Optimal \((k, n)\) visual cryptographic schemes for general \(k\) (Q2380397)

In a \((k,n)\) visual cryptographic scheme (VCS), a secret image consisting of black and white pixels is encrypted into \(n\) pages of cipher text, each printed on a transparency sheet which are distributed among \(n\) participants. The image can be visually identified (say by human eyes) if at least (but not less) any \(k\geq 2\) of these sheets are stacked on the top of each other. Employing a Kronecker algebra of Boolean matrices, necessary and sufficient conditions are proved for the existence of a \((k,n)\) VCS with a prior specification of relative contrast. Based on an \(L_1\)-norm and linear programming formulation, connections between visual cryptography and statistical model fitting are established with the help of which the conjectures made by \textit{C. Blundo} et al. [SIAM J. Discrete Math. 16, No. 2, 224--261 (2003; Zbl 1039.94006)] for \(k=4\), and \(5\) are settled. Finally, it is shown how block designs can be used to construct optimal VCS with respect to the average and minimal relative contrasts in case \(k=3\).