Selective Image Obfuscation via Access Profiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image obfuscation methods are inflexible, as they often blur or overlay entire images, restricting users from viewing sensitive information while also restricting access to non-sensitive parts, leading to inefficiencies and laborious creation of multiple image versions for different user types.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using reversible transforms and access profiles, where specific image portions are obfuscated using keys, allowing permissions to be allocated to users for viewing and decrypting sensitive information, enabling selective access and retention of original pixel information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If entire image is obfuscated using filters (blur/overlay), then sensitive information is protected, but users cannot view non-sensitive parts of the image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image into multiple portions, applying obfuscation selectively only to portions containing sensitive information while leaving non-sensitive portions unchanged. This segmentation approach allows users to access non-sensitive parts of the image while maintaining protection of sensitive areas.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the image are treated differently: sensitive portions are obfuscated while non-sensitive portions remain visible. The obfuscation characteristics (strength, type) can be adjusted locally for each portion based on the sensitivity level, providing optimized protection where needed without unnecessarily restricting access elsewhere.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple versions of images are created for different user types, then user-specific access control is achieved, but storage requirements and creation labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies obfuscation to the original image once, creating a single obfuscated version with embedded keys and permissions. This preliminary action eliminates the need to create multiple image versions for different user types, as the same obfuscated image can be accessed by different users based on their permission levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (obfuscated image with embedded keys and permission metadata) between the original image and users. This intermediary structure enables user-specific access control without requiring multiple image copies, as the intermediary layer mediates the access based on user permissions.
3Loss of information
If reversible transform is applied to obfuscate image portions, then pixel information is retained within the updated image, but the complexity of the obfuscation system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses reversible transforms that modify pixel parameters (such as color values, brightness, or spatial positioning) in a controlled manner. By changing parameters rather than fundamentally altering the image structure, the system retains pixel information while achieving obfuscation, and the transformations can be reversed by applying the inverse parameter changes.
Data Source
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AI summary
A computer-implemented method, system and computer program is disclosed. The method may comprise providing an image comprising a plurality of pixels, identifying at least one portion of the image to be obfuscated, modifying pixels of the at least one image portion using a key for producing an updated image in which the at least one image portion is obfuscated, providing the key, or a link to the key, in an access profile for the identified at least one image portion and allocating permissions to one or more users for enabling them to view the at least one image portion, by use of the key, when viewing the updated image.