Multithreshold progressive image sharing with compact shadows

Abstract

We propose a multithreshold progressive reconstruction method. The image is encoded three times using Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG): first with a low-quality factor, then with a medium-quality factor, and last with a high-quality factor. Huffman coding is employed to encode the difference between the important image and the high-quality JPEG decompressed image. The three JPEG codes and the Huffman code are shared, respectively, according to four prespecified thresholds. The n-generated equally important shadows can be stored or transmitted using n channels in parallel. Cooperation among these generated shadows can progressively reconstruct the important image. The reconstructed image is loss-free when the number of collected shadows reaches the largest threshold. Each shadow is very compact and so can be hidden successfully in the JPEG codes of cover images to reduce the probability of being attacked when transmitted in an unfriendly environment. Comparisons with other image sharing methods are made. The contributions, such as easiness to apply to scalable Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) video transmission or resistance to differential attack, are also included. (C) 2010 SPIE and IS&T. [DOI: 10.1117/1.3295710]