Multi-domain Reversible Data Hiding in JPEG

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel multi-domain reversible data hiding method for JPEG images that reduces file size increase and improves payload capacity by combining DCT coefficient and entropy coding domain modifications.

Contribution

It proposes a new multi-domain approach for reversible data hiding in JPEG images that balances capacity and file size expansion, addressing limitations of existing methods.

Findings

Smaller file size increment compared to previous schemes.

Higher payload capacity achieved.

Effective embedding in both DCT and entropy coding domains.

Abstract

As a branch of reversible data hiding (RDH), reversible data hiding in JEPG is particularly important. Because JPEG images are widely used, it is great significance to study reversible data hiding algorithm for JEPG images. The existing JEPG reversible data methods can be divided into two categories, one is based on Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) coefficients modification, the other is based on Huffman table modification, the methods based on DCT coefficient modification result in large file expansion and visual quality distortion, while the methods based on entropy coding domain modification have low capacity and they may lead to large file expansion. In order to effectively solve the problems in these two kinds of methods, this paper proposes a reversible data hiding in JPEG images methods based on multi-domain modification. In this method, the secret data is divided into two parts by payload distribution algorithm, part of the secret data is first embedded in the DCT coefficient domain, and then the remaining secret data is embedded in the entropy coding domain. Experimental results demonstrate that most JPEG image files with this scheme have smaller file size increment and higher payload than previous RDH schemes.