Spatial Domain Binary Watermark Embedding for Image Piracy Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital watermark embedding technologies based on Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) are complex and prone to being filtered out, failing to effectively protect multimedia content from piracy.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for embedding a binary watermark into an image using a descending dimension algorithm, converting the image to grayscale, segmenting it into sections, and adjusting pixel values to match a binary watermark sequence, making it more difficult to filter out.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If DCT-based digital watermark embedding is used, then watermark can be embedded into multimedia content, but the embedding process becomes complicated and the watermark is too easy to be filtered out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the watermark embedding process from complex transform domains (DCT, DFT) and places it directly in the spatial domain. By removing the transform step and working directly with pixel values, the method simplifies the embedding process while maintaining protection effectiveness. The watermark is embedded by directly modifying pixel intensities based on a secret key, eliminating the need for complicated transform operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the multimedia content into multiple blocks or regions, and embeds watermark information in each segment using spatial domain techniques. This segmentation approach allows the watermark to be distributed across the entire content, making it more resilient to filtering while keeping each local embedding operation simple and straightforward.
2Reliability
If DCT-based digital watermark embedding is used, then watermark can be embedded into multimedia content, but the watermark is too easy to be filtered out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of simple spatial domain embedding (which might seem vulnerable) into a benefit by using the natural structure of the image data itself. By embedding watermark information directly in the spatial domain with carefully selected pixel modifications based on a secret key, the method creates a watermark that is inherently resistant to filtering operations, as the watermark is distributed across the natural image structure rather than being added as a separate layer that can be easily removed.
3Device complexity
If binary watermark embedding in spatial domain is implemented, then the embedding process is simplified, but new methods are required to ensure resilience against filtering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of watermark embedding by transitioning from transform domain to spatial domain, and from multi-level to binary watermarking. This parameter change simplifies the embedding process while the use of secret key-based pixel selection and distribution strategies ensures that the binary watermark remains resilient against filtering operations. The binary nature of the watermark makes it more robust while the spatial domain approach keeps the process simple.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of embedding a binary watermark into an image and a computer applied such are disclosed. The binary watermark is transformed to a watermark sequence consisting of K binary numbers and the image is converted into a grayscale image, being segmented into several sections. K sections are selected randomly while each selected section corresponds to one of the binary numbers of the watermark sequence. In relation to each selected section, a sum of a first part of the pixels and a sum of a second part of the pixels is compared. Each of the selected sections having their result of comparison being made to correspond to corresponding binary number in accordance with a predefined correlation results in the binary watermark being embedded into the image.