Research on embedding and extracting methods for digital watermarks applied to QR code images

Abstract

Digital watermarking is a new technology capable of embedding information into digital multimedia. The objective in this paper is to develop a scientific algorithm which can be used in a QR code image to improve its ability to deal with pirates. Therefore, the research has great theoretical significance and practical value. In order to employ digital watermarking in QR code images, by considering the features of QR code we propose two kinds of discrete wavelet transform based algorithms which can be used in QR code images. The first algorithm is to embed a random sequence in the QR code, whose correlation coefficient is detected. The second algorithm is to embed an image which is detected. Lastly, some suggestions for the further developments of this technology are offered based on the analyses and discussions. © 2007 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.