Abstract: A fast image decoder 20 for decoding a compressed image encoded using the Poisson picture processing algorithm is disclosed. The invention includes a run length decoder 23 for run length decoding the compressed image, a processing circuit including a lookup table 24 for iteratively processing each pixel output by the run length decoder 23, a frame memory 26 for storing the reconstructed image and a feedback path 28 for providing image data from the frame memory 26 to the lookup table 24 for successive processing iterations. The reconstructed image from the frame memory 26 may be viewed on a display or further processed as required by the specific application.