Reversible Data Hiding in JPEG Images Using Ordered Embedding

This paper proposes a novel method of reversible data hiding in JPEG images. After analyzing the JPEG features, we provide a new algorithm of selecting appropriate blocks and coefficients to carry secret messages. Instead of embedding data into the histogram of all coefficients, we propose a strategy of ordered embedding to hide data by histogram shifts in several rounds. On the recipient end, secret messages can be exactly extracted, and the original JPEG image can be losslessly recovered. Experimental results show that high embedding rate can be achieved with limited distortions. Most importantly, the marked JPEG file generated by the proposed method requires less storage size than state-of-the-art works.