Image Capture Through Irreversible Pixel Manipulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image anonymization methods require the creation of a recognizable source image, which is subsequently anonymized, leaving a risk of data access and incomplete anonymization, failing to meet privacy and legal requirements.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that irreversibly manipulate pixel streams during image creation by resetting color values of 30-70% of pixels based on position values, ensuring no recognizable image is formed, using stochastic methods to ensure complete anonymization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a recognizable source image is captured and subsequently anonymized, then the image quality and detail are preserved, but the risk of data access and incomplete anonymization increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing anonymization during the image capture process itself, before the image is fully formed or stored. The pixel manipulation occurs at the sensor level or during initial processing, ensuring anonymization is embedded in the creation stage rather than applied as a subsequent step. This eliminates the risk of accessing recognizable images while maintaining processing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the image into individual pixels and applies selective manipulation to specific pixels based on their position values. By treating pixels as discrete, independently manipulable units, the system can anonymize specific regions (such as faces or identifying features) while preserving other parts of the image, thus balancing anonymity with image quality.
2Reliability
If pixel manipulation is performed during image creation, then anonymization is complete and irreversible, but image quality and detail are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating between various regions of the image and applying different levels of pixel manipulation. Critical identifying regions (such as faces, license plates, or unique features) receive stronger anonymization through pixel resetting, while non-critical areas maintain higher image quality. This selective approach ensures complete anonymization of personal data while preserving overall image utility.
3Reliability
If 30-70% of pixels have their color values reset, then anonymity is ensured, but the amount of usable image information decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically resetting the color values of selected pixels based on position-based criteria. By changing the color parameter of specific pixels while leaving others unchanged, the system achieves anonymization through controlled information loss. The 30-70% range allows flexibility in balancing anonymity requirements with information retention needs.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a device for capturing at least one image while preserving the anonymity of the person captured. The object underlying the invention is to comply with the data protection requirements of the GDPR in Europe when capturing images containing personal data. The invention achieves this by distorting each pixel generated by the optical device before the image is created, such that only information that cannot be attributed to a specific person can be read from the resulting image. In other words, the invention does not allow for the capture of personal data in a way that is recognizable from the outset.