Adaptive visual cryptography scheme design based on QR codes

Li-na Zhang; Chen-yu Cui; Xiao-yu Zhang; Wei Wu; Li-na Zhang; Chen-yu Cui; Xiao-yu Zhang; Wei Wu

doi:10.3934/mbe.2022566

Mathematical Biosciences and Engineering

2022, Volume 19, Issue 12: 12160-12179. doi: 10.3934/mbe.2022566

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Research article

Adaptive visual cryptography scheme design based on QR codes

1.
College of Computer Science and Technology, Xi'an University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710054, China
2.
School of Computer Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China

Academic Editor: Danilo Pelusi

Received: 09 May 2022 Revised: 02 July 2022 Accepted: 24 July 2022 Published: 19 August 2022

QR code based visual encryption schemes are still relatively rare, and the existing schemes are mainly implemented by averaging grayscale maps. They become distorted when recovering complex secret images. In this paper, we propose a visual cryptography scheme based on QR codes. We use two adaptive schemes to improve the distortion problem in secret image recovery. The algorithm for generating the QR code shared matrix is improved, and the secret image can be restored quickly. This scheme could ensure the uniform distribution of secret vectors. Meanwhile individual shared QR codes would never reveal any secret information. The proposed algorithm reduces the space consumed by the secret vector and the probability of falling prey to illegal attacks. Compared with other schemes, the secret image recovered via the proposed method is clearer and the scheme is suitable for scenarios in which the secret images are more complex, as it yields better security and practicality.
- QR code,
- grayscale mapping,
- visual cryptography scheme,
- XOR operation
Citation: Li-na Zhang, Chen-yu Cui, Xiao-yu Zhang, Wei Wu. Adaptive visual cryptography scheme design based on QR codes[J]. Mathematical Biosciences and Engineering, 2022, 19(12): 12160-12179. doi: 10.3934/mbe.2022566

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Abstract

QR code based visual encryption schemes are still relatively rare, and the existing schemes are mainly implemented by averaging grayscale maps. They become distorted when recovering complex secret images. In this paper, we propose a visual cryptography scheme based on QR codes. We use two adaptive schemes to improve the distortion problem in secret image recovery. The algorithm for generating the QR code shared matrix is improved, and the secret image can be restored quickly. This scheme could ensure the uniform distribution of secret vectors. Meanwhile individual shared QR codes would never reveal any secret information. The proposed algorithm reduces the space consumed by the secret vector and the probability of falling prey to illegal attacks. Compared with other schemes, the secret image recovered via the proposed method is clearer and the scheme is suitable for scenarios in which the secret images are more complex, as it yields better security and practicality.

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