Digital Watermarking Algorithm Research Articles

An optimized digital watermarking algorithm in wavelet domain based on differential evolution for color image.

In this paper, a new color watermarking algorithm based on differential evolution is proposed. A color host image is first converted from RGB space to YIQ space, which is more suitable for the human visual system. Then, apply three-level discrete wavelet transformation to luminance component Y and generate four different frequency sub-bands. After that, perform singular value decomposition on these sub-bands. In the watermark embedding process, apply discrete wavelet transformation to a watermark image after the scrambling encryption processing. Our new algorithm uses differential evolution algorithm with adaptive optimization to choose the right scaling factors. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm has a better performance in terms of invisibility and robustness.

A NOVEL DIGITAL VIDEO WATERMARKING TECHNIQUE BASED ON WAVELET, SVD AND CZ-TRANSFORM

Digital Watermarking is a technology of embedding data into digital multimedia content to verify the credibility of the content or to recognize the identity of digital content owner. To identify the ownership of the digital content a new digital video watermarking algorithm is proposed. The proposed algorithm divides frames of a cover video into three colour bands of red, green and blue. Then the accompanying three tasks are performed on every one of three colour bands independently. Initially, each colour band is divided into blocks of small sizes and afterward the entropy of each block is computed. At this step, a threshold is found based on the average entropy of all blocks and following is applied to all blocks associated with lower entropy than the threshold. A wavelet representation of each block is given by applying a discrete wavelet transform. Then Singular value decomposition, orthogonal-triangular decomposition, and a chirp z-transform are used to embed a watermark on the cover video. To check the robustness of the algorithm different signal processing attacks are applied on watermarked video. The Proposed algorithm is compared with singular value decomposition based blind watermarking algorithm. Experimental results shows that proposed algorithm outperforms the singular value decomposition based blind watermarking algorithm quantitatively in term of PSNR.

A Double Digital Watermarking Algorithm Based on the Combination of SVD-DFT

As the most current methods based on Fourier transform domain can well resist geometric attacks, and embed large information, which cannot well resist the shearing attack, a double watermarking algorithm based on the combination of singular value decomposition and discrete Fourier transform is put forward. In this algorithm, by singular value decomposition on images, then carry out the DFT spectrum amplitude image watermark embedding on the decomposed matrix image, namely sub block division; by DFT transform on each image block, select important coefficients relative to the predefined threshold; add the watermark information into the corresponding amplitude components, and preserve the embedding position and the original component as a key for watermark extraction, and then the watermarked image will be obtained. The experimental results show that this method can achieve better visual effect and has good robustness against the shear, noise and rotation attacks.

A novel anti-geometrical attack digital watermark algorithm based on Contourlet transform and human visual system

A novel anti-geometrical attack digital watermark algorithm based on Contourlet transform and human visual system

Multiple Watermarking for Healthcare Applications

AbstractIn this paper, an algorithm for multiple digital watermarking based on discrete wavelet transform (DWT), discrete cosine transform (DCT), and singular value decomposition (SVD) was proposed for healthcare applications such as tele-ophthalmology, tele-medicine, tele-diagnosis, and tele-consultancy services. Multiple watermarks were used in this algorithm to reduce the consequences of medical identity thefts. In the embedding process, the cover medical image was decomposed into third-level DWT. Low-frequency bands (LH2 and LL3) were transformed by DCT, and then SVD was applied to DCT coefficients. Two watermarks in the form of images were also transformed by DCT and then SVD. The singular values of the watermark information were embedded in the singular value of the cover medical image. Watermarks were extracted using an extraction algorithm. In order to enhance the robustness performance of the image watermarks, back-propagation neural network was applied to the extracted watermarks to reduce the effects of different noise applied on the watermarked image. Results were obtained by varying the gain factor and the different cover image modalities. Experimental results were provided to illustrate that the proposed method is able to withstand a variety of signal processing attacks, and has been found to give excellent performance in terms of robustness and imperceptibility. The performance of the method was also compared with other reported techniques. Further, the visual quality of the proposed method was also evaluated by a subjective method.

Digital video watermarking algorithm based on asymmetric causal spatio-temporal filter

ABSTRACTDigital video is vulnerable to accidental or malicious destruction in storage, transmission, processing, which damages the legitimate rights and interests of the product owners. Digital video watermarking technology is a mean to protect intellectual property rights. We analyze the basic principle of the 3D-Harris algorithm and Gabor filter method. By considering the temporal causality of the video, the common symmetrical filter is discarded. We design a causal filter which conforms to video characteristics and proposes an asymmetric causal filter in space–time domain. On this basis, an improved video watermarking algorithm is proposed, combining space–time feature points and DCT domain. The experimental results show that proposed algorithm can not only ensure high invisibility, and can effectively resist various attacks in time domain and space domain.

Digital watermarking method based on heteroassociative image compression and its realization with artificial neural networks

In this paper, we present a digital watermarking method and associated algorithms that use a heteroassociative compressive transformation to embed a digital watermark bit sequence into blocks (fragments) of container images. A principal feature of the proposed method is the use of the heteroassociative compressing transformation – a mutual mapping with the compression of two neighboring image regions of an arbitrary shape. We also present the results of our experiments, namely the dependencies of quality indicators of thus created digital watermarks, which show the container distortion level, and the probability of digital watermark extraction error. In the final section, we analyze the performance of the proposed digital watermarking algorithms under various distortions and transformations aimed at destroying the hidden data, and compare these algorithms with the existing ones.

A robust color image watermarking algorithm against rotation attacks

A robust digital watermarking algorithm is proposed based on quaternion wavelet transform (QWT) and discrete cosine transform (DCT) for copyright protection of color images. The luminance component Y of a host color image in YIQ space is decomposed by QWT, and then the coefficients of four low-frequency subbands are transformed by DCT. An original binary watermark scrambled by Arnold map and iterated sine chaotic system is embedded into the mid-frequency DCT coefficients of the subbands. In order to improve the performance of the proposed algorithm against rotation attacks, a rotation detection scheme is implemented before watermark extracting. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed watermarking scheme shows strong robustness not only against common image processing attacks but also against arbitrary rotation attacks.

Implementation for a Digital Watermarking Algorithm on Different Image Format Types

Digital watermarking can be defined simply as hiding a message in a digital image, song or video. Watermarking is widely being used for many applications. In this paper a secure image watermarking algorithm using array extraction from the original image will be implemented on different types of images using MATLAB code. The algorithm was proposed to send a message through an image by extracting 5 binary arrays of size (1x5) containing 1 and 0 from that used image, and then the binary arrays would be updated in a way that they can carry the secret message of 5 letters or less. In this paper the same algorithm will be implemented by extracting first, 5 binary arrays of size (1x5) containing 1 and 0 from that image to send a message composed of 5 numbers, each number of two digits. Then extracting 6 binary arrays of size (1x6) containing 1 and 0 from the same image, and the binary arrays also would be updated in a way that they can carry the secret message of 6 numbers, each number of two digits. Also this algorithm by extracting 5 arrays or 6 arrays will be implemented on different image format types to find out what is the suitable image format to be used in this algorithm, with no noticeable image distortion or loss in its size, to ensure the algorithm strength and security to send secret numbers or passwords through images. The same algorithm will be implemented to send secret numbers. First by using the first 25 pixels from any used image by extracting 5 binary arrays of size (1x5), then by using the first 36 pixels from the same used image by extracting 6 binary arrays of size (1x6) and making a comparison between both results using MATLAB.

Digital image watermarking method based on DCT and fractal encoding

With the rapid development of computer science, problems with digital products piracy and copyright dispute become more serious; therefore, it is an urgent task to find solutions for these problems. In this study, the authors' develop a digital watermarking algorithm based on a fractal encoding method and the discrete cosine transform (DCT). The proposed method combines fractal encoding method and DCT method for double encryptions to improve traditional DCT method. The image is encoded by fractal encoding as the first encryption, and then encoded parameters are used in DCT method as the second encryption. First, the fractal encoding method is adopted to encode a private image with private scales. Encoding parameters are applied as digital watermarking. Then, digital watermarking is added to the original image to reversibly using DCT, which means the authors can extract the private image from the carrier image with private encoding scales. Finally, attacking experiments are carried out on the carrier image by using several attacking methods. Experimental results show that the presented method has higher performance characteristics such as robustness and peak signal to noise ratio than classical methods.

Research on Improved Digital Watermark Algorithm Based on QR Code

Research on Improved Digital Watermark Algorithm Based on QR Code

Digital Watermarking Algorithm for Tampering Localization

For image authentication, the competence of accurately locating tampering and ensuring security is desirable. In this paper, a novel reversible data embedding based on Integer Wavelet Transform for tamper-proof watermarks is proposed. A contentbased watermark generated from host image is embedded into the carrier. The embedded data can be retrieved and the original host image can be recovered without distortion. The difference between the extracted watermark and the watermark generated from specific coefficients representing local features is applied to localize tampers. Experimental results show that the host image can be recovered after extracting the watermark if there are no attacks. Otherwise, the tampered positions can be localized explicitly and directly in the reconstructed host image even if the watermarked image was attacked by an invisible tampering. The proposed algorithm can be used for image authentication and tampering localization without using original image and original watermark.

Feature-Based Image Watermarking Algorithm Using SVD and APBT for Copyright Protection

Watermarking techniques can be applied in digital images to maintain the authenticity and integrity for copyright protection. In this paper, scale-invariant feature transform (SIFT) is combined with local digital watermarking and a digital watermarking algorithm based on SIFT, singular value decomposition (SVD), and all phase biorthogonal transform (APBT) is proposed. It describes the generation process of the SIFT algorithm in detail and obtains a series of scale-invariant feature points. A large amount of candidate feature points are selected to obtain the neighborhood which can be used to embed the watermark. For these selected feature points, block-based APBT is carried out on their neighborhoods. Moreover, a coefficients matrix of certain APBT coefficients is generated for SVD to embed the encrypted watermark. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed watermarking algorithm has stronger robustness than some previous schemes. In addition, APBT-based digital watermarking algorithm has good imperceptibility and is more robust to different combinations of attacks, which can be applied for the purpose of copyright protection.

Software and Hardware FPGA-Based Digital Watermarking and Steganography Approaches: Toward New Methodology for Evaluation and Benchmarking Using Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Techniques

Evaluating and benchmarking software and hardware field programmable gate array (FPGA)-based digital watermarking are considered challenging tasks because of multiple and conflicting evaluation criteria. A few evaluation and benchmarking techniques/frameworks have been implemented to digital watermarking or steganography; however, these approaches still present certain limitations. In particular, fixing some attributes on account of other attributes and well-known benchmarking approaches are limited to robust watermarking techniques. Thus, this study aims toward a new methodology for evaluation and benchmarking using multi-criteria analysis for software and hardware “FPGA”-based digital watermarking or steganography. To achieve this objective, two iterations are conducted. The first iteration consists of two stages: discussing software and hardware “FPGA”-based digital watermarking or steganography to create a dataset with various samples for benchmarking and discussing the evaluation method and then discussing the test for software and hardware “FPGA”-based digital watermarking or steganography according to multi-criteria evaluation (i.e., complexity, payload and quality) to create a decision matrix. The second iteration applies different decision-making techniques (i.e., SAW, MEW, HAW, TOPSIS, WSM and WPM)) to benchmark the results of the first iteration (i.e., software or hardware FPGA-based digital watermarking or steganography approaches). Then, the discussed mean, standard deviation and paired sample [Formula: see text]-test results are used to measure the correlations among different techniques based on the ranking results. The discussion findings are described as follows: (1) the integration of developer and evaluator preferences into the evaluation and benchmarking for software and hardware FPGA-based digital watermarking or steganography, (2) the process of assigning weights and (3) visualizing large-scale data sample in either software or hardware FPGA-based digital watermarking or steganography algorithms.

Texture analysis in watermarking paradigms

Digital watermarking algorithms have been developed rapidly as a response on the challenges caused by various internet attacks that are distorted the content of the host image and watermark partially or fully. In this paper, the issues of texture analysis with a goal to detect the most suitable image areas for embedding are discussed. The statistical and model-based methods are investigated as a trade-off between the computational cost and quality of the detected areas, where the embedded bits of a watermark could be the most invisible for a human vision. The criteria for detection of such areas based on the textural, contrast, illumination, and color coherence of the host image and watermark are formulated. The experiments show that the statistical methods based on the gradient oriented Local Binary Patterns (LBP) provide better computational time regarding to fractal estimation of textural image areas.

Robust watermarking technique using back propagation neural network: a security protection mechanism for social applications

In this paper, an algorithm for digital watermarking based on discrete wavelet transforms (DWTs) and singular value decomposition (SVD) has been proposed. In the embedding process, the host colour image is decomposed into third-level DWT. Low frequency band (LL3) is transformed by SVD. The watermark image is also transformed by SVD. The S vector of watermark information is embedded in the S component of the host image. Watermarked image is generated by inverse SVD on modified S vector and original U, V vectors followed by inverse DWT. Watermark is extracted using an extraction algorithm. In order to enhance the robustness performance of the image watermark, back propagation neural network (BPNN) is applied to the extracted watermark to reduce the effects of different noise applied on the watermarked image. Results are obtained by varying the gain factor and size of the cover and watermark image, experimental results are provided to illustrate that the proposed method is able to withstand a variety of signal processing attacks and has been found to be giving superior performance for robustness and imperceptibility compared to existing methods suggested by other authors.

Robust Digital Text Watermarking Algorithm based on Unicode Extended Characters

Objectives: A new text watermarking algorithm is proposed in this paper to protect documents from malicious attacks.Methods: In this paper, a novel digital text watermarking algorithm is developed based on Unicode extended characters. The algorithm is implemented to encompass watermark generation, embedding and extraction components. Predefined encoding tables are constructed to achieve the embedding while scrambling mechanism is proposed in generation and extraction to secure the watermarks. Findings: To evaluate the algorithm, it was tested, using ten different text samples, under various attacks such as conversion, reformatting, copying, insertions and deletions. The proposed algorithm has attained high level of imperceptibility with PSNR between 63.15 and 70.88 and SIM between 99.93% and 99.97%.Evaluating the robustness of the algorithm proved that it resists most of the attacks with high detection accuracy reached 100% in most cases. It has also achieved improved capacity with 2 bits/word and increased security level compared to the previous works. Application/Improvements: The proposed algorithm has added a new value to the information security field and can be used for documents protection from various malicious aspects.

Hardware implementation of a novel water marking algorithm based on phase congruency and singular value decomposition technique

The effortless accessibility of digital information and the simplicity of the digital systems have left the contents over the digital media extremely insecure. Digital watermark based information hiding is a prospective means for copyright protection, authentication, integrity verification and intellectual property right protection. Phase congruency technique works on the principle that perceptually significant image features have effect at spatial locations, where the essential Fourier components are maximally in phase with one another. An adaptive digital watermarking algorithm for better performance in multi-parametric solution space is developed here for hiding the copyright information by means of phase congruency and singular value decomposition supported information hiding technique. Performance evaluation of the algorithm is performed using simulation in Matlab in terms of Peak Signal to Noise Ratio, Structural Similarity Index Metrics, and Normalized Cross correlation index. Hardware realization up to the register transfer logic schematic level has been performed using high performance field programmable gate array board. The device utilization is 26% only, the dynamic power consumption of the circuit is 5.029mW and delay after clock is 1.539ns only. The experimental analysis establishes better robustness of the proposed algorithm as it stands against various attacks along with better data hiding capacity.

Implementation of Digital Watermarking Algorithms in Parallel Hardware Accelerators

The paper is focused on computing acceleration for hybrid multiprocessor environment. A considered algorithm of content authentication used for digital images and video sequences is implemented and tested in diverse scenarios. Particular goal is capability of the authentication system to process high-resolution digital images or FullHD video sequences in real time. Aim of this work was to explore and take advantage of mixed CPU and GPU processing approach and to investigate possibilities to develop optimal authentication algorithm. Chosen algorithm is based on robust hashes and semi-fragile digital watermarking. Parallelization was achieved using combined OpenCL and OpenMP. Results for time execution were measured for both images and videos. Based on collected results acceleration rates were calculated along with maximum frames per second values for video processing. It can be concluded that parallelism contributes significantly in reducing the computation time by making optimal use of resources. Depending on the test scenario, the rate of acceleration is even thirty times higher comparing with single-core solutions. Introduced modifications reduce execution time while maintaining detection effectiveness.

A new hybrid watermarking algorithm for MRI medical images using DWT and hash functions.

This paper deals with a blind hybrid digital watermarking algorithm for the copyright protection and authentication of magnetic resonance tomography images. Medical image watermarking requires extreme care when embedding watermark information in the medical images, to protect the image quality from being violated and to avoid the wrong diagnosis that might occur. The proposed algorithm contains robust watermark for the ownership protection and fragile watermarks for checking the authenticity. In the proposed algorithm, the medical image is divided into two regions, called the Region of Interest and Region of Non-Interest using histogram technique and the watermarks are embedded in both wavelet domain and spatial domain in the Region of Non-Interest Area. The proposed hybrid watermarking technique was successfully tested on a variety of MRI medical images and offerd high peak signal to noise ratio and similarity structure index measure values.