Image watermarking using DCT domain constraints

Abstract

Watermarking algorithms are used for image copyright protection. The algorithms proposed select certain blocks in the image based on a Gaussian network classifier. The pixel values of the selected blocks are modified such that their discrete cosine transform (DCT) coefficients fulfil a constraint imposed by the watermark code. Two different constraints are considered. The first approach consists of embedding a linear constraint among selected DCT coefficients and the second one defines circular detection regions in the DCT domain. A rule for generating the DCT parameters of distinct watermarks is provided. The watermarks embedded by the proposed algorithms are resistant to JPEG compression.