In this paper we review a number of optical image encryption techniques proposed in the literature inspired by the architecture of the classic optical Double Random Phase Encoding (DRPE) system. The optical DRPE method and its numerical simulation algorithm are first investigated in relation to the sampling considerations at various stages of the system according to the spreading of the input signal in both the space and spatial frequency domains. Then the several well-known optically inspired encryption techniques are examined and categorized into all optical techniques and image scrambling techniques. Each method is numerically implemented and compared with the optical DRPE scheme, in which random phase diffusers (masks) are applied after different transformations. The optical system used for each method is first illustrated and the corresponding unitary numerical algorithm implementation is then investigated in order to retain the properties of the optical counterpart. The simulation results for the sensitivities of the various encryption keys are presented and the robustness of each method is examined. This overview allows the numerical simulations of the corresponding optical encryption systems, and the extra degree of freedom (keys) provided by different techniques that enhance the optical encryption security, to be generally appreciated and briefly compared and contrasted.

A review of optical image encryption techniques

We propose a double image encryption by using random binary encoding and gyrator transform. Two secret images are first regarded as the real part and imaginary part of complex function. Chaotic map is used for obtaining random binary matrix. The real part and imaginary part of complex function are exchanged under the control of random binary data. An iterative structure composed of the random binary encoding method is designed and employed for enhancing the security of encryption algorithm. The parameters in chaotic map and gyrator transform serve as the keys of this encryption scheme. Some numerical simulations have been made, to demonstrate the performance this algorithm.

Double image encryption by using iterative random binary encoding in gyrator domains

Color image encryption by using Arnold transform and color-blend operation in discrete cosine transform domains

Image encryption scheme by using iterative random phase encoding in gyrator transform domains

Based on an optical gyrator transform system, an image encryption algorithm is designed and studied. An original secret image is regarded as the output intensity of the second gyrator transform. A coherent nonuniform optical beam is converted into the input of the first gyrator transform. A Gerchberg–Saxton phase retrieval algorithm is employed for obtaining the compensation phases in the first gyrator transform pair. The compensation phases are regarded as the encrypted image and key in this algorithm. The parameters of the laser beam and gyrator transform can serve as the additional key of encryption method. The decryption process of this encryption algorithm can be achieved with an optical system. Numerical simulations are performed to test the validity and capability of the encryption algorithm.

Huijuan Li

Papers

Double-image encryption based on iterative gyrator transform