Target specific multi-image 3D scrambling algorithm for security cameras

With the proliferation of security cameras, image content protection is a major challenge. Image scrambling has increasingly been used for content protection as it does not degrade the quality of image. However, security cameras pose challenges of real-time implementation and target specific content protection. To this end, this paper presents a target specific, linear transform-based multi-image scrambling algorithm. The algorithm can scramble the image in 2D and 3D. Scrambling in 3D enables inter-image pixel scrambling which prevents brute-force attacks. The algorithm can be implemented using MMA (matrix–matrix multiply add) operation for parallel computing. A faster algorithm is proposed for serial computation. Both square and rectangular images can be scrambled. Along with complete image, targeted areas of the image can be scrambled in real time. The quality of scrambling is evaluated using PSNR (peak-signal-to-noise ratio) parameter. Experiment results with actual security cameras with motion detection feature shows that the proposed algorithm can be used in real time with high pixel irregularity for content protection.