Ariane is a dedicated forensic analysis tool, specifically tailored to the needs of law enforcement agencies.
Ariane enables investigators to unequivocally identify a camera by its unique PRNU fingerprint, thereby verifying the origin of image and video material.
Technical Workflow for On-Site Investigation
The core of Ariane is a two-stage process that enables on-site investigators to establish a fast, direct, and verifiable link between a physical device and the media files stored on or recorded with it.
Device Registration (“Enrollment”)
To use a secure device (e.g., a smartphone) as evidence, the investigator first registers it. This involves taking several reference photos with the device’s camera. Ariane computes the camera’s stable PRNU fingerprint from these reference photos and stores it securely. The device is thus registered in the system as a uniquely identifiable source (“enrolled”).
Analysis and Classification of Media Files
The investigator can then upload any additional photos and videos—whether from the secured device’s photo archive or from other sources. Ariane compares each file with the previously created fingerprint. The result is a clear classification: The file was either recorded by the registered camera or originates from another device. This process not only enables evidence verification but also uncovers complex perpetrator strategies.
Three Application Examples for Ariane
1. Perpetrator Identification and Evidence Securing:
- Scenario: During a raid, several smartphones are seized. Incriminating photos of a crime are found on one device (Device A).
- Use of Ariane: The investigators record the camera footage from Device A. They then upload all photos found on Device A for analysis. Ariane classifies each photo. All photos identified as “from Device A” are considered irrefutably linked to this physical piece of evidence. Photos marked as “from another device” indicate that the perpetrator stored material from accomplices on their smartphone.
2. Uncovering Perpetrator Networks and Device Clusters:
- Scenario: There is suspicion that several suspects are operating in a network. Overlapping photo archives are found on the devices of different suspects.
- Use of Ariane: The investigators register the cameras of all seized devices (Devices A, B, C, etc.). When uploading photo archives, Ariane compares each file not only with the device fingerprint on which it was found but also with the entire database of registered devices. If a photo found on Device A is unequivocally assigned to the camera on Device B, this constitutes forensic evidence of a direct connection between the two suspects.
3. Evidence Verification and Authentication:
- Scenario: A court must decide whether an incriminating video is real or has been manipulated to incriminate a defendant.
- Use of Ariane: The video is checked for PRNU consistency. If the video fingerprint is inconsistent or does not match the camera on which it was supposedly created, its authenticity can be refuted. Conversely, a consistent PRNU fingerprint that matches a registered camera can strengthen the evidence’s credibility.
Decentralized Forensics for the Investigation Source
In summary, Ariane can be used in a decentralized manner, allowing forensic camera analysis to be performed directly, quickly, and uncomplicatedly in the field. Unlike central forensic units, Ariane enables investigating officers to conduct immediate on-site analysis, resulting in significant time savings. At the same time, Ariane relieves the forensic experts in the “central unit” by serving as an efficient filter and enabling routine checks. Experts can thus focus on complex cases. This scalable model makes investigative work more agile, less dependent on capacity bottlenecks, and ultimately more effective. Ariane thus shifts forensics from the central unit directly to the investigation source
You want to learn more about Ariane?