Optical watermark scheme based on singular value decomposition ghost imaging and particle swarm optimization algorithm

An optical image watermarking algorithm, based on singular value decomposition (SVD) ghost imaging and multiple transforms, is designed. The watermark image is first encrypted by applying an SVD ghost imaging system, then the encrypted watermark is embedded into the cover image with the help of multiple transforms, including lifting wavelet transform (LWT), discrete cosine transform (DCT), discrete fractional angular transform (DFAT) and SVD. Four sub-band images are produced from the host image by LWT and DCT. The improved DFAT, whose scaling factors and parameter are optimized by particle swarm optimization algorithm, is operated in the new matrix. Afterwards, SVD is executed in the two-part image and the encrypted watermark is embedded in the host image by mutual operation of different matrices. Simulation results validate that the proposed watermark scheme is superior in the aspects of security, robustness and imperceptibility.