A Low-Quantum-Cost Reversible Circuit for Future Image-Processing Hardware: Design and Qiskit-Based Verification

Image processing hardware should be able to perform repeated pixel-level operations with minimal overhead by designing compact arithmetic-logic circuitry. A compact reversible logic architecture offers a promising alternative to conventional architectures in image-processing applications due to its high throughput and energy efficiency. Additionally, reversible arithmetic circuits minimize resource utilization while preserving computational functionality, providing a scalable foundation for quantum-inspired computing platforms. The aim of this paper is to develop a low-quantum-cost reversible arithmetic-logic circuit that could serve as the basis of quantum-inspired image processing systems in the future. The proposed design incorporates only three gates, 16 selector-controlled outputs, four garbage outputs, and three constant inputs. Compared with higher-overhead reversible ALU-related designs, this design reduced the gate count by 78.57% and the quantum cost by 70.91%.The design does not propose a complete image processor, but rather a contribution at the circuit level.