Image fusion using wavelet transform and its application to asymmetric cryptosystem and hiding

Area of Science:

• Image processing
• Cryptography
• Computer vision

Background:

• Image fusion enhances image interpretation by combining information from multiple sources.
• Existing encryption methods may lack robustness against sophisticated attacks.
• Securely transmitting and storing sensitive image data remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a secure color image encryption scheme by integrating image fusion with wavelet transform and asymmetric encryption.
• To improve the quality of fused images for better data interpretation.
• To enhance data security through image hiding and a large key space.

Main Methods:

• Color image components (red, green, blue) were fused using discrete wavelet transform (DWT).
• Fused color components were encrypted using amplitude- and phase-truncation in the Fresnel transform domain.
• Individual color components were disguised within separate cover images for steganography.

Main Results:

• The proposed method achieved a higher quality fused image compared to conventional methods.
• The encryption scheme demonstrated enhanced security due to a large key space, including asymmetric keys and Fresnel parameters.
• Computer simulations validated the effectiveness of the fused color image encryption scheme.

Conclusions:

• The integration of DWT-based image fusion with Fresnel domain encryption offers a robust solution for secure image transmission.
• The proposed technique effectively balances image quality enhancement with strong data security.
• This approach provides a promising direction for secure image processing applications.