Captured Image Metadata Signing for Originality Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image authentication systems fail to verify whether a captured image was created by the user who shot it, leading to instances of image copying and misattribution on platforms like social networking services.

Innovation Solution

A system involving a user identification module (UIM) that generates a signature for captured images, integrating metadata and hash values, and a verification service to authenticate the originality of images using public key cryptography and deep learning-based analysis to determine image characteristics and similarities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If only user authentication via electronic signature is implemented, then user identity verification is achieved, but inability to detect copied images is caused

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser authentication reliabilityVSAvoidimage originality information
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the authentication process into two independent components: (1) user identity verification through electronic signature, and (2) image originality verification through hash value comparison. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function without interfering with the other, thereby solving the problem of being unable to detect copied images while maintaining user authentication reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces hash values as an intermediary element that bridges user authentication and image verification. The hash value, generated from the captured image data and stored in metadata, serves as a unique fingerprint that can be compared against the posted image without revealing the actual image content, thus enabling originality detection while preserving user privacy and authentication integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If comprehensive image analysis is performed to verify originality, then image authenticity is improved, but processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage authenticity verification precisionVSAvoidverification system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential characteristics needed for authenticity verification by computing a hash value from the image data and storing it in metadata. This extraction approach avoids the need for comprehensive image analysis while still enabling precise authenticity verification through hash value comparison, thereby reducing processing complexity without sacrificing verification precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the complex task of image authenticity verification into a simple parameter comparison task by using hash values. Instead of analyzing entire images for similarity, the system compares hash value parameters, which are computationally efficient and enable precise verification with minimal processing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Effectively verifies the authenticity of captured images, preventing unauthorized copying and ensuring that posted images are genuinely created by the user, thereby enhancing trust in image sharing platforms.

Implementation Method 1

an image sensor (14) which performs photoelectric conversion on the imaging light and generates imaging signals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3955152B1Image processing device, image processing method, program, and imaging device
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3955152B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3955152B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3955152B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An image processing apparatus includes a setting unit that, based on a characteristic of captured image data, selects metadata relating to authenticity verification, of metadata including information of a plurality of items associated with the captured image data and sets marking information in the metadata relating to the authenticity verification.