A one-dimensional technique for embedding data in a JPEG color image

A method of embedding data in a JPEG color image for applications such as authentication of an employee carrying a picture identification card is described. Embedding of data, such as key biometric or other unique identification information of the person, is carried out by modifying the spectral power at a pair of one-dimensional frequencies. These frequencies may be selected arbitrarily for each block of image and for each color in the one-dimensional version of the image. Preliminary results show that the 1-D spectrum modification technique causes barely noticeable distortion in the embedded image if a moderately high sampling rate is chosen for the converted 1-D signal. Using an oblivious technique and a key consisting of the frequencies where spectrum is modified, successful data retrieval with no bit errors has been achieved. Results show that an embedded image corrupted by low level noise still retained the hidden data with low bit errors.