Data embedding using pixel value differencing and diamond encoding with multiple-base notational system

We propose a new data hiding method that adaptively embeds data into pixel pairs using the diamond encoding (DE) technique. Because the human eyes tolerate more changes in edge and texture areas than in smooth areas, and pixel pairs in these areas often possess larger differences, the method exploits pixel value differences (PVD) to estimate the base of digits to be embedded into pixel pairs. Pixel pairs with larger differences are embedded with digits in larger base than those pixel pairs with smaller differences to maximize the payload and image quality. Two sophisticated pixel pair adjustment processes are provided to maintain the division consistency and to eliminate the overflow/underflow problem. Experimental results reveal that the proposed method offers better embedding performance compared to prior PVD-based works in terms of payload and image quality. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.