Reversible data hiding using optimization, interpolation and binary image encryption techniques

Data security is very essential since the communication takes place in the open network. In order to protect the data techniques such as image encryption and data hiding have become very popular. In this paper, a Reversible Data Hiding (RDH) based on combination of optimization algorithm, image interpolation and encryption techniques is proposed to achieve high quality of stego-images and security. Initially, the input cover image is taken and divided into 2 x 2 blocks and edges in the images are identified using edge detection techniques. Next, optimization algorithm is developed to find optimal pixels which improve the performance. Then, the interpolation process is applied to up-scale the image based on optimal pixel. Data is hidden in the interpolated pixels using dual capacity predictions method and finally image is encrypted based on edge, non-edge and interpolated pixels is sent to the receiver. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed scheme outperforms the state-of-the-arts in terms of image quality performance, embedding capacity and Universal Image Quality Index (UIQI). Furthermore, the proposed solution is resistant to security analysis based on Structural Similarity Index Measure (SSIM) and Regular Singular (RS) analysis.