Watermark CMOS sensors image sensors VLSI mixed-signal circuits fast prototyping
Issue Date:
2008
Publisher:
Institute of Information Theories and Applications FOI ITHEA
Abstract:
This paper presents an up to date review of digital watermarking (WM) from a VLSI designer point of
view. The reader is introduced to basic principles and terms in the field of image watermarking. It goes through a
brief survey on WM theory, laying out common classification criterions and discussing important design
considerations and trade-offs. Elementary WM properties such as robustness, computational complexity and their
influence on image quality are discussed. Common attacks and testing benchmarks are also briefly mentioned. It
is shown that WM design must take the intended application into account. The difference between software and
hardware implementations is explained through the introduction of a general scheme of a WM system and two
examples from previous works. A versatile methodology to aid in a reliable and modular design process is
suggested. Relating to mixed-signal VLSI design and testing, the proposed methodology allows an efficient
development of a CMOS image sensor with WM capabilities.