US 11,455,331 B2 · Device, system and method for anonymously comparing query images to reference images

Abstract

A device, system and method for anonymously comparing query images to reference images is provided. A computing device receives, from at least one camera, a query image. The computing device generates a query characteristic vector associated with the query image. The computing device applies a mathematical operator on the query characteristic vector to obtain a query vector. The computing device compares the query vector to a reference vector, the reference vector obtained by applying a complementary mathematical operator on a reference characteristic vector associated with a reference image, the complementary mathematical operator comprising a complement of the mathematical operator. The computing device, in response to the comparing indicating a match between the query vector and the reference vector, provides a notification of the match.

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Drawings

Claims18

Dependent claims

A method comprising:

receiving, at a computing device, from at least one camera, a query image;
generating, at the computing device, a query characteristic vector associated with the query image;
applying, at the computing device, a mathematical operator on the query characteristic vector to obtain a query vector;
comparing, at the computing device, the query vector to a reference vector, the reference vector obtained by applying a complementary mathematical operator on a reference characteristic vector associated with a reference image, the complementary mathematical operator comprising a complement of the mathematical operator;
and
in response to the comparing indicating a match between the query vector and the reference vector, providing, via the computing device, a notification of the match,
wherein:
the mathematical operator comprises a matrix;
the complementary mathematical operator comprises an inverse transpose of the matrix;
and the method further comprises:
applying the mathematical operator on the query characteristic vector to obtain the query vector comprises:
multiplying the query characteristic vector by the matrix;
and
obtaining the reference vector by multiplying the reference characteristic vector by the inverse transpose of the matrix.

11 more elements

A computing device comprising:

a communication unit configured to communicate with at least one camera;
and
a controller configured to:
receive, via the communication unit, from the at least one camera, a query image;
generate a query characteristic vector associated with the query image;
apply a mathematical operator on the query characteristic vector to obtain a query vector;
compare the query vector to a reference vector, the reference vector obtained by applying a complementary mathematical operator on a reference characteristic vector associated with a reference image, the complementary mathematical operator comprising a complement of the mathematical operator;
and
in response to comparing of the query vector to the reference vector indicating a match between the query vector and the reference vector, provide a notification of the match,
wherein:
the mathematical operator comprises a matrix;
the complementary mathematical operator comprises an inverse transpose of the matrix;
and
the controller is further configured to:
apply the mathematical operator on the query characteristic vector to obtain the query vector by:
multiplying the query characteristic vector by the matrix;
and
obtain the reference vector by multiplying the reference characteristic vector by the inverse transpose of the matrix.

15 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Description10,403 words

Summary68 words

Brief description of the drawings10 figures

#The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, together with the detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate embodiments of concepts that include the claimed invention, and explain various principles and advantages of those embodiments.

#FIG. 1 is a system for anonymously comparing query images to reference images, in accordance with some examples.

#FIG. 2 is a device diagram showing a device structure of a computing device for generating a reference vector, in accordance with some examples.

Detailed description10,047 words

#Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

#The apparatus and method components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

#Face matching technology may enable tracking of individuals at a large scale. An example image of a person's face may be added to an electronic watchlist, and distributed for electronic comparison with images from security cameras. Security operators may be notified when a matching face appears on security cameras. However, the example image may cause an unacceptable loss of anonymity for the person whose image is being distributed and/or any persons whose images are in the video. For example, security operators may include government security operators (e.g. operators of closed circuit cameras on city streets, in schools, and the like), but also commercial security operators (e.g. operators of closed circuit cameras in places of worship, malls, stadiums, and the like) who may have access to such an example image.

Facts

Application

16/711,870Filed 12 Dec 2019

Published

US 2021/0182332 A117 Jun 2021

Granted

27 Sep 2022

Term ends

1 Dec 2040

Estimated · how

20 years from earliest known nonprovisional domestic filing plus recorded patent term adjustment, including 355 days of adjustment. Maintenance-fee lapses, terminal disclaimers and statutory extensions have not been checked. The continuity chain may be incomplete; this is not an enforceability determination.

Classification11 codes

G06F 21/32
User authentication: using biometric data, e.g. fingerprints, iris scans or voiceprints
G06F 16/532
Querying: query formulation, e.g. graphical querying
G06F 16/583
Retrieval characterised by using metadata, e.g. metadata not derived from the content or metadata generated manually: using metadata automatically…
G06F 17/16
Complex mathematical operations: matrix or vector computation , e.g. matrix-matrix or matrix-vector multiplication, matrix factorization

Timeline

12 Dec 2019Application filedUS 16/711,870
12 Dec 2019Assigned to Motorola Solutions, Inc.assignment of assignor's interest
17 Jun 2021PublishedUS 2021/0182332 A1
27 Sep 2022GrantedUS 11,455,331 B2
12 Oct 2026TodayWithin its term
1 Dec 2040Term endsEstimated, includes 355 days of adjustment

Device, system and method for anonymously comparing query images to reference images

Life of this patent

Device, system and method for anonymously comparing query images to reference images

Life of this patent

Life of this patent

Abstract

Drawings

Drawings

Claims18

Description10,403 words

Drawings

Classification11 codes

Life of this patent

Description10,403 words