Information encryption with virtual-optics imaging system

A new technique of information encryption is presented in this paper. The technique is based on a concept of virtual-optics imaging system. The procedures of the encryption and decryption of digital information, including text and picture, are described in detail. First, a general model of virtual optical imaging system with a single lens for the purpose of information encryption is discussed. Then an enhanced scheme with a random mask encoding is proposed in order to increase the security level. Numerical experiments prove the effectiveness of the method. Parameter sensitivities by using such a virtual optics imaging system are also demonstrated. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.