ReRNet: recursive neural network for enhanced image correction in print-cam watermarking

Abstract

Robust image watermarking that can resist camera shooting has gained considerable attention in recent years due to the need to protect sensitive printed information from being captured and reproduced without authorization. Indeed, the evolution of smartphones has made identity watermarking a feasible and convenient process. However, this process also introduces challenges like perspective distortions, which can significantly impair the effectiveness of watermark detection on freehandedly digitized images. To meet this challenge, ResNet50-based ensemble of randomized neural networks (ReRNet), a recursive convolutional neural network-based correction method, is presented for the print-cam process, specifically applied to identity images. Therefore, this paper proposes an improved Fourier watermarking method based on ReRNet to rectify perspective distortions. Experimental results validate the robustness of the enhanced scheme and demonstrate its superiority over existing methods, especially in handling perspective distortions encountered in the print-cam process.