Digital Image Timestamping via Blockchain and Pre-generated Codes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current timestamping systems for digital images lack a reliable method to prove posteriority, as images can be easily falsified by altering timestamp data, and existing methods for anteriority do not effectively guarantee the date of creation.
Innovation Solution
A method and device using a first computer server to generate and deliver a code unknown in advance, which is then incorporated into a digital image, allowing for simultaneous recording of posteriority and anteriority dates using a chain of blocks, with a second server providing a certified timestamp, and optionally using a third server for data sharing and efficiency, reducing the time interval between these dates to minimize falsification risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If standard camera timestamping systems are used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to easy falsification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a trusted third party (timestamping authority) as an intermediary between the camera and the timestamp verification system. This intermediary signs timestamps using cryptographic keys, creating a chain of trust that prevents falsification while maintaining ease of use. The timestamping authority acts as a mediator that validates time information without requiring users to manage complex cryptographic operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-establishing cryptographic key pairs for the timestamping authority before the actual timestamping operation. The public key is made available in advance for verification, while the private key remains securely stored. This preliminary setup enables reliable timestamps without requiring complex operations during the actual image capture.
2Reliability
If certified timestamping systems are used, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex cryptographic timestamping functionality from the camera device and places it in a separate trusted third party system. The camera only needs to capture the image and include a simple timestamp, while the complex verification and certification operations are performed by the external timestamping authority. This extraction reduces the complexity of the camera device while maintaining high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses cryptographic copying by creating a digital signature that copies the timestamp information in a verified form. Instead of requiring the entire complex verification system to be embedded in the camera, the patent creates a simplified copy of the timestamping function through cryptographic signatures that can be verified independently.
3Reliability
If the time interval between posteriority and anteriority dates is reduced, then reliability is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The timestamping authority performs preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing the relationship between posteriority and anteriority dates in its database before the actual image processing. When an image is submitted, the system only needs to retrieve the pre-computed timestamp information, significantly reducing the processing time required to establish the time interval relationship.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the timestamping authority continuously monitors and updates the time interval relationships in its database. This feedback loop allows the system to maintain accurate and up-to-date information about the relationship between posteriority and anteriority dates, enabling fast retrieval without requiring complex real-time calculations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and device for timestamping digital images. This method and device guarantees the date of creation (P) and date of acquisition (A) of a digital image (IN), including the creation of a pre-existing unknown code (C) and its transmission via a computer server at the date of creation (P); the acquisition of a digital image containing a subject (S) and the code (C); the creation of a digital fingerprint (EIN) of the digital image (IN); the server's receipt of the digital fingerprint (EIN) at the date of acquisition (A) and recording of this combination in a blockchain; and potentially the retrieval of the recorded date and date of creation from a digital image. The invention is particularly suited to using images to verify the proper execution of clinical trial protocols.