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

A color image encryption algorithm is designed by use of Arnold transform and discrete cosine transform (DCT). The RGB components of the color image are scrambled by Arnold transform at the aspect of pixel sequence. The scrambled RGB components are exchanged and mixed randomly under the control of a matrix defined by random angle. DCT is employed for changing the pixel values of color image. In this encryption scheme the operations mentioned above are performed twice continuously. The parameters of Arnold transform and the random angle serve as the key of the color image encryption method. Some numerical simulations are made to test the validity and capability of the color encryption algorithm. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.