Light Field Image Processing Privacy Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light field photography techniques fail to adequately protect privacy information within the imaging range, as reconstruction images focused on various subject distances or viewpoints can inadvertently reveal sensitive information.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that includes a data obtaining unit for light field data, a selection unit for selecting subjects, and an output unit for generating restriction information to prevent focusing on specific subjects, thereby controlling the generation conditions of reconstruction images to maintain privacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If light field data is used to generate reconstruction images focused on various subject distances, then imaging versatility is improved, but privacy protection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary subject detection and distance estimation during the imaging process, storing this information alongside the light field data. This preliminary action enables later restriction of reconstruction images to specific depth ranges, preventing privacy exposure while preserving overall imaging versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different focus characteristics to different depth regions. By detecting subjects at specific distances and storing this spatial information, the system can locally restrict reconstruction capability for privacy-sensitive depth ranges while maintaining reconstruction capability for other ranges, thus achieving selective privacy protection.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If restriction information is added to control reconstruction images, then privacy protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges restriction information with the existing light field data storage structure. By combining subject detection results, distance information, and reconstruction control parameters into a unified data structure, the patent avoids adding separate complex control systems while still achieving privacy protection through integrated data management.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus obtains light field data, and selects a subject. The apparatus outputs restriction information which is information for not focusing on the selected subject, and is information for restricting reconstruction of the light field data.