Importance

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Abstract

Embedding a watermark in an image by changing selected DCT coefficients in the blocks and macro blocks of coefficients which represent the image. The changes in the blocks that comprise each macro block are done in a coordinated manner so that the phase of the watermark signal is preserved across the block boundaries. By preserving the phase across block boundaries, a detectable grid is formed which can be used as an orientation and scaling grid. Furthermore, by preserving the phase across block boundaries the visual artifacts introduced by the watermark are minimized. The bit rate of the image signal is preserved by maintaining a count (referred to as the cumulative change count) that represents the amount that the bit rate has been increased by changes in coefficients less the amount that the bit rate has been decreased by changes in the coefficients. If at any time the cumulative change count exceeds a pre-established limit, coefficient changes that decrease the cumulative change count continue; however, coefficient changes that increase the cumulative change count are suspended. The suspension of coefficient changes that increase the cumulative change count continues until the cumulative change count falls below the pre-established limit.

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First Claim