Steganographic embedding in JPEG images with visual criterion

In this paper, we present a new information hiding scheme in JPEG images to achieve a good embedding efficiency considering visual criterion. We construct an embedding impact model based on human visual system, and then assign each cover element a flipping cost which would be the key parameter during the embedding procedure. In this way, the proposed method can minimize the total embedding impact via Viterbi algorithm, meanwhile improve the visual quality of the stego medium. The experimental results later show that the proposed information hiding system can perform well in different types of images.