Watermark-Based Content Augmentation for Secure Image Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image content, such as photographs, lack interactivity and security features, making it difficult to obtain additional perspectives, authenticate identities, and control privacy, especially in contexts like identification cards.
Innovation Solution
Implementing watermarks that encode supplemental information, allowing devices to retrieve and render 3D or higher resolution images, enforce access control, and manage cryptographic keys to secure content access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional photographs are used to store information, then the image remains simple and static, but the information storage capacity is limited and no additional perspectives can be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds multiple layers of information within the photograph structure: visible watermarks contain supplemental information, hidden watermarks store additional data, and cryptographic keys are embedded within the image itself. This nested structure allows unlimited information capacity while maintaining the appearance of a simple photograph.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from 2D static images to multi-dimensional information storage by incorporating visible watermarks, hidden watermarks, and cryptographic elements at different 'depths' within the image. Users can access information at different levels by applying different processing techniques, effectively adding dimensions to the flat photograph.
2Reliability
If conventional photographs are used for identification, then the system remains simple, but authentication accuracy is insufficient and privacy control is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The identification system is segmented into multiple independent components: visible watermarks for basic identification, hidden watermarks for enhanced verification, and cryptographic keys for security authentication. Each component can be processed independently, improving reliability without requiring complete system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces watermarks as intermediary elements between the photograph and the authentication process. These watermarks act as mediators that carry identification information and cryptographic keys, enabling reliable authentication while keeping the base photograph simple and maintaining user privacy control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a watermark encodes supplemental information, then image interactivity is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The watermark system is designed with multi-functionality: visible watermarks provide supplemental information, hidden watermarks store additional data, and the same structure carries cryptographic keys for security. This universal approach enhances interactivity without proportionally increasing device complexity, as a single watermark processing system handles all functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embeds all necessary information and cryptographic keys within the watermarks during the initial image creation process. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex real-time processing during usage, as the information is pre-encoded and ready for extraction when needed.
4Reliability
If cryptographic keys are embedded in the watermark, then security is improved, but the risk of information exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts cryptographic keys from the main image data stream and embeds them within the watermark structure. This separation allows the keys to be protected within the watermark's inherent security mechanisms while being accessible only through controlled watermark extraction processes, reducing the risk of exposure compared to storing keys separately or in plain text within the image.
Solution Approach 2:
The watermark structure provides beforehand protection for cryptographic keys by embedding them within a controlled information layer. The watermark's design includes inherent security features that cushion against unauthorized access, ensuring that even if the image is viewed or copied, the cryptographic keys remain protected until properly extracted through authorized means.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to, among other things, systems and methods for augmenting and/or otherwise supplementing content using watermarks. Consistent with embodiments disclosed herein, a user device such as a smartphone may be used to retrieve watermark information encoded in a watermark. The watermark information may comprise content that supplements an associated content item, link and/or location information that may be used to retrieve supplemental content, and/or the like. In some embodiments, the watermark information may comprise cryptographic and/or other access token information used to decrypt and/or otherwise access supplemental content.