Blockchain Chain of Custody for Body-Worn Camera Video Authenticity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video authentication systems for body-worn cameras fail to ensure the initial authenticity of video footage, as they rely on encryption and hashing algorithms that cannot verify the authenticity of footage already tampered with before application, particularly in cases where the camera is stolen or lost.
Innovation Solution
A blockchain-based method for tracking the chain of custody of security cameras, which generates and distributes blocks recording operator and camera identifiers, activity, and timestamps, verifying video authenticity by cross-referencing recorded activities, and generating alerts for inauthenticity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If encryption and hashing algorithms are applied to preserve video evidence, then video authenticity is protected after processing, but the system cannot detect tampering that occurred before encryption was applied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by recording the chain of custody information (operator identity, camera ID, timestamps, location data) in a blockchain ledger before the video evidence could be tampered with. This creates an immutable record of who had access to the camera and when, enabling detection of unauthorized access or tampering attempts before the encryption process occurs. The blockchain serves as a preventive measure that establishes authenticity credentials in advance.
2Reliability
If blockchain technology is implemented to track chain of custody, then video authenticity verification is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses blockchain as an intermediary layer that mediates between the video evidence collection process and the verification process. Rather than embedding complex verification logic throughout the entire system, the blockchain serves as a centralized trust mechanism that records custody information independently. This intermediary structure simplifies the overall system architecture by providing a single source of truth for authenticity verification, reducing the complexity burden.
3Reliability
If chain of custody tracking is implemented for all security cameras, then evidence integrity is maintained, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The chain of custody information is recorded in the blockchain ledger in real-time as cameras are issued, returned, and used, rather than being processed after video collection. This preliminary recording of custody events creates an immutable trail that can be quickly verified later without requiring complex post-processing. The verification process simply checks whether the camera's recorded usage matches the blockchain record, which is computationally efficient compared to analyzing video content for tampering.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are apparatuses and methods for tracking chain of custody of a security camera using blockchain. An implementation may comprise receiving and granting a request for custody of a security camera by a first operator. The implementation further includes generating a block of a blockchain comprising identifiers of the first operator, security camera, and timestamp. The implementation includes distributing the blockchain to a plurality of nodes in a blockchain network. For each indication received of activity associated with usage and custody of the security camera to be recorded on the blockchain, the implementation includes generating a new block on the blockchain recording the activity. The implementation further includes receiving and verifying an authenticity a video clip from the security camera based on each activity recorded in the blockchain. In response to determining that the video clip is not authentic, the implementation includes generating an alert indicating inauthenticity.