Medical image watermarking using bit threshold map based on just noticeable distortion in discrete cosine transform

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Digital Security
• Image Processing

Background:

• Medical images require strict security due to their confidential nature.
• Digital medical imaging and PACS are vulnerable during data transfer.
• Ensuring the security of medical images is critical in healthcare systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a robust watermarking algorithm for medical images.
• To enhance the security of medical image data during transmission.
• To address the vulnerability of medical information in digital systems.

Main Methods:

• A watermarking algorithm based on the discrete cosine transform (DCT) is developed.
• Watermarks are embedded in the low-frequency components (DC coefficient) of medical images.
• Just Noticeable Distortion (JND) and the human visual system are utilized to maintain image quality.

Main Results:

• Embedding watermarks in low-frequency areas can degrade subjective image quality.
• The proposed algorithm compensates for quality degradation using JND values.
• Computer simulations demonstrate the algorithm's effectiveness on various medical images.

Conclusions:

• The developed watermarking algorithm offers robust protection for medical images.
• The algorithm successfully withstands various attacks aimed at removing watermarks.
• The proposed method ensures the security and integrity of sensitive medical data.