Protecting Images Question

[zumie]

I use a Javascript to open a new window to display a larger image. It looks like this:

<script LANGUAGE="JavaScript">
<!--
function openWin(URL,width,height)
{
window.open(URL,"newwindow","height=" + height + ",width=" + width +
",toolbars=no,status=no,location=no");
}

//-->
</script>

And is called like this:

<a href="javascriptpenWin('graphics/file.jpg',520,375);"><img src="graphics/file.jpg" width="270" height="253" alt="decription" border="0"><br>
<span class="head4">Click For Larger Photo</span></a>

Is there a way to protect the "larger view" image that is opened in a new window from being stolen by an average user ? I know there is no fool-proof way to protect images from someone really intent on stealing them.

Thanks

Zumie



Visualize whorld peas.

 

[simonchristieis]

You cant protect them at all!! - they are downloaded to the clients harddrive so that his browser can display them, he has them already - so what's the point?

If you must - use a right click detection script, but it wont work if the have javascript disabled, or use a layerto cover the image so they cant right click and save - but again - what's the point.

If you images are really that sensitive - dont put them on the net.

Simon

 

[zumie]

Simon-

I agree with you 100%. This is a request from a client that is tired of seeing his product scans on competitor's sites.

My solution is to use a watermark or copyright notice with his company name on the photos. I am just covering all the bases so when I tell him it's not practical, I will be sure that there isn't some other solution to this that I'm overlooking.

Thanx

Zumie



Visualize whorld peas.

 

[mwolf00]

zumie - the best way to protect the image from copying is to show it as a flash movie (that doesn't move, of course). Then, the only way they can grab it is with a screen shot (still not infallible).

Basically, if you show it on my PC, I can grab it...

Programming today is a race between software engineers striving to build better and bigger idiot-proof programs, and the Universe trying to produce bigger and better idiots. So far, the Universe is winning. - Rick Cook (No, I'm not Rick)

 

[glenmac]

This has a way of "covering an image" with a small transparent gif, may help you a bit.
thread215-783420

Glen

http://www.lantzvillecomputers.ca

 

[stormbind]

Intentionally deface your own images with a copyright mark that prevents reuse - nobody will steal images that have "copyright

http://www.com"

as a watermark across them

You can also pay huge sums for image signatures whatchimowidgets that check images on other sites to see if they are yours - pointless excersise imho.

----------
I'm willing to trade custom scripts for... [see profile]

 

[jimoblak]

In addition to screen grabs, Flash files can have their assets stripped out with the right software.

Since your pictures are being used on other sites, this is not casual copying that you are concerned with. Any of the tricks offered here are easily bypassed by someone who is committed to swiping your assets. The only way to fight back is with a visible copyright / watermark.

Are the other sites linking directly to your images or have they copied them to their server? If they are directly linking, you have some other nifty options.

- - picklefish - -
Why is everyone in this forum responding to me as picklefish?

 

[zumie]

jimoblak-
So far I've found no sites linking to photos. But I am interested in the "other nifty options".

Zumie



Visualize whorld peas.

 

[stormbind]

There is a JPG virus that was described as lame but it allowed known files to be launched.

I do not know, but it would be way cool if the "virus/feature/bug" could be used to launch a remote javascript file that..

if (document.referrer!=xxx) alert('This image was stolen from '+xxx+'!');

Pretty sure the virus/anomaly isn't that useful though

----------
I'm willing to trade custom scripts for... [see profile]

 

[jimoblak]

The other 'nifty options' refer to how images are served. Servers can be configured so that images are only offered if they are referenced from a HTML page resident on the server. If an external page attempts to link to an image (or if the image is directly called in the URL) an alternate HTML page can be displayed.

- - picklefish - -
Why is everyone in this forum responding to me as picklefish?

 

[zumie]

jimoblak-
Are you referring to Apache servers? I've run NT and W2k servers for years and I haven't run into a way to confugure MS servers to do this.

Zumie



Visualize whorld peas.

 

[jimoblak]

What other decent server is there besides Apache?

Yes - I was referring to Apache but one would imagine that whatever a free server could do, MS could do as well. I just have no experience with this on IIS.

- - picklefish - -
Why is everyone in this forum responding to me as picklefish?