Sequential LSB Embedding with Embedding Rate Control

The process involves implementing sequential LSB embedding on digital images with a controlled embedding rate (rate parameter), followed by chi-square steganalysis to evaluate the security of the steganographic results.

Sequential LSB embedding is a widely-used image steganography technique that sequentially hides secret information in the least significant bits (LSBs) of pixel values. In code implementation, this typically involves converting the secret message to binary, then iterating through image pixels to replace their LSBs with message bits. The embedding rate parameter determines how many bits per pixel are utilized for hiding information - for example, rate=0.5 would use half of available LSB capacity. Chi-square steganalysis serves as a common detection method that statistically measures the chi-square distance between the embedded image and original image to identify potential steganographic content. This analytical approach calculates the distribution differences in pixel value pairs that should theoretically be equal in undisturbed images. By combining sequential LSB embedding with chi-square analysis, researchers can effectively assess the steganographic security of embedded results and determine the optimal embedding rate that balances capacity with detection resistance. The workflow typically includes: image preprocessing, message encoding, LSB manipulation using bitwise operations, and statistical analysis using chi-square tests with significance level evaluation.