1. Introduction

A photograph is an effective form of communication and sharing as “A picture is worth a thousand words”. PhotoViz is a freeware with a set of tools that uses photographs to build communities by promoting secure communication and sharing. PhotoViz allows users to view secret messages, access contents and even execute applications hidden in images. PhotoViz ensures that only the targeted audience can retrieve the messages or contents. There will be no fear of unwanted people reading your messages and contents hidden in the images. Messages and contents are encrypted into images at the Mail++ portal (http://www.mailplusplus.com) and delivered via email.

PhotoViz also has a set of tools to automatically fix basic problems in photographs and manage image files. Intuitive tools that adjust overall color, contrast, brightness and sharpness of the photos can be used to ensure that your photos look their best. You may resize, rotate your photos and even view imaging information. These tools are designed for casual photographers and business users who want to improve their photos for prints, emails, presentations and sharing on the Web.

The functional overview of PhotoViz is shown at Figure 1.1. Two types of data are encrypted into images: Photo Message and Photo Contents. Photo Messages are secret text messages hidden into images. Photo Contents comprises of Web Applications, File Attachments and Windows Applications. PhotoViz allows Photo Contents to be retrieved and can even execute applications embedded in images.

For image correction and enhancement, PhotoViz provides Auto, Semi-Auto and Manual options. The Auto Correction is a useful productivity tools for users with many photographs. For Auto Correction function, users can choose to correct a single photograph or multiple photographs automatically. In the Semi-Auto Correction, the individual automatic tuning components can be selected. In Manual Correction, all tuning parameters are manually adjusted. PhotoViz allows users to easily manage their photographs. Many functionalities are available to view, edit, manage files and directories.

Figure 1.1: PhotoViz Functional Overview

PhotoViz graphical user interface is simple and easy to use (see Figure 1.2). Thumbnails are used for easy viewing and help to quickly locate photos. PhotoViz functions are represented by quick access icons at the bottom for easy access. ImageViz (see Figure 1.3) is a user interface to view and manage single images. ImageViz is integrated into PhotoViz.

Figure 1.2: PhotoViz User Interface

Figure 1.3: Original Image (Left) and Image after Automatic Correction (Right) in ImageViz

1.1 PhotoViz Features

a. Hide Messages, Contents and Applications in Images. Secret text messages, files and Windows applications can be encrypted and hidden in images. Images with hidden messages and contents can be viewed with any conventional image viewer software. They looked just like any other images and with no loss in image quality.

b. Secure Communications. Images are distributed via the email but access to hidden messages and contents can be restricted to the targeted audience through the use of passwords or registration photos. There will be no fear of unwanted people reading your messages and contents hidden in the images.

c. Automatic Enhancement of Photographs. Enhances and fixes common problems in photographs automatically (see Figure 1.4). Parameters in the automatic process can be defined by the user. Semi-automatic and manual photo enhancements are also supported.

d. Intuitive Photo Editing Tools. Intuitive editing tools such as image crop, resize, rotate, red-eye reduction, sharpening or softening are provided. There are also tools for full color spectrum corrections tools to increase color vibrancy.

e. Easy to use and friendly User Interface. The graphical user interface is based on thumbnails and icons for ease of use and accessibility. Real-time preview of photographs when editing and tuning.

f. Converts Photos for Your Needs. Automatically converts file formats and reduces file sizes for web, presentations, emails and prints.

g. Special Photo Filters. Jazz up your photos with filters such Sepia, Yellow Tritone, Blue Duotone, Green Duotones and Grayscale.

h. Directories and Files Management. Users can easily copy, cut, rotate, edit, delete and create directories and image files.

i. Displays and Preserves Imaging Information. Most of the digital cameras store image information using EXIF (Exchangeable Image File) specifications in the JPEG files. The EXIF metadata includes information such as the time, date, the maker and model of the camera, shutter speed, ISO, aperture etc. EXIF information is preserved when photos are saved after editing

Figure 1.4: Original Image (Left) and Automatic Color Correction and Contrast Enhancement (Right)

1.2 What’s New in PhotoViz 3.0?

The following features and enhancements are added into the latest version of PhotoViz:

a. Steganography

With PhotoViz 3.0, users can view secret messages, save attached files, view web contents and even execute windows applications hidden in images. Confidential messages and files are hidden in images using the portal http://www.mailplusplus.com and emailed to recipients. PhotoViz 3.0 builds virtual communities and promotes communication and sharing by providing security and privacy through the encryption of confidential messages and files in images. Access to hidden data in images can be restricted to the target audience. Windows or web applications hidden in images can also be executed.

b. ImageView

ImageViz is a program introduced to view and manage all functions for single images. This provides a better user experience when viewing many images.

1.3 Installation

Installation of PhotoViz is simple and straightforward. If a previous version of PhotoViz had been installed before, please uninstall the previous version first.

Installation Procedures

a. Download PhotoViz at www.picsalive.com. Unzip the downloaded file and double click the setup (.exe) file

b. The installation wizard (Figure 1.5) is displayed. Click on the “Next” button

c. Read the License Agreement. If you agree, click the “Next” button (Figure 1.6)

d. Select Destination or Installation Folder (Figure 1.7)

e. Click on the “Next” button to start the installation process (Figure 1.8)

f. When the installation is completed, click on the “Finish” button (Figure 1.9)

g. Double click on the PhotoViz icon on the Desktop to launch the application

Uninstallation Procedures

a. Click on the Windows Start Button and select Control Panel

b. Double click on the Add or Remove Programs Icon

c. Select PhotoViz from the list of Programs. Click on the Change/Remove button

d. Click on the Yes button to confirm removal of PhotoViz

Figure 1.5: PhotoViz Installation – Step 1

Figure 1.6: PhotoViz Installation – Step 2

Figure 1.7: PhotoViz Installation – Step 3

Figure 1.8: PhotoViz Installation – Step 4

Figure 1.9: PhotoViz Installation – Step 5

1.4 System Requirements

· Pentium® III or 4 processor

· Microsoft® Windows® XP

· 256 MB RAM memory

· High Color (16 bit) display colors setting (True Color recommended)

· 800x600 display resolution (1024x768 or higher recommended)

1.5 Customer Support

If you have any questions or queries in PhotoViz, please contact us at support@picsalive.com and we will respond promptly.