An efficient reversible data hiding scheme using prediction and optimal side information selection

•We improve the HS based multi-layer embedding process for rhombus prediction by introducing a control parameter.•We propose an optimal side information selection scheme for HS based embedding at low payload.•A modified location map is constructed to facilitate its compression.•The modified small location map leads to the increase in embedding capacity. In this paper, we present an efficient histogram shifting (HS) based reversible data hiding scheme for copyright protection of multimedia. Firstly, an improved HS based multi-layer embedding process for rhombus prediction is employed by introducing a control parameter to explore the correlation of prediction errors. A rate-distortion model for HS embedding is then developed for optimal side information selection, which is especially suitable for low payload reversible data hiding when only a single layer embedding is required. Finally, a modified location map is constructed to facilitate the compression of location map and further increase the embedding capacity. Compared with similar schemes, experimental results demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed scheme in the terms of embedding capacity and stego-image quality.