Payload and quality augmentation using steganographic optimization technique based on edge detection

Abstract

Information security is one of the most significant processes that must be taken into account when confidentially transferring information. This paper introduces a steganography technique using the edge detection method. It focused on three basic and important aspects’ payload, quality and security. Well-known edge detectors were used to generate as many edge pixels as possible to hide data and achieve the highest payload. The least significant bit (LSB) algorithm has been improved by extending the bits used to embed between 2-4 bits in smooth and sharp areas. To increase security, the transaction between the two parties is based on dividing the key and the cover image into several parts and agreeing on the type of edge detection.The experiments achieved the maximum load, for instance with a fuzzy edge detector, at first, embedding in 4 bitplanes if edge pixel and in 2 bitplanes if non-edge pixel, the peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) increased from 43.580to 45.790. At second, embedding in 2 bitplanes if edge pixel, and in 4 bitplanes if non-edge pixel, the PSNR decreased between 38.433-41.593. The suggested scheme achieved a high pay load to embed in the cover image and according to human perception, it preserved the nature of the original image.