Chain Coding Based Data Hiding in Binary Images

This paper proposes a new method to embed data in binary images, including scanned text, figures, and cartoon images. The proposed method is based on the manipulating of chains, which are a representation of binary image, to hide data. The chain records the edge information of an image, and the modifications of chains are modifications of edge area. It is difficult to be recognized by human eyes. The features for data hiding are summarized, and rules to find embeddable chains are outlined in this paper. By manipulating the embeddable chains and using pseudo-random permutation, the method can embed a significant amount of data without causing noticeable artifacts.