PixelProof

Empower your images with invisible watermarking and Web3 on-chain registration.

PixelProof is a lightweight demo project that embeds an invisible watermark into uploaded images, then registers a hash of the watermarked file on the ETH Sepolia and Solana Devnet.

By combining digital watermarking with blockchain timestamps, you get both proof-of-ownership and a robust way to track potential misuse.

Demo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmllbGipbSo

Features

• Invisible Watermark: Uses basic DCT/DWT-based algorithms to embed a hidden signature inside images.
• Blockchain Registration: Automatically stores a SHA-256 hash of each watermarked image on the testnet.
• Simple API: Built with FastAPI for easy file upload and retrieval of transaction info.
• Zero DB Overhead: No database required; all essential data is stored in the blockchain event logs.

Tech Stack

• Language & Framework: Python 3 + FastAPI + Node.js
• Image Processing: OpenCV, Pillow, NumPy
• Blockchain: web3.py for testnet
• Infrastructure: Optional Docker container for quick deployment

Quick Start

1. Install Dependencies

   // under backend/
   pip install -r requirements.txt
   // under frontend/
   npm install

2. Run the Server

   cd backend/app
   uvicorn main:app --reload

3. Run Client

   cd frontend/
   npm run dev

4. Upload an Image

   • Open your browser at http://localhost:8000
   • Upload an image and let PixelProof embed the watermark
   • View your transaction info (TxHash, block number) on the testnet

Deployment:

Use VScode to open the project, open run and debug, select Debug Full Stack(FastAPI + Next.js). It will start the backend and frontend server at the same time, with debugging enabled.

For smart contract deployment (use sepolia as an example):

cd sepolia/

create a .env file in the root directory and add the following:

PRIVATE_KEY=your_private_key
API_URL=your_infura_url

Disclaimer

• Educational Use Only: This project is a proof-of-concept
• Not Bulletproof: Watermarking and hash registration provide evidence of ownership but may not prevent all forms of infringement
• Gas Fees & Real Deployments: For production, consider gas costs and stronger watermark algorithms

Enjoy experimenting with PixelProof!