Novel high-capacity data hiding technique using summation and LSD parity of pixel groups

The aims of designing algorithms for data hiding applications are to increase the hiding capacity and maintain the original image quality. However, both goals are often contradicted to each other. Owing to this, the main idea of this paper is to embed the secret bit sequence into pixel groups by using the summation of neighboring pixel values and the achieved parity of Least Significant Digit (LSD). The summation method utilizes the concept of pixel groups from the method of pixel value differencing (PVD) but not using the difference values for data hiding. Instead, the decimal representation of LSD summation relationship from two neighboring pixels is adopted for adjusting pixel values for data hiding. At the same time, the parity of the second pixel value is used for increasing one more hidden-bit while using the summation relationship for data hiding. Data extraction can be done in the reverse direction. Therefore, the overall hiding capacity can be greatly improved. Experimental results show that the proposed data hiding algorithm can have better performance than normal PVD methods. Also, the better image quality can be assured.