Embedding Availability Determination for Image Data Encoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional encoding methods for embedding data into images suffer from issues where color reproduction is affected by output and input device characteristics, leading to inaccurate decoding due to differences in grayscale levels, necessitating actual output and input of images to determine encoding feasibility.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that determine encoding availability by analyzing input/output characteristics of output and input devices, estimating average density differences in image blocks, and determining encoding feasibility without requiring actual image output and input from a medium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If encoding is performed using difference between average densities of adjacent blocks, then decoding speed is enhanced, but decoding accuracy deteriorates due to input/output device characteristics affecting grayscale levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing the relationship between input device grayscale levels and output device density values in a lookup table before actual encoding/decoding operations. This allows the system to compensate for device characteristics without performing complex real-time calculations, thus maintaining fast decoding speed while improving decoding accuracy through pre-computed correction data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters by transforming the encoding approach from using raw grayscale level differences to using corrected difference values that are compensated based on stored input/output device characteristics. This parameter transformation allows the system to account for device-specific variations in grayscale reproduction, thereby improving decoding accuracy while maintaining the efficiency of the block-based encoding method.
2Measurement precision
If actual image output and input is performed to determine encoding feasibility, then decoding accuracy can be verified, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by creating a virtual model of the encoding/decoding process using stored device characteristic data instead of physically outputting and re-inputting images. The system copies the essential characteristics of actual device behavior into lookup tables, allowing accuracy verification through data processing alone, thus eliminating the time-consuming physical output-input cycle while maintaining the ability to verify decoding accuracy.
3Ease of manufacture
If encoding is performed without considering input/output device characteristics, then encoding process is simplified, but decoding reliability deteriorates across different devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a device-agnostic encoding framework that works across different input and output devices. By storing device-specific characteristics in lookup tables and using these to correct encoding/decoding operations, the system maintains a universal, simple encoding process while adapting to various device combinations. This allows the same encoding algorithm to reliably work across diverse devices without requiring device-specific customization of the core encoding logic.
Data Source
AI summary
An embedding-availability determining unit determines an availability of embedding data into an image based on an input/output characteristic of a predetermined feature amount related to a combination of an output device that outputs an image in which the data is embedded to a medium and an input device that inputs the image that is output to the medium. A result output unit outputs a result of determination by the embedding-availability determining unit.