Experimental · MIT License · v1.0.2
Keys derived
from images.
PARADOX is a recursive visual entropy key derivation engine that transforms any image into a deterministic cryptographic key through multi-layer pixel traversal and hash chain evolution.
7.99946 bits/byte entropy
0.00% collision rate (3,000 keys)
50.09% avalanche effect
import paradox
img = paradox.useImage("sample.png")
# Encrypt text
encrypted = paradox.encrypt_text(
"Confidential message",
image=img,
security_level="high"
)
# Decrypt deterministically
decrypted = paradox.decrypt_text(encrypted, image=img)
Engine preview
Embedded build loop and traversal motion
Architecture
A seven-stage visual entropy pipeline
FIG 1
1
Initial Seed Generator
SHA3-512(ImageHash + Nonce + Timestamp + Version)
FIG 2
2
Recursive Walker
Coordinate traversal modulo image dimensions
FIG 3
3
Luminance & Contrast Extractor
Brightness, color states, local std deviations
FIG 4
4
Hash Chain State
Sequential hash linkages per step
FIG 5
5
Multi-Layer Recursion
N dependent walks, each seeded by the previous
FIG 6
6
Entropy Pool Collector
SHA3-256 slices aggregated into master pool
FIG 7
7
KDF Compressor
HKDF-SHA256 or BLAKE3 → 128/256/512-bit key
Security Levels
Choose your traversal depth
FIG 1
1,000 steps
2 layers · Testing & development
FIG 2
10,000 steps
4 layers · General encryption
FIG 3
100,000 steps
8 layers · Large files & research
FIG 4
1,000,000 steps
16 layers · Experimental
Experimental Validation
Statistically sound key material
7.90000
bits/byte Shannon entropy
p = 0.00
Chi-Square goodness-of-fit (passed)
0.00%
Mean avalanche bit difference
0.00%
Collision rate across 3,000 keys
| Algorithm | Latency | Memory | Uniqueness | Known vulns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PARADOX | Moderate | Low | Image-bound | Experimental |
| PBKDF2 | Tunable | Low | Salt-bound | GPU-bruteforceable |
| HKDF | Fast | Low | Key-bound | Requires strong IKM |
| Argon2id | Slow (by design) | High | Salt-bound | Side-channels |
| BLAKE3 | Very fast | Low | Key-bound | Not a KDF alone |
API
Simple. Minimal. Composable.
LOADING PIXEL ENTROPY MATRIX...
example.py
# Load any image as entropy source
img = paradox.useImage("sample.png")
rand = paradox.getRandomImage()PREPRINT · 2026PARADOX-RVEKDE
PARADOX: A Recursive Visual Entropy Key Derivation Engine
Chirag Ferwani · Department of Cryptography
Abstract
WALK COMPLEXITYO(N * M) Space
DOI: 10.5281v1.0.2
PDF PREVIEW →Research
Cite PARADOX in your work
Our paper explores the deterministic properties of chaotic pixel-traversal walks for cryptographic key extraction. You can reference this implementation in your research using the BibTeX configuration below.
@software{paradox_kdf2026,
author = {Chirag Ferwani},
title = {Paradox: Recursive Visual Entropy Key Derivation Engine},
url = {https://github.com/chiragferwani/paradox},
version = {1.0.0},
year = {2026}
}Next step
Start deriving keys from images.
Open-source. MIT licensed. Python 3.9+.