JPEG based scalable image compression

Abstract

In this paper, we present JPEG-based scalable image compression algorithms for storage and transmission applications. The JPEG standard for still image compression provides the framework for reconstructing images in different sizes and picture qualities. These features are generally referred to as spatial and SNR scalability, respectively, and are extremely important in a variety of applications. A review of the different modes of the JPEG standard followed by the implementation and performance evaluation of the progressive and hierarchical coding modes which provide SNR and spatial scalability, respectively, are detailed. We then present a high-performance technique based on Wavelet filter downsampling for achieving spatial scalability within the framework of the hierarchical mode of the JPEG standard. This technique provides substantial improvement in performance while maintaining the compatibility with existing JPEG decoders.