In this paper, we propose an image authentication based on hierarchical reversible data hiding. The proposed scheme decreases the costs necessary to detect and locate tampered areas by using efficiently multiplexed layers. This scheme reduces both the pay- load size and the amount of hash operations. We improved the structure of layers and the division of blocks in the conventional scheme. Performance analysis shows the validity of the proposed scheme.

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Baking conditions for the preparation of gold-layer photographs via transcription on a porcelain base were investigated with the aim of increasing the durability of the photographs. It was found that increasing the maximum baking temperature increased the durability of the gold layer against scratching. This increase, however, brought about a reddening of the image and a decrease in the maximum optical reflection density. Images from the photographs that were baked above 900°C were retained even after scratching the photograph with sandpaper or dissolution of the gold layer in a tincture of iodine. It is proposed that the glaze layer on the porcelain base softened up after baking at temperatures above 800–900°C and that the gold layer gradually sank into the glaze layer. At the same time, the boundary between the gold and glaze layers fused, increasing the adherence of the gold layer to the glaze layer.

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The Au nano-rod array membrane (Au-NRM) was prepared by using an anodic porous alumina plate (AAO) as a template. NiO films were coaxially immobilized on the surface of the Au-NRM electrode. The electrochromic (EC) characteristics of the obtained NiO/Au composite nano-rod array were evaluated in this study. Ultrafast EC color changes within 1 second were obtained by optimizations of the rod length and film thickness of the NiO films.

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