Digital video watermarking for metadata embedding in UAV video

In this work we present an application of video digital watermarking to metadata embedding in UAV video footage. Digital watermarking provides the capability of embedding invisible signatures in digital media. As digital media is easily transported, copied or exchanged, a marked file provides innumerable advantages for tracking, fingerprinting, ownership verification and possibly covert communication. UAVs collect voluminous amount of metadata along with surveillance footage. Presently, metadata stream is transmitted on a separate channel or stored in the header section of video. The former approach occupies bandwidth whereas the latter approach leaves metadata in the open and easily removable. We have adapted our recently developed MPEG-2 watermarking algorithm to embed flight metadata directly in MPEG bitstream of UAV video. By intertwining metadata with video, the two streams cannot be easily separated, bookkeeping is reduced and security is enhanced. These goals are achieved at little or no cost. Video quality is maintained and file size is not increased. The algorithm is applied to Predator video footage