Steganographic Image Encoding Using Graphic Element Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steganographic methods, such as LSB and Q Art Code, face inconsistencies and limitations when encoding information in images, particularly when dealing with printed images, due to variations in pixel colors and positions, and require unnecessary aesthetic elements.
Innovation Solution
A computational method that generates images by associating information with graphic elements, creating patterns based on predefined positions and symbols, allowing for flexible and secure encoding, including the use of dithering to convert greyscale images to black and white, and embedding information in complex geometric patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If LSB technique is used to encode information in image pixels, then information can be hidden in the image, but the encoding becomes inconsistent when the image is printed due to variations in pixel colors and positions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the image into multiple blocks, with each block containing a set of pixels that collectively represent one symbol. This segmentation approach allows the encoding to be more robust against pixel-level variations caused by printing, as the information is distributed across multiple pixels rather than relying on a single pixel's properties
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the encoding parameters by using larger blocks of pixels and multiple symbols per block, transitioning from single-pixel LSB encoding to multi-pixel block encoding. This parameter change makes the encoding more tolerant to printing variations while maintaining information capacity
2Ease of operation
If Q Art Code methodology is used to create recognizable image regions, then control patterns can be read, but unnecessary information must be entered and aesthetic recognition limits flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a universal encoding system where any image can serve as both the carrier and the encoded message. The method uses multiple symbols per block that can represent various types of information, eliminating the need for separate control patterns and aesthetic elements while maintaining readability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the unnecessary control patterns and aesthetic elements required by Q Art Code. By using a more efficient encoding scheme with multiple symbols per block, the system achieves pattern recognition without requiring separate recognizable control structures
Data Source
AI summary
This invention falls within the scope of steganography, i.e., encoding of information (such as a text) into other information, for example, an image. It is the object of this invention a computational method for generating at least one image with coded information comprising the steps of: i) associating an information to be coded to a plurality of graphic elements, each of the graphic elements consisting of a symbol out of a plurality of symbols, thus generating a pattern of graphic elements and ii) generating at least one image comprising at least one pattern obtained from step i). This method introduces a consistent and highly flexible way of encoding information into an image. Additionally, this invention has also as object a system associated to the said method, images obtained from the said method, as well as a reading method and system thereof.