Robust digital watermarking for color images in combined DFT and DT-CWT domains

Image watermarking focuses on hiding secret data into the cover image imperceptibly to protect the copyright of the original image. In this paper, we propose a new framework of robust digital watermarking for color images using combined embedding techniques of Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) and Dual Tree Complex Wavelet Transform (DTCWT). The cover image is first divided into Y, U and V channels. The Y channel is then transformed by DFT and partitioned into the ring shapes. With an embedding key, we generate pseudo-random patterns to represent the watermark. These patterns are also transformed and partitioned. The watermark represented by the selection of patterns is then embedded into the rings of the DFT coefficients. We further embed a rectification watermark into the U channel, in which DTCWT is applied to achieve a capability of geometric distortion resilience. On the recipient's side, the detection and extraction of watermark can be successfully done. Compared with previous schemes, the proposed method is better on preserving the image quality. Meanwhile, the robustness against typical attacks is also stronger.