Use of firefly optimization algorithm for fractional fourier transform based reversible data hiding

Abstract

This paper presents a Fractional Fourier transform based reversible data hiding technique to secure the data transmitted over communication network. The proposed algorithm modifies the cover image to improve the robustness of data hiding technique. The cover image is transformed using Fractional Fourier Transform (FrFT) into a time-frequency domain and the optimal pixel locations for hiding the secret data are found using firefly algorithm. Firefly algorithm uses multi-objective function, which is a combination of Structural Similarity Index Measure (SSIM) and Bit Error rate (BER). The histogram shifting technique embeds secret data in the optimal pixel locations. The quality of test images is analyzed under varying payload as well as under varying fractional order. Experimental results conclude that this scheme produces good quality stego image. It has also been found from the simulation results that the proposed algorithm is more robust and reversible against various attacks as it provides lower bit error rate and higher normalization coefficient.