Image coding using wavelet transforms and entropy-constrained trellis-coded quantization

Abstract

The discrete wavelet transform has recently emerged as a powerful technique for decomposing images into various multi-resolution approximations. Multi-resolution decomposition schemes have proven to be very effective for high-quality, low bit-rate image coding. In this work, we investigate the use of entropy-constrained trellis-coded quantization (ECTCQ) for encoding the wavelet coefficients of both monochrome and color images. ECTCQ is known as an effective scheme for quantizing memoryless sources with low to moderate complexity, The ECTCQ approach to data compression has led to some of the most effective source codes found to date for memoryless sources. Performance comparisons are made using the classical quadrature mirror filter bank of Johnston and nine-tap spline filters that were built from biorthogonal wavelet bases. We conclude that the encoded images obtained from the system employing nine-tap spline filters are marginally superior although at the expense of additional computational burden. Excellent peak-signal-to-noise ratios are obtained for encoding monochrome and color versions of the 512x512 "Lenna" image. Comparisons with other results from the literature reveal that the proposed wavelet coder is quite competitive.