We are living in a world where seeing (or hearing) is no longer believing. The technology that allows for digital media to be manipulated and distorted is developing at break-neck speeds. And at the same time, our understanding of the technological, ethical, and legal implications is lagging behind. We are, therefore, developing mathematical and computational algorithms to detect tampering in digital media (in the absence of any type of digital watermark or signature). To do so, we quantify statistical correlations that result from specific forms of digital tampering, and devise detection schemes to reveal these correlations.
The rendered spheres in the overlay reveal lighting differences.
In related work, we have developed techniques to differentiate between photographic and photorealistic images, and to detect the presence of hidden messages embedded within digital images.
(Collaborative work with Kimo Johnson, Alin Popescu, Weihong Wang, and Jeff Woodward)
Contact me at Ma'at Consulting for more information about our software and services.