A Novel Data Hiding Technique with High Imperceptibility Using a 3-Input Majority Function and an Optimal Pixel Adjustment

Abstract

Maximizing the payload capacity without losing the visual quality of the original image is a challenging problem in stegnography. This paper puts forth a data hiding technique with high imperceptibility and utilize the scope of a 3-input majority (MAJ3) function. Generally, a majority function takes an odd number of inputs and returns the majority value as its output. If the output of the majority function and the secret bits we want to hide are different, then we have defined an optimal pixel adjustment so that the receiver can extract the obscure data back. Empirical results unfold that this recommended approach increased the embedding capacity without comprising the visual quality. Complexity of the proposed algorithm is less compared to other image-based data hiding algorithms.