Region detection and obscuring logic for generating privacy protected images
Inventors
Assignees
US Department of Homeland Security
Publication Number
US-11647274-B2
Publication Date
2023-05-09
Expiration Date
2041-03-26
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Abstract
Systems and methods are disclosed and an example system includes a digital image receiver for receiving a digital image, and an automatic obscuration processor coupled to the image receiver and configured to determine whether the digital image includes a region that classifies as an image of a category of object and, upon a positive determination, to obscure the region and output a corresponding obscured-region digital image.
Core Innovation
Systems and methods are disclosed for privacy protection in digital images captured by image capture devices. One example system includes a digital image receiver to receive images and an automatic obscuration processor configured to detect regions in the image classified as a category of object, and upon detection, obscure those regions to output a privacy-protected image with obscured regions.
The problem being addressed arises from privacy concerns related to image capture devices, particularly in cases where identifiable personal information such as faces, license plates, and name tags are captured. These concerns are due to risks of unauthorized access or distribution of images containing personally identifiable information (PII), which can affect public trust and privacy rights.
The disclosed invention provides mechanisms for automatic detection of identity-correlated objects and various forms of obscuring to protect privacy. Features include category-specific obscuring (reversible or irreversible), detection of multiple identity-correlated object categories, application to still and moving images including compressed video formats, and optionally integrating key management for selective reversible obscuring. Embodiments may avoid storing or outputting original images to enhance privacy.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes multiple independent claims covering systems and methods for privacy-protected image generation involving identity-correlated object detection and obscuring.
System configuration for identity-correlated region detection and privacy-protective obscuring
A system comprising an image capture device, identity-correlated region detection logic configured to detect one or more object categories and determine category instance information, an obscuring logic that generates obscuring data based on that information, and privacy protected image output logic that forms and outputs replacement images. The system includes automatic category-specific selection between reversible and irreversible obscuring methods.
Method for generating privacy protected images using object category detection and obscuring
A method involving receiving images with an image capture device, detecting one or more identity-correlated object categories and their instance information, generating obscuring data accordingly, automatically selecting among irreversible and reversible obscuring based on category, and generating a replacement privacy-protected image based on this data.
System with reversible and irreversible obscuring of different identity-correlated categories
A system configured to reversibly obscure at least one identity-correlated object category and irreversibly obscure at least one other identity-correlated object category in the privacy protected image output.
The claims comprehensively cover systems and methods for privacy-aware image capture, emphasizing automatic detection of identity-correlated regions, category-specific obscuring including reversible and irreversible types, key-access management, and generating privacy-protected replacement images.
Stated Advantages
Automatically detects and obscures identity-correlated regions to protect privacy in digital images and video streams.
Supports category-specific obscuring methods allowing reversible or irreversible protection depending on the identity object category.
Integrates with compressed video formats and applies computationally efficient processing for moving images.
Provides key management for selective access to reversibly obscured image data.
Prevents storage or output of original unprotected images enhancing security and privacy.
Documented Applications
Privacy-aware public safety and security image capture to protect personally identifiable information such as faces, license plates, and name tags in video and still images.
Application in image capture devices including visible and non-visible spectrum imaging such as infra-red and millimeter wave imaging.
Use in automated privacy protection on captured moving picture images including motion-triggered and compressed video formats like H.264 and H.265.
Deployment in integrated image capture and obscuring devices with secure housings to resist unauthorized access.
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