Digital information encrypted in an image using binary encoding

This paper proposes a new type of encoding methods to encrypt hidden (covert) information in host images. The encrypted information can be plot, fax, word, or network data, and it must be encoded with binary codes. All the pixels in an encoded (overt) image modulated from a host image are classified into three groups. The first group of pixels is called identification codes, used to judge whether the overt image is encoded by a method proposed in this paper or not. The second group of pixels is called type codes, used to judge the encoding type. The third group of pixels is called information codes, used to decode the encoded information. Applying the proposed encoding methods is quite convenient, and host images are not needed for decoding. Decoding covert information from overt images is rather difficult for un-authorized persons, whereas it is very easy for designers or authorized persons. Therefore, the proposed methods are very useful.