SPIHT‐based multiple image watermarking in NSCT domain

Abstract

Image watermarking in wavelet domain is a challenging problem as it includes a proper selection of wavelet transforms as well as sub-bands for accurate embedding and recovery of watermarks.However, selection of a suitable wavelet transform for multiple image watermarking is an area of great interest. Therefore, in this work, a multiple watermarking technique using combination of redundant discrete wavelet transforms (RDWT), non-subsampled contourlet transform (NSCT), set partitioning in hierarchical tree (SPIHT), and singular value decomposition (SVD) is proposed. The proposed scheme is aimed to achieve high capacity, robustness, and imperceptibility. The security aspect of the proposed method is enhanced by using Arnold transform. Since RDWT and NSCT are both shift invariant in nature, therefore they are suitable for multiple image watermarking. Furthermore, the proposed method provides flexibility in selection of appropriate sub-bands for watermark embedding and recovery. Experimental results and analysis reveals that the proposed technique gives maximum PSNR, NC, and SSIM value up to 40.97 dB, 1, and 0.9994, respectively. Furthermore, the performance estimation of our technique is found superior to previously reported techniques under consideration. KEYWORDSArnold transform, non-sub sampled contourlet transform, RDWT, SPIHT, SVD INTRODUCTIONRecently, secure transmission of digital data over open/public networks is one of potential challenges. 1 Therefore, there is a great requirement to secure the data transmission over networks. Digital image watermarking is one of promising method for protecting digital data and is widely used for copyright protection and secure communication. 2-4 Image watermarking provides secure transmission of digital data by embedding it into the cover image for content authentications, copyright protection, 5 etc.Discrete wavelet transform (DWT) has been widely used for image watermarking. 6 However, the major drawbacks associated with the DWT are its shift sensitivity and poor directionality that can be avoided by using redundant wavelet transforms. 7 The existing literatures over image watermarking clearly states that the redundant wavelet transforms are suitable for single and multiple images watermarking 7-10 as these transforms do not use down sampling operation in implementation. Thus, no data/information loss occurs during forward and inverse transformation. Furthermore, redundant discrete wavelet transform (RDWT) 11 and non-subsampled contourlet transform (NSCT) 12 are shift invariant. This property enables us to have better reconstruction of images and found useful in many image processing applications. Furthermore, NSCT provides rich directional information, which can be used in embedding single as well as multiple watermarks after forward transformation. 12 It is evident that the performance of combined transform domain techniques (two or more than two) is better than individual one. 7 Thus, being motivated by above facts, an image watermarking technique in NSCT domain using...

A Novel Dual Image Watermarking Technique Using Homomorphic Transform and DWT

“…Usage of DWT increases computational complexity of the technique. Therefore, in order to overcome this short coming of DWT various other transforms such as RDWT [37,38], NSCT [32,36,39] which possess shift invariance property can be used to reduce the computational complexity . However, false positive problem which tends to occur with usage of SVD transform needs to be eliminated.…”

“…This actually helps researchers in providing roadmap for developing new watermarking methodologies. Researchers have proposed a novel dual image watermarking technique in [36] where RDWT, NSCT, AT and SVD transforms are effectively used. Dual image watermarks are embedded in this methodology whereas set partitioning in hierarchical tree (SPIHT) algorithm is employed successfully for compressing the watermarked image.…”

NSCT-Based Robust and Perceptual Watermarking for DIBR 3D Images

“…In particular, NSCT-based watermarking methods for 2D medical images in [36], [37] showed outstanding performance by exploiting NSCT and DCT in a hybrid method. Unlike existing NSCT-based approaches for 2D images in [36]- [39], we propose DIBR 3D image watermarking exploiting the NSCT domain. As mentioned in the previous sections, the DIBR process can be regarded as a desynchronization attack in that it affects the distance of pixels moving in the horizontal direction for view synthesis.…”

“…As mentioned in the previous sections, the DIBR process can be regarded as a desynchronization attack in that it affects the distance of pixels moving in the horizontal direction for view synthesis. Since the approaches in [36]- [39] are not designed for DIBR attacks, such techniques cannot be applied directly to DIBR 3D images. Therefore, in order to design a watermarking method for DIBR 3D images, domains that are robust to DIBR attacks must be analyzed, followed by research on watermark insertion and extraction algorithms.…”

Convergence of deep machine learning and parallel computing environment for bio‐engineering applications

“…Kumar et al proposed a multiple watermarking technique using a combination of redundant discrete wavelet transforms (RDWT), non‐subsampled contourlet transform (NSCT), set partitioning in hierarchical tree (SPIHT), and singular value decomposition (SVD). The security aspect of the proposed method is enhanced by using Arnold transform.…”