A novel scheme for image encryption based on 2D piecewise chaotic maps

In this paper, a hierarchy of two-dimensional piecewise nonlinear chaotic maps with an invariant measure is introduced. These maps have interesting features such as invariant measure, ergodicity and the possibility of K-S entropy calculation. Then by using significant properties of these chaotic maps such as ergodicity, sensitivity to initial condition and control parameter, one-way computation and random like behavior, we present a new scheme for image encryption. Based on all analysis and experimental results, it can be concluded that, this scheme is efficient, practicable and reliable, with high potential to be adopted for network security and secure communications. Although the two-dimensional piecewise nonlinear chaotic maps presented in this paper aims at image encryption, it is not just limited to this area and can be widely applied in other information security fields. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.