Image Key Information Embedding via DMZ Value Ranges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image and video processing methods face challenges in efficiently embedding key information to optimize decoding without increasing complexity or bitrate, particularly when dealing with undefined values in images that can lead to outliers and modification issues during encoding.
Innovation Solution
A method that reserves a range of DMZ values within a predetermined range for embedding key information, adaptively updating its size based on video compression levels and image characteristics, allowing for robust and compact storage without transmitting additional data or relying on predetermined values that may be modified during encoding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a key map is transmitted as an additional binary map to indicate whether values should be decoded, then the decoding accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and bitrate increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the key information with the image data by embedding it within the pixel values themselves. Instead of transmitting a separate key map, the decoder uses the pixel values directly to determine whether to decode a block - certain value ranges indicate undefined regions that should not be decoded, while other ranges indicate valid data. This eliminates the need for an additional binary map stream while maintaining decoding accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the image data serve multiple functions: it carries both the visual information and the key information simultaneously. The pixel values serve dual purposes - representing image content while also encoding region validity information through their magnitude ranges. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate key map transmission.
2Measurement precision
If a key map is transmitted as an additional binary map, then the decoding accuracy is improved, but the bitrate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines key information transmission with the existing image data stream. By embedding region validity information within the pixel value ranges themselves, the system transmits both image content and key information through the same data stream, eliminating the need for additional bitrate allocation for a separate key map.
Solution Approach 2:
The image data is made multi-functional, serving both as visual content and as key information carrier. The pixel values encode dual information - image content and region validity - thereby eliminating the need for separate key map transmission and reducing overall bitrate requirements.
3Ease of manufacture
If a predetermined value is reserved for key information, then the embedding simplicity is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to modification during encoding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes from using a single predetermined value for key information to using ranges of pixel values. By defining intervals (e.g., very low or very high value ranges) to represent undefined regions, the system creates a more robust encoding that can withstand compression artifacts and encoding modifications while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent anticipates potential encoding modifications by creating buffer zones - ranges of values rather than single values. These value ranges provide a cushion against encoding artifacts, ensuring that even if compression modifies the data, the key information remains distinguishable and reliable for decoding decisions.
4Loss of information
If the predetermined range of values is shortened to reserve space for key information, then the embedding capacity is improved, but the data storage capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by reserving specific value ranges (extremes of the pixel value spectrum) for key information while leaving the intermediate ranges for actual image data. This localized reservation of value spaces allows key information embedding without significantly reducing the dynamic range available for useful image data, maintaining both embedding capacity and storage capability.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 2c~3
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method for embedding key information in an image, the method comprising reserving a range of DMZ values, in a predetermined range of 2N values used for storing useful data in the image, the reserved range being used for storing a key information associated with at least one coordinates in the image, with N>0 and DMZ<<2N.