Patent ID: 8261092

Claim:
An image retrieval system that provides secured image data in response to a query specified by a user, the system comprising: a data retrieval unit configured to retrieve image data representing an image formed of one or more image regions each having a keyword associated therewith where the specified query corresponds to a keyword associated with at least one of the image regions; an encryption unit configured to at least partially encrypt the retrieved image data according to the specified query; and an output unit configured to output the at least partially encrypted image data to the user, wherein the encryption unit is configured to encrypt an image region that does not have an associated keyword corresponding to the specified query, such that the encrypted image region is decryptable by the user only when the user is authorized to view the entire image, the at least one of the image regions that has the associated keyword corresponding to the specified query remains unencrypted and viewable by the user even where the user is unauthorized to view the entire image.