Application of high capacity data hiding in halftone images

We consider applications of our recently proposed method for hiding digital data in halftone images via dot orientation modulation. As compared to prior halftone image watermarking techniques, the method allows for automated extraction of the data and relatively high capacity. These characteristics enable several new applications that we highlight in this paper. By quantifying the effective error free operational rates obtained with suitable error correction codes in our experimental evaluations, we identify the rate constraints on feasible applications. In particular, our estimates indicate that the method can be utilized for a) embedding thumbnails of images for validation and authentication, b) embedding speech in printed images in order to improve accessibility for the visually impaired, and c) embedding text for carrying meta-data pertaining to the image in the printed image itself (e.g. biography in portrait). We demonstrate a working prototype illustrating the applications.