VLSI circuits with fractal layout for spatial image decorrelation

The design methodology uses Peano-Hilbert 2-D curves to build up efficient circuits that destroy the spatial autocorrelation of an image. The approach applies to several crucial areas of information processing, such as cryptography and associative memories. Also its validity stems from the fractal structure of the curves. The fractal curve topology drives the VLSI circuit layout, which includes many elementary cells operating at the local level. The resulting distributed architecture supports pseudo-random pixel remapping, and the self-similarity of the layout strongly simplifies electronic circuit implementations