image into processed and unprocessed regions based on iris detection results. By dividing the image and applying different treatments to different segments, the system achieves privacy protection without compromising the natural appearance of non-iris areas.
Data Source
AI summary
An iris region of an eye is detected from an original image (S1) and image conversion is performed to the detected iris region so that feature data unique to the person can not be extracted (S2). For example, the iris region is divided into a plurality of portions and respective images of divided portions are re-arranged in a predetermined order or at random.