Medical image watermarking applications

Abstract

With the increasing volume of medical digital images and the imperative to securely share them among specialists and hospitals for accurate diagnoses, safeguarding patient privacy has become a critical concern. Consequently, the demand for effective medical image watermark- ing techniques has emerged. However, the application of watermarking in this context neces- sitates meticulous attention for two primary reasons. Firstly, the integrity and quality of the image must remain uncompromised during the watermarking process. Secondly, the retrieval of confidential patient information embedded within the image after decompression should be error-free. Despite extensive research conducted in this field, a comprehensive method that meets all the requirements of medical image watermarking remains elusive. This study aims to fill this gap by providing a comprehensive survey of watermarking techniques, specifically focusing on the strengths and weaknesses of various existing methods, including DCT, SVD, and spread spectrum. By analysing these techniques, this research offers valuable insights and perspectives to interested researchers in the field of medical image watermarking. Ultimately, it strives to advance the understanding and implementation of secure and privacy-preserving practices in the sharing and analysis of medical digital images.