Vehicle Image Masking Using License Plate Classification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in shooting and sharing images of their vehicles while driving, as identifying or being identified by other vehicles can lead to personal information leakage and potential trouble, especially in situations where multiple vehicles are captured in a single image.
Innovation Solution
An image processing system that classifies vehicles into an object vehicle and other vehicles based on license plate and external appearance information, and performs masking processing to conceal selected vehicles, such as license plates, window glasses, or entire vehicles, using machine learning techniques to enhance privacy protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If images of multiple vehicles are captured and shared on SNS, then users can share their vehicle external appearance, but personal information leakage occurs due to identification of object vehicle or other vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes identifying information from vehicle images by performing masking processing on specific regions such as license plates, window glasses, and other vehicles. This separates the useful content (vehicle external appearance) from the harmful content (personal information), allowing safe sharing on SNS while preventing identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies masking processing in advance before images are uploaded to SNS, preventing potential personal information leakage rather than addressing it after it occurs. By pre-identifying and concealing sensitive regions like license plates and other vehicles, the system proactively eliminates the risk of identification and trouble.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If masking processing is applied to protect privacy, then personal information leakage is prevented, but image quality and completeness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies masking processing selectively to specific local regions of the image that contain personal information, such as license plates, window glasses, and other vehicles, while leaving the rest of the vehicle image intact. This localized approach protects privacy without unnecessarily obscuring the overall vehicle appearance and details that users want to share.
3Extent of automation
If automatic vehicle classification and masking is implemented, then processing speed and automation are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic vehicle classification and masking processing that operates autonomously without requiring manual intervention. The system automatically identifies vehicles in images, classifies them into object vehicle and other vehicle, determines regions requiring masking, and applies the masking processing automatically, making the complex process transparent and easy to use for end users.
Data Source
AI summary
The image processing system includes a processor that generates an image by performing image processing on moving image data in which a plurality of vehicles is shot. The processor classifies the vehicles into an object vehicle and another vehicle other than the object vehicle, based on license plate information in the moving image data, and generates the image by performing masking processing for hiding selected vehicles, out of the object vehicle and the other vehicle, in a frame included in the moving image data.