A New Robust and Imperceptible Image Watermarking Scheme Based on Hybrid Transform and PSO

Abstract

In this paper, a new robust and imperceptible digital image watermarking scheme that can overcome the limitation of traditional wavelet-based image watermarking schemes is proposed using hybrid transforms viz. Lifting wavelet transform (LWT), discrete cosine transform (DCT) and singular value decomposition (SVD). The scheme uses canny edge detector to select blocks with higher edge pixels. Two reference sub-images, which are used as the point of reference for watermark embedding and extraction, have been formed from selected blocks based on the number of edges. To achieve a better trade-off between imperceptibility and robustness, multiple scaling factors (MSF) have been employed to modulate different ranges of singular value coefficients during watermark embedding process. Particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm has been adopted to obtain optimized MSF. The performance of the proposed scheme has been assessed under different conditions and the experimental results, which are obtained from computer simulation, verifies that the proposed scheme achieves enhanced robustness against various attacks performed. Moreover, the performance of the proposed scheme is compared with the other existing schemes and the results of comparison confirm that our proposed scheme outperforms previous existing schemes in terms of robustness and imperceptibility.

Digital Image Watermarking Techniques: A Review

“…The best watermarking techniques ensure better imperceptibility, meaning that they generate no visual difference between the host image and the watermarked image. One method [15] selects the best region of the cover image for watermark insertion to achieve better imperceptibility. A visible watermark in an image is sometimes preferred [16].…”

“…. , 2 j − 1 (15) where M is the number of samples to be transferred = 2 J , J is the number of transfer levels, φ j ,k [n] and ψ j ,k [n] are two basis functions, φ[n] denotes the scaling function, and ψ[n] denotes the wavelet function.…”

Implementation of Secured and Robust DFT-Based Image Watermark Through Hybridization with Decomposition Algorithm

“…This method preserves the image quality by maintaining strong robustness against salt-and-pepper-noise, Gaussian noise, speckle noise, Wiener filter, average filter, and median filter, etc. Besides, for improving robustness and imperceptibility, a new hybrid image watermarking method is proposed based on lifting wavelet transform (LWT), DCT, and SVD [19]. Here, Canny edge detectors select the blocks with higher edges.…”

Analysis of Digital Image Watermarking Techniques through Hybrid Methods

“…e system ensures better imperceptibility and improved robustness against noise addition (Gaussian and salt-and-pepper noise), Wiener filter, average filter, and median filter. e LWT, DCT, and SVD are combined in another scheme [13] that uses edge detection for selecting the best region for embedding the watermark.…”

“…Test image Imperceptibility measured in PSNR (dB) (without any deformation of watermarked image) DWT-DCT [3] Lena 37.7160 DWT-SVD [4] Lena 109.84 DWT-SVD [5] Cameraman 64.3155 LWT-DCT [6] Lena 46.7629 DWT-DCT [8] MRI-brain 52.743550 (for gain factor, k � 0.02) DCT-DWT [9] Peppers 42.74 DWT-DCT-SVD [12] Abdominal 57.80 ((for gain factor, k � 0.1) LWT-DCT-SVD [13] Lena 46.5085 DCT-SVD [14] Barbara 62.74 DFT-DCT [15] Mandrill and D9 61.28 (for Mandrill), 58.97 (for D9 image) DCT-DWT [17] Baboon >35…”