A general framework for reversible data hiding in encrypted images by reserving room before encryption

TL;DR

This paper introduces a flexible framework for reversible data hiding in encrypted images, utilizing innovative predictors and a pre-encryption room reservation method to enhance payload capacity and efficiency.

Contribution

It proposes a general, predictor-based scheme with a novel pre-processing step that improves embedding capacity without relying on lossless compression.

Findings

Achieves higher payload than existing methods

Utilizes innovative predictors for better accuracy

Eliminates need for lossless compression in some cases

Abstract

In this paper a general framework to adopt different predictors for reversible data hiding in the encrypted image is presented. We propose innovative predictors that contribute more significantly than conventional ones results in accomplishing more payload. Reserving room before encryption (RRBE) is designated in the proposed scheme making possible to attain high embedding capacity. In RRBE procedure, pre-processing is allowed before image encryption. In our scheme, pre-processing comprises of three main steps: computing prediction-errors, blocking and labeling of the errors. By blocking, we obviate the need for lossless compression to when content-owner is not enthusiastic. Lossless compression is employed in recent state of the art schemes to improve payload. We surpass prior arts exploiting proper predictors, more efficient labeling procedure and blocking of the prediction-errors.