Merge Mode-based Data Embedding in SHVC Compressed Video

A merge mode-based data embedding technique is proposed for SHVC compressed video. Inter-prediction block merging candidate selection decision is manipulated to embed data based on the pre-defined mapping rules. Experimental results show that encouraging payload is achieved at the expense of slight bit rate increment and negligible degradation in perceptual video quality. In the best case scenario, the sequence PartyScene can embed 84.4 kbps with an average 1.1% bit rate overhead for the LDB configuration.