Reversible data embedding using reflective blocks with scalable visual quality degradation

In this paper, a reversible data hiding method with scalable visual quality degradation functionality is proposed. An image is first divided into blocks and each pixel in a block is associated with unique mirror value(s). The original pixel value is modified to its associated value(s) to encode external payload. A block is further categorized as reflective and non-reflective block, depending on the range of pixel values in it. The number of bits embedded into a block can be controlled to achieve different level of image quality degradation. To further intensify the distortion, pixels grouped in block of predefined size is permuted where scalability in quality degradation is achieved by changing the block size. Basic performance of the proposed method is verified through experiments using standard test images. In the best case scenario, an image can hold up to 2.26 bits per pixel of external payload.