Obfuscation Methods for Wearable Electronic Devices
(EAT Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a new wearable device designed to capture images of daily activities while preserving privacy. Worn around the neck, the device uses filters such as blur (Blur Obfuscation), cartoon (Cartoon Obfuscation), and edge effects (Edge Obfuscation) to obscure faces and objects in the images. Participants will use the device for four weeks, logging their food and drink intake and having phone check-ins with a dietitian. This study suits residents of the Chicago area who speak English and have a smartphone and computer. Participants will assist researchers in evaluating the effectiveness of the privacy features and provide feedback on the device. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to innovative research on privacy-preserving technology.
Do I need to stop taking my current medications for this trial?
The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications, so it's best to check with the study team for guidance.
What prior data suggests that this wearable device is safe for monitoring human behaviors?
Research shows that wearable devices, like those used in this study, are generally safe, though they can raise privacy concerns. Treatments such as Blur, Cartoon, and Edge Obfuscation focus on protecting privacy.
Cartoon Obfuscation reduces privacy worries, especially for nearby individuals. Blur and Edge Obfuscation help conceal identities in images, providing extra privacy protection. No safety issues have been reported with these visual filters; concerns focus more on data usage and security.
In this trial, the device's primary function is to take pictures silently. Various obfuscation methods alter these images to protect privacy. Other studies have not reported harmful effects from wearing such devices.
This trial is in the "Not Applicable" phase, indicating that safety is not a major concern. This phase typically involves non-invasive technology or trials that don't pose significant health risks. While privacy remains important, previous studies support the physical safety of wearing the device.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores innovative methods to enhance privacy in wearable electronic devices. The trial investigates unique obfuscation techniques like Blur Obfuscation, Cartoon Obfuscation, and Edge Obfuscation, which are distinct from current approaches that simply restrict or encrypt data. Blur Obfuscation adds a layer of distortion to the data, while Cartoon Obfuscation transforms real images into cartoon-like representations, making it harder to extract sensitive information. Edge Obfuscation focuses on altering the outlines or edges of images, offering another layer of privacy protection. These methods aim to safeguard user privacy without compromising the functionality of wearable devices, which could be a game-changer in how personal data is protected in the digital age.
What evidence suggests that these obfuscation methods are effective for privacy preservation?
This trial will compare different obfuscation methods for wearable electronic devices. Research has shown that transforming images into cartoon-like visuals, as participants in the Cartoon Obfuscation arm will experience, can reduce privacy concerns, especially for those near the device user. This method makes facial recognition more difficult while still collecting activity data. Participants in the Edge Obfuscation arm will experience outlining objects with simple lines, which studies suggest helps protect privacy by obscuring specific details. Although blur obfuscation, another method tested in this trial, is commonly used, it often proves less effective at fully protecting privacy compared to other methods. These techniques aim to balance privacy protection with the need to gather useful activity data.678910
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for English-speaking individuals with a BMI of at least 18.5, living in the Chicago area, who have a computer, smartphone, and valid phone number. It's designed to assess a wearable device that monitors eating behaviors.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Device Training and Initial Recording
Participants visit the lab for consent, device training, and recording of several activities using the device
Active Weeks
Participants wear the device, keep a log of all food and drink items consumed, and participate in unscheduled phone calls with a dietitian
Washout Weeks
Participants do not need to complete any study tasks during washout weeks
Feedback and Device Return
Participants return the device and provide feedback on the design and privacy-preserving features
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Blur Obfuscation
- Cartoon Obfuscation
- Edge Obfuscation
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Northwestern University
Lead Sponsor
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Collaborator