Performance analysis of high dynamic range image watermarking based on quantization index modulation

High dynamic range images represent the radiance of scenes captured by a device or generated by an artificial rendering system. Special types of preprocessing, collectively known as tone-mapping (TM) operators, are needed to adapt HDR images to currently existing displays. Tone-mapped images, although of reduced dynamic range, have high quality and hence are possible targets for misappropriation or misuse by malevolent entities. The watermarking technique that is at the core of the proposed image watermarking is based on the quantization index modulation paradigm and is designed to embed a blindly detectable, one bit watermark in HDR images. The requirements imposed on the watermark encompass imperceptibility, a certain degree of security, and robustness to TM operators. Performance analysis of the proposed system and existing system are done based on noise characteristics, receiver operating characteristics and information embedding capacity.