A blind watermarking algorithm with semantic meaningful watermarks

Watermarking techniques that need no original information during watermark detection, the so-called blind (public) watermarking, are more desirable than others for practical usage and convenience in watermark extraction. We convert a non-blind (private) image watermarking algorithm into a blind one by carefully removing and changing some function units of the original approach. As compared to the original algorithm, these modifications result in little quality degradation but do extend the practical usage of it. As an example, we applied the revised watermarking algorithm to a panorama picture construction tool, the VideoVR system, in which only blind watermarking algorithms can be used. The experimental results show that almost no perceptible distortions are found in the embedded pictures, and the retrieved watermarks can clearly indicate the ownership of the system constructor.