Obfuscation Methods for Wearable Electronic Devices

(EAT Trial)

Overseen By Bonnie Nolan

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Northwestern University

Disqualifiers: Pregnant, Weight change, Genetic obesity, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

72 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

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 data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Blur Obfuscation, Cartoon Obfuscation, Edge Obfuscation for wearable electronic devices?

Research on obfuscation methods shows that techniques like digital masks and activity-oriented partial obfuscation can protect privacy while maintaining the necessary utility of the data. These methods have been effective in reducing privacy concerns and improving willingness to share information, suggesting potential benefits for wearable devices. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

What makes the treatment 'Obfuscation Methods for Wearable Electronic Devices' unique?

This treatment is unique because it uses visual obfuscation techniques like Blur, Cartoon, and Edge Obfuscation to protect privacy when using wearable electronic devices, which is different from traditional methods that might focus on data encryption or physical barriers. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

What is the purpose of this trial?

This study utilizes a small, privacy-conscious wearable device intended to monitor human behaviors. The device is worn around the neck, capturing the wearer's head and upper torso within its field of view, and records color images without audio. Participants visit the lab for consent, device training and recording of several activities using the device. Participants will then take the device home and wear it during their normal schedules for four "active" weeks. During each active week, participants will wear the device, keep a log of all food and drink items consumed throughout the day and participate in unscheduled phone calls with a dietitian. A "washout" week occurs in between each active week in which participants do not need to complete any study tasks. Alongside the device, we have included three privacy filters (blur, edge, and avatar) capable of obscuring faces and objects seen in the device-captured images. All participants will be subject to unfiltered recording during their first week followed by a different filter each following active week in a random order. At the start of each active week, participants view an example of what their recorded images will look like that week (given the privacy filter). At the end of the seven weeks, participants will return the device and provide the lab with feedback on the design of the device and its privacy-preserving features.

Eligibility Criteria

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

BMI greater than or equal to 18.5

I have a working phone number.

Owns a smartphone

Exclusion Criteria

Member of household enrolled in the study

Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals

I or someone in my family has a genetic obesity syndrome.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Device Training and Initial Recording

Participants visit the lab for consent, device training, and recording of several activities using the device

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

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

4 weeks

Unscheduled phone calls

Washout Weeks

Participants do not need to complete any study tasks during washout weeks

3 weeks

Feedback and Device Return

Participants return the device and provide feedback on the design and privacy-preserving features

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Blur Obfuscation
• Cartoon Obfuscation
• Edge Obfuscation

Trial Overview The study tests a neck-worn device capturing images without audio to monitor eating habits. Participants will use it during normal activities for four weeks with breaks in between. The device uses privacy filters (blur, edge, cartoon) on recorded images.

Participant Groups

Group I: No Obfuscation (Raw) Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Group II: Edge Obfuscation Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Group III: Cartoon Obfuscation Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Group IV: Blur Obfuscation Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Northwestern University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,674

Recruited

989,000+

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

Collaborator

Trials

2,513

Recruited

4,366,000+

Findings from Research

The digital mask effectively removes identifiable features from facial images while preserving important disease-related characteristics necessary for diagnosis, enhancing patient privacy.

This innovation not only prevents recognition by both human researchers and facial-recognition algorithms but also increases patients' willingness to share their medical information, promoting better healthcare communication.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Anonymizing facial images to improve patient privacy. [2022]

Activity-oriented partial obfuscation effectively maintains the ability to visually confirm hand-related activities while significantly enhancing bystander privacy, as shown in a study with 367 participants.

This new obfuscation method allows for the recording of hand activities without compromising the privacy of bystanders, making it a promising approach for researchers studying real-world interactions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

To Mask or Not to Mask? Balancing Privacy with Visual Confirmation Utility in Activity-Oriented Wearable Cameras. Alharbi, R., Tolba, M., Petito, LC., et al.[2020]

The Hiding In Plain Sight (HIPS) method can effectively conceal about 90% of residual identifiers in clinical text, which is crucial for improving the safety of de-identification processes.

If validated further, HIPS could enhance existing de-identification systems, potentially increasing their effectiveness to over 99% without needing to improve their recall rates, making it a promising low-cost solution for protecting patient privacy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Hiding in plain sight: use of realistic surrogates to reduce exposure of protected health information in clinical text. Carrell, D., Malin, B., Aberdeen, J., et al.[2021]

DataSifter is a new statistical obfuscation method designed to de-identify sensitive high-dimensional data, such as clinical data from electronic health records, without sacrificing data utility.

Simulation results indicate that DataSifter effectively balances the risk of re-identification with the preservation of useful information, demonstrating its potential through practical applications on large datasets, like those related to autism.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

HDDA: DataSifter: statistical obfuscation of electronic health records and other sensitive datasets. Marino, S., Zhou, N., Zhao, Y., et al.[2023]

A new display method using mosaic blur was developed to protect patient privacy in electronic medical records, allowing temporary concealment of sensitive information while still enabling necessary information sharing among medical personnel.

Interviews with medical staff revealed that while the mosaic blur increased awareness of patient confidentiality, it also posed challenges, such as the inconvenience of accessing concealed information and the potential risk of not having enough information for safe medical care.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Examination of an Electronic Patient Record Display Method to Protect Patient Information Privacy. Niimi, Y., Ota, K.[2017]

A new technique for creating custom face masks has been developed specifically for studying speech disorders related to craniofacial defects, using a method similar to dental lab procedures.

The masks are made from heat-cured acrylic resin and a resilient liner, ensuring they are both durable and comfortable for individuals during aeromechanical studies.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Custom-fabricated masks for aeromechanical measures. Kastner, CU., Putnam, AH., Shelton, RL.[2013]

The study presents a novel method for teaching anatomical variations using 3D video animations, which enhance understanding of spatial relationships compared to traditional photographs or illustrations.

An aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) was identified during a dissection, and a 3D model of this variation was created, allowing students to interactively explore and understand its anatomical context on mobile devices.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Presentation of Anatomical Variations Using the Aurasma Mobile App. Hong, T., Bézard, G., Lozanoff, BK., et al.[2018]

The new workflow integrates 3D digital technologies to create single-piece hollow obturator prostheses, eliminating the issues associated with conventional methods that often involve joints.

This innovative approach utilizes an optical 3D scanner and a laminating molding device, enhancing the efficiency and functionality of prosthesis fabrication.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A workflow for fabricating a hollow obturator by using 3D digital technologies. Koyama, S., Kato, H., Harata, T., et al.[2020]

The adapted double-flask technique is specifically designed for creating hollow maxillary obturators for patients with an atrophic maxillary alveolar ridge and a larger than normal interocclusal distance.

This technique may not be suitable for patients with a smaller interocclusal distance, as it limits the ability to fabricate a hollow denture effectively.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The hollow denture: an alternative treatment for atrophic maxillae. Fattore, LD., Fine, L., Edmonds, DC.[2019]

The article outlines the specific fabrication procedures for creating a one-way valved speech bulb obturator, which is a device used to improve speech in individuals with certain speech disorders.

This obturator is designed to enhance airflow control during speech, potentially leading to better communication outcomes for patients with velopharyngeal insufficiency.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

One-way valved speech bulb obturator using a tracheoesophageal prosthesis. Sutton, AJ., Hansen, NA., Myers, KV.[2013]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Anonymizing facial images to improve patient privacy. [2022]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

To Mask or Not to Mask? Balancing Privacy with Visual Confirmation Utility in Activity-Oriented Wearable Cameras. [2020]

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Hiding in plain sight: use of realistic surrogates to reduce exposure of protected health information in clinical text. [2021]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

HDDA: DataSifter: statistical obfuscation of electronic health records and other sensitive datasets. [2023]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Examination of an Electronic Patient Record Display Method to Protect Patient Information Privacy. [2017]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Custom-fabricated masks for aeromechanical measures. [2013]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Presentation of Anatomical Variations Using the Aurasma Mobile App. [2018]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A workflow for fabricating a hollow obturator by using 3D digital technologies. [2020]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The hollow denture: an alternative treatment for atrophic maxillae. [2019]

10. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

One-way valved speech bulb obturator using a tracheoesophageal prosthesis. [2013]