Digital Watermarks with Adaptive Information Ring Width in the Issue of Hidden Transmission of a Control Signal in the Multi-Target Robotic System

Purpose of research . The article is devoted to the issue of ensuring the safe transmission of control signals between the elements of a multi-agent robotic system. The purpose of the work is to provide hidden data transmission with the possibility of unambiguous extraction of control signals. Methods . To solve the task set, an algorithm based on the methods of digital watermarks and digital steganography was proposed. The method of forming a digital watermark in the form of a ring with symmetry allows not only ensuring maximum imperceptibility of embedding (insignificant distortion of the container during concealment), but also to protect the transmitted signal from such complex distortions as image rotation. The steganographic concealment method allows regulating the intensity of embedding using the force factor; it is computationally simple and straightforward. The proposed approach to identifying and understanding the transmitted signal differs from modern methods of cryptography and steganalysis in that it does not require 100% correct signal extraction. After several modifications, the method allows minimizing the time spent on formation (adaptive width of the ring with signal bits) and embedding of a digital watermark (minimization of the processed area of the container for embedding). Results . The proposed approach makes it possible to transmit control signals in a hidden way within the framework of the transmission of digital objects; the conducted experiments have shown that the control signal is unambiguously understood even with such distortions as a decrease or increase in contrast or brightness, image rotation, and compression. Conclusion . Application of the proposed technique for transmitting control signals in a multi-agent robotic system will male it possible to receive the necessary information timely and safe, with a minimum probability of loss.