A watermark camera system and method capable of verifying KML geographic data

Abstract

The present invention discloses a watermark camera system and method capable of verifying KML geographic data, belonging to the field of camera technology. The system includes: an image acquisition module configured to superimpose metadata onto a photo in the form of a visual watermark; a data processing and hashing module configured to integrate key data and calculate a hash value; a blockchain interaction module configured to provide a blockchain connection and to submit a hash summary and an optional metadata summary as transaction data to the blockchain for recording and obtaining a certificate; and a KML generation and verification module configured to verify the hash value when a user requests KML generation to ensure that the data has not been tampered with; for data that has not been tampered with, trusted data is extracted to generate a KML file. The present invention can provide high-strength, tamper-proof evidence based on hashing and blockchain, significantly improving the authenticity, integrity, and non-repudiation of the geographic location information of photos.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of camera technology, and in particular relates to a watermark camera system and method for generating verifiable KML geographic data based on hash and blockchain. Background Art

[0002] Currently, there are a variety of ways to record and share geographic location information. Photos taken with smartphones or cameras typically record information such as the shooting time and GPS coordinates in the EXIF ​​metadata. In various scenarios, such as surveying and mapping, various "watermark camera" applications exist that can directly overlay information such as time and location on the photo screen as a visible watermark. There are also many tools or applications that can extract GPS information from photos and generate geographic data files in formats such as KML or GPX, which can be used to display on maps or record tracks. In addition, hash algorithms are widely used to verify data integrity, and blockchain technology is used for data notarization and timestamp services to prove that data existed at a specific point in time and has not been tampered with. Some independent blockchain notarization services or applications allow users to upload files (including photos) to obtain notarization certificates.

[0003] However, the prior art has the following defects:

[0004] 1. Information is easily tampered with and lacks credibility: Both photo EXIF ​​metadata and visible image watermarks are easily altered through technical means, making the authenticity of time and location information unreliable. When this information is used to generate geographic data such as KML, its credibility is also reduced, making it difficult to use as strong evidence.

[0005] 2. Fragmented and cumbersome verification process: While independent blockchain services can be used to store photos, this typically occurs after the photo is taken, and the process is separate from the capture and geodata generation. Users must manually upload and retrieve the stored information, then extract the geolocation separately to generate KML. This cumbersome process makes it difficult to ensure a strong correlation between the stored information and the original capture time and location.

[0006] 3. Lack of an end-to-end solution for generating trusted geographic data: Existing technologies lack an integrated solution that ensures the authenticity of time and location information from the moment a photo is taken, and seamlessly transfers this trustworthiness to the resulting geographic data (such as KML). This is particularly true for applications requiring highly reliable geographic information, such as site surveys, asset verification, insurance loss assessments, environmental monitoring, and forensics.

[0007] It can be seen that the watermark camera system of the existing technology can no longer meet the current and future high requirements of the field for watermark technology. How to improve the security of watermark technology has become a key point. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention aims to solve one of the technical problems in the above-mentioned related art at least to a certain extent.

[0009] To this end, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a watermark camera system and method for generating verifiable KML geographic data based on hash and blockchain, which can generate a watermark of verifiable KML geographic data based on hash algorithm and blockchain technology, provide high-strength, tamper-proof evidence, and significantly improve the authenticity, integrity and non-repudiation of the geographic location information of the photo.

[0010] In order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention is achieved as follows:

[0011] An embodiment of the present invention provides a watermark camera system capable of verifying KML geographic data, the system comprising:

[0012] A user interface module is configured to provide functions of taking photos and human-computer interaction;

[0013] An image acquisition module is configured to obtain data from the user interface module and metadata required for the watermark, and superimpose the data on the captured photo in the form of a visual watermark;

[0014] a data processing and hashing module configured to integrate key data and calculate a hash value, wherein integrating key data includes integrating key metadata into a data packet to be processed and generating a unique hash digest based on the integrated data packet;

[0015] A blockchain interaction module configured to provide an automatically configured or selectable blockchain connection, and to submit a hash digest and an optional metadata digest as transaction data to the blockchain for recording, and to obtain a proof of deposit; and

[0016] The KML generation and verification module is configured to verify the hash value when the user requests to generate KML to ensure that the data has not been tampered with; for the data that has not been tampered with, the trusted data is extracted to generate a KML file.

[0017] In addition, the watermark camera system capable of verifying KML geographic data according to the present invention may also have the following additional technical features:

[0018] In some embodiments, the system also includes a secure storage module that is configured to provide storage policy configuration, encrypt the original photo file, complete metadata, hash value and blockchain evidence certificate using a strong encryption algorithm and store them in a secure storage area locally on the device. It can also upload the corresponding data to a cloud database based on the level of data privacy requirements and backup needs.

[0019] In some embodiments, the metadata required for the watermark includes configuration data, geographic location information, timestamp information, device unique identifier, hash data, blockchain data, and custom text information.

[0020] In some embodiments, the optional metadata summary in the blockchain interaction module includes: a time, location summary, or a pointer to an off-chain storage system or a content address.

[0021] In some embodiments, the evidence stored in the blockchain interaction module includes the transaction ID, block number and block timestamp returned by the blockchain.

[0022] In some embodiments, the data package to be processed is combined in such a way that the metadata is serialized and then attached to a specific area of ​​the image file, or an independent, structured metadata file is formed and associated with the photo.

[0023] In some embodiments, the specific way in which the KML generation and verification module performs hash value verification is: when a user requests to generate KML, the corresponding photos, metadata and blockchain evidence information are retrieved from the configured storage location based on the photos selected by the user; a verification step is performed compulsorily or optionally, and the verification step includes: recalculating the hash value of the stored data, and querying the corresponding hash value recorded on the blockchain network configured by the blockchain interaction module for comparison. If they are consistent, it is determined that the data has not been tampered with; otherwise, it is determined that the data has been tampered with, and the verification result is displayed to the user.

[0024] In some embodiments, the secure storage module can also perform hybrid storage, storing small-sized metadata, hashes, and credentials locally on the device and original photos in a cloud database.

[0025] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a method for using the watermark camera system capable of verifying KML geographic data as described in any one of the above items, the method comprising:

[0026] S1. Start the system and perform configuration check;

[0027] S2, following the shutter button pressing action, obtaining photo data and watermark data;

[0028] S3, generating a visual watermark based on the acquired data and superimposing it on the photo;

[0029] S4. Integrate the photo data and key metadata into a data packet in a specified format and calculate its hash value using the currently configured hash algorithm;

[0030] S5. Submit the hash value to the configured blockchain network through the blockchain interaction module and obtain the returned evidence certificate;

[0031] S6. Associate and store the original photo, complete metadata, hash value, and blockchain evidence certificate in a storage location selected according to the configuration policy;

[0032] S7. Select one or more photos that have been stored in the system and initiate a request to generate a KML file;

[0033] S8. Retrieve relevant data from the storage area and connect to the configured blockchain network to verify data integrity through the blockchain;

[0034] S9, extracting the verified geographic coordinate data and time information;

[0035] S10, generating a KML file containing the information in S9 according to the KML standard;

[0036] S11. Provide the generated KML file to the user.

[0037] In addition, the method for using the watermark camera system capable of verifying KML geographic data according to the present invention may also have the following additional technical features:

[0038] In some embodiments, the watermark data in S2 includes location coordinate data, a trusted timestamp, and a device ID.

[0039] Compared with the existing technology, the watermark camera system and method for generating verifiable KML geographic data based on hash and blockchain provided by the present invention have at least the following beneficial effects:

[0040] 1. Improve the credibility of geographic information: This fundamentally solves the problem of traditional photo-based geographic information being easily tampered with, and provides time and location information with strong evidentiary value;

[0041] 2. Generate highly reliable KML data: It can generate verifiable and tamper-proof KML geographic data files, suitable for scenarios with high requirements for data authenticity, such as:

[0042] a. Field work and survey: project acceptance, asset inventory, environmental monitoring sampling point records, insurance claim site photography, market research, etc.;

[0043] b. Evidence collection: location and time proof for traffic evidence collection, urban management inspections, judicial evidence collection, etc.

[0044] c. Personal applications: reliable travel track recording, outdoor activity check-in, and location marking of important personal events, etc.

[0045] 3. Simplified trusted data acquisition process: Users can complete the entire process from taking a photo to obtaining a trusted KML file through a single app, making it easy to operate.

[0046] 4. Laying the foundation for expansion: Based on verifiable geographic information, more applications can be expanded in the future, such as generating trusted QR codes for quick retrieval or navigation, or connecting with other systems that require trusted geographic data.

[0047] 5. Enhanced system adaptability: By providing configuration options such as hash algorithm, blockchain type, and storage method, the system can better adapt to the specific needs and constraints of different users, improving the universality and competitiveness of the solution.

[0048] Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description which follows, or may be learned by practice of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] Figure 1 A diagram of the system architecture disclosed in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 2 This is a flow chart of system operation disclosed in one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field based on the embodiments of the present invention without making any creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0052] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below through specific embodiments and application scenarios with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0053] See also Figure 1 As shown, some embodiments of the present invention provide a watermark camera system and method for generating verifiable KML geographic data based on hashing and blockchain. This system (primarily embodied as a mobile application app) can, while taking photos, utilize an optional hashing algorithm and configurable blockchain technology to provide high-strength, tamper-proof evidence of photos and their key metadata (especially the precise time and geographic location). Based on this trusted data, it can conveniently generate highly reliable KML geographic data files containing verification information. The present invention also provides a foundation for future functional expansion (such as generating QR codes containing verifiable geographic information). Its core purpose is to significantly improve the authenticity, integrity, and non-repudiation of photo geographic location information, simplify the generation and application of trusted geographic data, and adapt to different security requirements, cost considerations, and technical environments.

[0054] In some embodiments of the present invention, the watermark camera system for generating verifiable KML geographic data based on hash and blockchain mainly includes the following functional modules:

[0055] 1. User interface module: provides operation interfaces such as taking photos, browsing photos and verifying information, configuring system options (such as hash algorithm, blockchain node, storage strategy, etc.), selecting to generate KML, and sharing.

[0056] 2. Image acquisition module: Use the mobile device's camera to take photos. It mainly includes the following two sub-modules:

[0057] a. Data acquisition submodule: This module acquires real-time, high-precision geographic location information at the time the photo was taken (using multi-source integration such as GPS, Beidou, and base station positioning to meet positioning accuracy requirements), precise timestamps (preferably using Network Time Protocol server time or a trusted third-party time source; when the network is unavailable, the device's secure time can be used as an alternative, with the source marked), and metadata such as the device's unique identifier (such as IMEI, device serial number, or a unique ID generated by the application).

[0058] b. Visual watermark submodule: Based on the configuration, it generates a visual watermark with information such as time, location, hash value summary, blockchain transaction ID, and custom text, and overlays it on the captured photo.

[0059] 3. Data processing and hashing module, mainly including the following two sub-modules:

[0060] a. Consolidate key data: Combine the original photo data with key metadata (precise timestamp, GPS coordinates, device ID, etc.) into a single data package to be processed. Clearly define how this data is combined (for example, serializing metadata and appending it to a specific area of ​​the image file, or creating a separate, structured metadata file associated with the photo, such as using JSON or XML format).

[0061] b. Calculate hash value: Provide multiple hash algorithm options for users to choose from or configure according to policies (for example, the default is SHA-256, with optional SHA-3 series and national encryption SM3 to meet different security compliance requirements or performance needs). Calculate the above-mentioned integrated data packet or key part to generate a unique hash summary.

[0062] 4. Blockchain interaction module, mainly includes the following parts:

[0063] a. Configurable blockchain connection: The system is designed to connect to different types of blockchain networks; the target blockchain node API address, authentication method, etc. can be specified through configuration files or user settings;

[0064] b. Support for multiple blockchain types: public, consortium, or private blockchains. The choice is based on the trust requirements, cost budget, performance requirements, and regulatory compliance of the application scenario;

[0065] c. Data upload: The calculated hash digest and optional metadata digest (such as time and location digest, or pointer / content address to the off-chain storage system, such as IPFS CID) are submitted as transaction data to the selected blockchain for recording;

[0066] d. Obtain evidence: Record the transaction ID (TxID), block number, block timestamp and other evidence information returned by the blockchain.

[0067] 5. Secure storage module:

[0068] a. Provide flexible storage policy configuration: Allow users to select data storage solutions based on their needs.

[0069] b. Local storage: Encrypts the original photo file, complete metadata, hash values, blockchain evidence, and other associated data using a strong encryption algorithm and stores them in a secure storage area on the device. This is suitable for scenarios with extremely high data privacy requirements and where data offline is not desired.

[0070] c. Cloud Storage: Data (especially larger photo files) is encrypted and uploaded to a user-specified or system-integrated cloud storage service. Metadata and evidence can be stored in a cloud database or retained locally. This is suitable for scenarios requiring data backup, cross-device access, or limited storage space.

[0071] d. Hybrid storage: Store small metadata, hashes, and credentials locally, and store original photos in the cloud.

[0072] e. Data Linkage and Integrity: Regardless of the storage method used, a strong link between the photo, metadata, hash, and blockchain credential must be ensured (e.g., through database records, naming conventions, or metadata embedding), and a checksum mechanism must be in place to prevent linking errors or data loss.

[0073] 6.KML generation and verification module:

[0074] a. Data Retrieval and Verification: When a user requests KML generation, the corresponding photo, metadata, and blockchain-based evidence are retrieved from the configured storage location (local / cloud) based on the user's selected photo. A mandatory or optional verification step is performed: the hash value of the stored data is recalculated and compared with the hash value recorded on the blockchain network through the blockchain interaction module to ensure that the data has not been tampered with. Verification results should be clearly displayed to the user.

[0075] b. Extract trusted data: Only when the data is verified (or the user chooses to trust unverified data and assume the risk), extract the verified (or marked as stored) geographic coordinates, timestamps, and other information.

[0076] c. Generate KML file: According to the KML standard format, organize the extracted one or more geographic coordinate points, timestamp, photo file name, and optional verification information into a KML file.

[0077] d. File output: Provide the generated KML file to the user for saving, sharing, or importing into GIS software / map applications.

[0078] This invention features instant evidence storage: It performs hash calculations and blockchain evidence storage requests for key data (photo, time, and location) simultaneously or within a fraction of a second, ensuring data authenticity and timeliness. This invention leverages the immutability of blockchain technology to verify geographic information, propagating this trustworthiness from the source (the moment the photo was taken) to the final application output (KML file or QR code), forming a complete chain of trust. Integrating functions such as photo capture, evidence storage, verification, and geographic data generation into a single app (system) simplifies user operations, improves efficiency, and enhances user experience. The geographic information contained in the generated KML file (or QR code) is blockchain-verified, ensuring high credibility and evidentiary validity. The system supports configurable core components (such as hashing algorithm, blockchain type, and storage solution) to accommodate diverse application scenarios, cost considerations, security levels, and compliance requirements, enhancing the system's applicability and future scalability.

[0079] In some embodiments of the present invention, a method for operating a watermark camera system capable of verifying KML geographic data includes the following steps:

[0080] Step 1: Start and check configuration: The user starts the camera function through the app of the present invention. The app checks the current configuration (hash algorithm, blockchain node, storage strategy, etc.).

[0081] Step 2: Data Collection: When the user presses the shutter button or within a very short time, the app automatically obtains metadata such as photo data, high-precision GPS coordinates, trusted timestamp, and device ID.

[0082] Step 3. (Optional) Generate a watermark: The app overlays a visual watermark on the photo preview or final image based on your settings.

[0083] Step 4: Data integration and hash calculation: The app integrates the photo data and key metadata into a data packet in the specified format and calculates its hash value using the currently configured hash algorithm.

[0084] Step 5: Blockchain Evidence Storage: The App submits the hash value (and optional metadata summary) to the configured blockchain network through the blockchain interaction module, and obtains the returned transaction ID and other evidence.

[0085] Step 6. Data storage: The app stores the original photo, complete metadata, hash value, and blockchain evidence in a storage location (local / cloud / hybrid) selected according to the configuration policy.

[0086] Step 7: KML generation request: The user selects one or more photos that have been saved in the App and initiates a request to generate a KML file.

[0087] Step 8. Data Retrieval and Verification: The App retrieves the relevant data from the storage and (optionally) connects to the configured blockchain network to verify the data integrity through the blockchain.

[0088] Step 9: Extraction and formatting: The app extracts the verified geographic coordinates, time, and other information.

[0089] Step 10: Generate KML file: The app generates a .kml file containing the above information according to the KML standard.

[0090] Step 11: File output: The App provides the KML file to the user.

[0091] Parts of the present invention that are not described in detail may refer to the prior art or are well-known technologies to those skilled in the art, and this embodiment does not limit this and will not be described in detail here.

[0092] The embodiments of the present invention are described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned specific implementation methods. The above-mentioned specific implementation methods are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Under the guidance of the present invention, ordinary technicians in this field can also make many forms without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention and the claims, all of which are protected by the present invention.

Claims

1. A watermark camera system capable of verifying KML geographic data, characterized in that: The system comprises: A user interface module is configured to provide functions of taking photos and human-computer interaction; An image acquisition module is configured to obtain data from the user interface module and metadata required for the watermark, and superimpose the data on the captured photo in the form of a visual watermark; a data processing and hashing module configured to integrate key data and calculate a hash value, wherein integrating key data includes integrating key metadata into a data packet to be processed and generating a unique hash digest based on the integrated data packet; wherein the data in the data packet to be processed is combined in a manner such that the metadata is serialized and then attached to a specific area of ​​the image file, or an independent, structured metadata file is formed and associated with the photo; A blockchain interaction module configured to provide an automatically configured or selectable blockchain connection, and to submit a hash digest and an optional metadata digest as transaction data to the blockchain for recording, and to obtain a stored certificate; the optional metadata digest in the blockchain interaction module includes: a time and location digest, or a pointer to an off-chain storage system or a content address; the stored certificate in the blockchain interaction module includes a transaction ID, block number, and block timestamp returned by the blockchain; and The KML generation and verification module is configured to verify the hash value when the user requests to generate KML to ensure that the data has not been tampered with; for the data that has not been tampered with, the module extracts the trusted data and generates the KML file; The metadata required for the watermark includes configuration data, geographic location information, timestamp information, device unique identifier, hash data, blockchain data and custom text information; The specific method of the KML generation and verification module to perform hash value verification is: when a user requests to generate KML, the corresponding photos, metadata and blockchain evidence information are retrieved from the configured storage location based on the photos selected by the user; the verification step is performed compulsorily or optionally, and the verification step includes: recalculating the hash value of the stored data, and querying the corresponding hash value recorded on the blockchain network configured by the blockchain interaction module for comparison. If they are consistent, it is determined that the data has not been tampered with; otherwise, it is determined that the data has been tampered with, and the verification result is displayed to the user.

2. The watermark camera system capable of verifying KML geographic data according to claim 1, characterized in that: The system also includes a secure storage module that is configured to provide storage policy configuration, encrypt the original photo files, complete metadata, hash values ​​and blockchain evidence certificates using a strong encryption algorithm and store them in a secure storage area locally on the device. It can also upload the corresponding data to a cloud database based on the level of data privacy requirements and backup needs.

3. The watermark camera system capable of verifying KML geographic data according to claim 2, characterized in that: The secure storage module can also perform hybrid storage, storing small-sized metadata, hashes, and credentials locally on the device and original photos in a cloud database.

4. A method for using the watermark camera system capable of verifying KML geographic data according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The method comprises: S1. Start the system and perform configuration check; S2, following the shutter button pressing action, obtaining photo data and watermark data; S3, generating a visual watermark based on the acquired data and superimposing it on the photo; S4. Integrate the photo data and key metadata into a data packet in a specified format and calculate its hash value using the currently configured hash algorithm; S5. Submit the hash value to the configured blockchain network through the blockchain interaction module and obtain the returned evidence certificate; S6. Associate and store the original photo, complete metadata, hash value, and blockchain evidence certificate in a storage location selected according to the configuration policy; S7. Select one or more photos that have been stored in the system and initiate a request to generate a KML file; S8. Retrieve relevant data from the storage area and connect to the configured blockchain network to verify data integrity through the blockchain; S9, extracting the verified geographic coordinate data and time information; S10, generating a KML file containing the information in S9 according to the KML standard; S11. Provide the generated KML file to the user.

5. The method for using the watermark camera system capable of verifying KML geographic data according to claim 4, characterized in that: The watermark data in S2 includes location coordinate data, a trusted timestamp, and a device ID.

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