An Algorithm for Detecting and Restoring Tampered Images Using Chaotic Watermark Embedding

In recent years, the advancement of digital image processing technology and the proliferation of image editing software have reduced the technical barriers to digital image processing, enabling individuals without professional training to modify and edit images at their discretion. Consequently, the integrity and authenticity of the original image content assume greater significance. The current techniques for detecting tampering in watermark embedding are inadequate in terms of security, efficiency, and image restoration quality. In light of the aforementioned considerations, this paper puts forth an algorithm for the detection and restoration of tampered images, which employs a chaotic watermark embedding technique. The algorithm employs a chaotic system to establish a mapping relationship between image sub-blocks, thereby ensuring the randomness of the watermark information with respect to the positioning of the original image block and enhancing the security of the algorithm. Furthermore, the detection algorithm utilizes layered tampering detection to enhance the overall accuracy of the detection process and facilitate the extraction of the fundamental information required for image restoration. The restoration algorithm partially designs a weight assignment function to distinguish between the original image block and the main restored image block, thereby enhancing restoration efficiency and quality. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm exhibits superior tamper detection accuracy compared to traditional algorithms, and the quality of the restored images is also enhanced under various simulated tamper attacks.