Handwritten signature hiding and extraction using alternate bit stuffing

In this paper we propose a data hiding and extraction algorithm for binary images. Handwritten signature can be easily transmitted through the network using this data hiding method. Here we are implementing bit masking to retrieve alternate bits of the watermark image and stuff that bit to the alternate bit positions in the image file at the source end. The eight bits of a single pixel of the watermark image are embedded into the alternate positions of two adjacent pixels of the image that is to be sent. At the target end the bits at the alternate positions of the two adjacent pixels make up the single pixel of the extracted watermark image. This method can be used as ownership protection, copy control and authentication of digital media. This work focuses on the protection of digital signature.