Columbia Technology Ventures

Secure digital camera for media authentication

This technology is a digital camera with both hardware and software modification that allows for image and video authentication using a public blockchain.

Unmet Need: Authentication of digital images and videos

Increased availability of digital cameras and improved image and video editing tools have made photos and videos a central part of communication across most disciplines. Unfortunately, these increases have been accompanied by a similar increase in the prevalence of tampered videos and images. Doctored images and videos pose a major threat to the credibility of journalism, science, and politics, but there are few reliable tools for authenticating digital media that are readily available.

The Technology: Blockchain-embedded digital camera for image authentication

This device combines a digital camera with a communications chip that links the device with a public blockchain. When the camera is used, the image hash and location data are encrypted and posted to the blockchain. The device also features a hardware security module that prevents tampering with the image or hashing procedure at the hardware level. This technology can improve photo and video integrity in fields where image authenticity is needed.

Applications:

  • Digital image authentication
  • Secure medical image sharing
  • Authentication method for figures in scientific publication

Advantages:

  • Reliable image authentication platform
  • Streamlined device generates authentication immediately when media is captured
  • Hardware equipped with GPS
  • Can perform spectral analysis to verify location and time of image capture

Lead Inventor:

Nicholas Tatonetti

Patent Information:

Patent Pending (US20210194699)

Related Publications:

Tech Ventures Reference: