Forensic Analysis of Digital Imaging Devices

Non-intrusive component forensics involves identifying algorithms and parameters of a device based on its output data alone. This project extends several of these techniques from standalone digital cameras to cell phone cameras. Methods used include estimating a device’s color interpolation coefficients and noise feature parameters. Robustness to post-camera operations such as digital zoom and JPEG compression is also examined. This research applies to law enforcement and intelligence operations in differentiating between camera-, scanner-, and computer-generated images and determining the brand/model of the device used to capture an image. Further, this research is useful in identifying image tampering and patent infringement.