Joint Photographic Experts Group Compression Research Articles

Information Hiding Method Using Best DCT and Wavelet Coefficients and Its Watermark Competition

In recent years, information hiding and its evaluation criteria have been developed by the IHC (Information Hiding and its Criteria) Committee of Japan. This committee was established in 2011 with the aim of establishing standard evaluation criteria for robust watermarks. In this study, we developed an information hiding method that satisfies the IHC evaluation criteria. The proposed method uses the difference of the frequency coefficients derived from a discrete cosine transform or a discrete wavelet transform. The algorithm employs a statistical analysis to find the best positions in the frequency domains for watermark insertion. In particular, we use the BCH (Bose-Chaudhuri-Hocquenghem) (511,31,109) code to error correct the watermark bits and the BCH (63,16,11) code as the sync signal to withstand JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) compression and cropping attacks. Our experimental results showed that there were no errors in 10 HDTV-size areas after the second decompression. It should be noted that after the second compression, the file size should be less than 1 25 of the original size to satisfy the IHC evaluation criteria.

JPEG DCT Compressiom

With the rapid spread of image processing applications and the further development of multimedia technologies, compression standards become more and more important. This paper intends to explain JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) compression, which is currently a worldwide standard for digital image compression, is based on the discrete cosine transform (DCT). Based on the research, the paper describes theory and algorithms of the JPEG DCT compression and implements a baseline JPEG codec (encoder/decoder) with MATLAB.

Filter Augmented JPEG Algorithms: A Critical Performance Study for Improving Bandwidth

recent years, use of Digital Image Communication has increased exponentially in the day to day activities. Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) is the most widely used still image compression standard for bandwidth conservation. In this paper, it is proposed and critically studied a new set of JPEG Compression algorithms by combining Mean filtering, Median filtering, and Outlier detection algorithms and conventional JPEG DCT algorithm in a staged manner. This outlier based JPEG algorithm is giving exceptionally compression compared to conventional JPEG algorithm. Experiments are carried out with many standard still images. Algorithms developed in this paper, identified to be giving almost same Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR) as that of standard JPEG algorithm.

Detection of tampered region for JPEG images by using mode-based first digit features

Abstract With the widespread availability of image editing software, digital images have been becoming easy to manipulate and edit even for non-professional users. For a tampered Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) image, the tampered region usually has different JPEG compression history from the authentic region, which can be used to detect and locate the tampered region. In this article, we propose to apply the statistical features of the first digits of individual alternate current modes and support vector machine to detect and locate the tampered region. Experimental results show that our proposed method is effective for detecting three popularly used image manipulations. Its expectation of the percentage of overlap between the detected tampered region and the truth tampered region is higher than the existing algorithms.

Visual sensitivity-based low-bit-rate image compression algorithm

In this study, the authors present a visual sensitivity-based low-bit-rate image compression algorithm. The authors algorithm combines both visual sensitivity and compression techniques so that a higher compression rate, with satisfactory visual quality, can be achieved. In the coding process, the input image is divided into blocks, and each block is classified as an edge block (EB), a textural block (TB) or a flat block (FB). For EBs, which are most important to the subjective quality of decoded images, the standard Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) coding scheme with a tolerant quantisation step is employed so as to restrict the blocking artefacts caused by the quantisation error to an acceptable level. For FBs, a skipping scheme is employed on blocks in the compression process so as to save the bits. The coding of the skip blocks, identified by the skipping scheme, will make reference to the reconstructed regions of the image in the encoding process. Owing to the masking effects of the human visual system on high-frequency textures, standard JPEG compression coding with a greater quantisation step is employed on the down-scaled version of non-skip blocks and TBs. Experimental results show the superior performance of our method in terms of both compression efficiency and visual quality.

A Novel Scheme for Compression of Cash Images

In the field of economy, there are more and more electronic scanning cash images, which need to be compressed in a higher compression ratio. This paper proposes a specific compression algorithm for cash images. First, according to cash image characteristics and standard JPEG (joint photographic experts group) compression, image re-ordering techniques are analyzed, and the method of modifying some blocks into single color blocks is adopted. Then, a suitable quantization table for cash images is obtained. Experimental results show that the method is effective.

Effect of JPEG compression on the diagnostic accuracy of periapical images in the detection of root fracture

The ability of a periapical radiograph to exhibit the fracture depends on many factors including, but not limited to, the resolution of the image. The quality can be reduced by the image compression. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) compressions on the diagnostic capability of periapical images in the detection of root fractures. Ten dry human mandibles containing 151 teeth were used in this study. Mandibles were radiographed with direct digital imaging sensor using the paralleling technique. Four observers detected root fracture on the images saved in one uncompressed and two compressed formats. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and anova analyses were performed to compare the performance of the three different systems and evaluate the effect of the compression on the accuracy of root fracture detection. Results did not show any statistically significant difference between the original, large images presented in tagged image file format (TIFF) and the two compressed images (JPEG medium file and JPEG small file images) in the detection of root fractures. The intra-rater comparison showed a significant consistency in the detection of the fracture. The compression reduced the file size considerably (from 1.77 MB to 453 and 95 Kb), but it did not affect the accuracy of root fracture detection. The file size reduction, on the other hand, is very beneficial for image electronic storage and mainly in teleradiology.

Detecting Double JPEG Compression With the Same Quantization Matrix

Detection of double joint photographic experts group (JPEG) compression is of great significance in the field of digital forensics. Some successful approaches have been presented for detecting double JPEG compression when the primary compression and the secondary compression have different quantization matrixes. However, when the primary compression and the secondary compression have the same quantization matrix, no detection method has been reported yet. In this paper, we present a method which can detect double JPEG compression with the same quantization matrix. Our algorithm is based on the observation that in the process of recompressing a JPEG image with the same quantization matrix over and over again, the number of different JPEG coefficients, i.e., the quantized discrete cosine transform coefficients between the sequential two versions will monotonically decrease in general. For example, the number of different JPEG coefficients between the singly and doubly compressed images is generally larger than the number of different JPEG coefficients between the corresponding doubly and triply compressed images. Via a novel random perturbation strategy implemented on the JPEG coefficients of the recompressed test image, we can find a “proper” randomly perturbed ratio. For different images, this universal “proper” ratio will generate a dynamically changed threshold, which can be utilized to discriminate the singly compressed image and doubly compressed image. Furthermore, our method has the potential to detect triple JPEG compression, four times JPEG compression, etc.

An Improved and Robust DCT Based Digital Image Watermarking Scheme

The need for displaying one„s own multimedia content on the internet is increasing day by day. With the exponential growth of internet and high speed networks operating through out the world it‟s a challenging task to protect copyright of an individual‟s creation. Digital watermarking provides a viable solution to protect copyright and authenticate the ownership of an intellectual property. In this paper we propose a new DCT based additive watermarking scheme which provides higher resistance to image processing attacks mainly JPEG compression. In our approach the watermark is embedded in the mid frequency band of the DCT blocks only in the sub band which is carrying low frequency components and the high frequency sub band components remain untouched. General Terms Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT), Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT), Discrete Image watermarking, Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG), JPEG Quality Factor (Q), Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR)

A certificate-based watermarking scheme for coloured images

In recent years, much of the research energy within the field of digital watermarking has been focused on techniques that depend on a third party, called the Image Certification Authority, to enhance the digital image copyright protection. However, to record the embedding locations of the watermark bits, in the design of most of these schemes, a secret key has to be generated after embedding one watermark into the cover image. As a result, there wind up to be quite some bunches of secret keys for the user to keep if large numbers of watermarked images are involved, which of course means a lot of inconvenience. In this paper, the authors propose a novel watermarking method to solve this problem. Also depending on the Image Certification Authority for copyright protection, the authors' new method makes a difference by providing the user with the power to process masses of digital image watermarking tasks using just one private key. The results of the authors' extensive experiments have proven both the capability of the proposed technique as an efficient management mechanism and the robustness of it against various image processing attacks such as Joint Photographic Experts Group compression, low pass filtering and high pass filtering as well as noise contamination.

The Effect of Wavelet and Discrete Cosine Transform Compression of Digital Radiographs on the Detection of Subtle Proximal Caries

The study compared diagnostic performances of 2 different image compression methods: JPEG (discrete cosine transform; Joint Photographic Experts Group compression standard) versus JPEG2000 (discrete wavelet transform), both at a compression ratio of 12:1, from the original uncompressed TIFF radiograph with respect to the detection of non-cavitated carious lesions. Therefore, 100 approximal surfaces of 50 tooth pairs were evaluated on the radiographs by 10 experienced observers using a 5-point confidence scale. Observations were carried out on a standardized viewing monitor under subdued light conditions. The proportion of diseased surfaces was balanced to approximately 50% to avoid bias. True caries status was assessed by serial ground sectioning and microscopic evaluation. A non-parametric receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed non-significant differences between the 3 image modalities, as computed from the critical ratios z not exceeding ±2 (JPEG/JPEG2000, z = –0.0339; TIFF/JPEG2000, z = 0.251;TIFF/JPEG, z = 0.914). The mean area beneath the curve was highest for TIFF (0.604) followed by JPEG2000 (0.593) and JPEG (0.591). Both intra-rater and inter-rater agreement were significantly higher for TIFF (ĸ_intra = 0.52; ĸ_inter = 0.40) and JPEG2000 images (ĸ_intra = 0.49; ĸ_inter = 0.38) than for JPEG images (ĸ_intra = 0.33; ĸ_inter = 0.35). Our results indicate that image compression with typical compression algorithms at rates yielding storage sizes of around 50 kB is sufficient even for the challenging task of radiographic detection of non-cavitated carious approximal lesions.

Quality of Compressed Medical Images

Previous studies have shown that Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) 2000 compression is better than JPEG at higher compression ratio levels. However, some findings revealed that this is not valid at lower levels. In this study, the qualities of compressed medical images in these ratio areas ( approximately 20), including computed radiography, computed tomography head and body, mammographic, and magnetic resonance T1 and T2 images, were estimated using both a pixel-based (peak signal to noise ratio) and two 8 x 8 window-based [Q index and Moran peak ratio (MPR)] metrics. To diminish the effects of blocking artifacts from JPEG, jump windows were used in both window-based metrics. Comparing the image quality indices between jump and sliding windows, the results showed that blocking artifacts were produced from JPEG compression, even at low compression ratios. However, even after the blocking artifacts were omitted in JPEG compressed images, JPEG2000 outperformed JPEG at low compression levels. We found in this study that the image contrast and the average gray level play important roles in image compression and quality evaluation. There were drawbacks in all metrics that we used. In the future, the image gray level and contrast effect should be considered in developing new objective metrics.

Quality of electrophoresis and isoelectric focusing images compressed using JPEG and JPEG2000

Aim: High quality of all image elements must be maintained for the purpose of telepathology. The aim of this study was to compress the images of electrophoresis and isoelectric focusing samples using JPEG (Joint Photographic Expert Group) and JPEG2000 algorithms, and to assess the quality of the compressed images before and after electronic transmission. Methods: Scanograms of serum protein electrophoresis samples of a patient with Zagreb albumin and albumin samples for isoelectric focusing of a patient with Krapina albumin were selected for the study together with a photographed scanogram of isoelectric focusing. Each image was compressed at eight compression rates (from 3.00 bpp (bit per pixel) to 0.1 bpp) using JPEG and JPEG2000 compression algorithms. All images (N = 51), both compressed and uncompressed, we retransmitted by email for assessment to eight medical biochemists: six from Croatia, one from Italy and one from Denmark. Image quality was also assessed by objective measures, i.e. compared to the quality of PSNR (Peak-Signal-to-Noise-Ratio), SNR (Signal-to-Noise-Ratio), OQF (Optimized Quality Factor) and MSE (Mean Squared Error) images. Results: All images compressed using the JPEG2000 algorithm were subjectively rated as excellent. Contrarily, images compressed using JPEG at 0.1 bpp were rated as completely useless, those at 0.2 bpp as moderately blurred, and those at 0.3-3.00 as excellent. At JPEG compression at 0.3 bpp, PSNR and SNR values corresponded to PSNR and SNR values obtained by JPEG2000 compression at 0.1 bpp.

JPEG compression history estimation for color images

We routinely encounter digital color images that were previously compressed using the Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) standard. En route to the image's current representation, the previous JPEG compression's various settings-termed its JPEG compression history (CH)-are often discarded after the JPEG decompression step. Given a JPEG-decompressed color image, this paper aims to estimate its lost JPEG CH. We observe that the previous JPEG compression's quantization step introduces a lattice structure in the discrete cosine transform (DCT) domain. This paper proposes two approaches that exploit this structure to solve the JPEG Compression History Estimation (CHEst) problem. First, we design a statistical dictionary-based CHEst algorithm that tests the various CHs in a dictionary and selects the maximum a posteriori estimate. Second, for cases where the DCT coefficients closely conform to a 3-D parallelepiped lattice, we design a blind lattice-based CHEst algorithm. The blind algorithm exploits the fact that the JPEG CH is encoded in the nearly orthogonal bases for the 3-D lattice and employs novel lattice algorithms and recent results on nearly orthogonal lattice bases to estimate the CH. Both algorithms provide robust JPEG CHEst performance in practice. Simulations demonstrate that JPEG CHEst can be useful in JPEG recompression; the estimated CH allows us to recompress a JPEG-decompressed image with minimal distortion (large signal-to-noise-ratio) and simultaneously achieve a small file-size.

Evaluation of the effect of JPEG and JPEG2000 image compression on the detection of diabetic retinopathy

To compare the effect of classic Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) and JPEG2000 compression algorithms on detection of diabetic retinopathy (DR) lesions. In total, 45 colour fundus photographs obtained with a digital nonmydriatic fundus camera were saved in uncompressed Tagged Interchanged Files Format (TIFF) format (1.26 MB). They were graded jointly by two retinal specialists at a 1 month interval for soft exudates, hard exudates, macular oedema, newvessels, intraretinal microvascular abnormalities (IRMA), and retinal haemorrhages and/or microaneurysms. They were compressed to 118, 58, 41, and 27 KB by both algorithms and 24 KB by classic JPEG, placed in random order and graded again jointly by the two retina specialists. Subjective image quality was graded, and sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and kappa statistic were calculated for all lesions at all compression ratios. Compression to 118 KB showed no effect on image quality and kappa values were high (0.94-1). Image degradation became important at 27 KB for both algorithms. At high compression levels, IRMA and HMA detection were most affected with JPEG2000 performing slightly better than classic JPEG. Performance of classic JPEG and JPEG2000 algorithms is equivalent when compressing digital images of DR lesions from 1.26 MB to 118 KB and 58 KB. Higher compression ratios show slightly better results with JPEG2000 compression, but may be insufficient for screening purposes.

Steganography based on baseline sequential JPEG compression

Information hiding in Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) compressed images are investigated in this paper. Quantization is the source of information loss in JPEG compression process. Therefore, information hidden in images is probably destroyed by JPEG compression. This paper presents an algorithm to reliably embed information into the JPEG bit streams in the process of JPEG encoding. Information extraction is performed in the process of JPEG decoding. The basic idea of our algorithm is to modify the quantized direct current (DC) coefficients and non-zero alternating current (AC) coefficients to represent one bit information (0 or 1). Experimental results on gray images using baseline sequential JPEG encoding show that the cover images (images without secret information) and the stego-images (images with secret information) are perceptually indiscernible.

Reduction of blocking artifacts in JPEG compressed images

Image compression is a very important issue for several applications in the area of multimedia communications, the objective being reduction of storage and transmission costs. Many efficient coding techniques have been developed for various applications. Amongst them, the Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) has been recommended for compression of continuous tone still images. However, the reconstructed images from JPEG compression produce annoying blocking artifacts near block boundaries, particularly in highly compressed images, because each block is transformed and quantized independently. Several techniques/algorithms have been proposed by researchers, both in spatial and frequency domains, for reduction of these artifacts with varied degree of success. These are briefly overviewed here. A new technique working in frequency domain, is proposed here by authors. This paper puts forth a method and an algorithm, working in frequency domain, for the detection and reduction of such blocking artifacts. These artifacts are modeled here as 2-D step functions between two neighboring blocks. Presence of the blocking artifacts is detected by using block activity based on human visual system (HVS) and block statistics. The boundary regions between blocks are identified as either smooth or non-smooth regions. The blocking artifacts in smooth regions are removed by modifying a few DCT coefficients appropriately, whilst an edge-preserving smoothing filter is applied to the non-smooth regions, i.e., genuine edges. The algorithm has been applied to variety of JPEG compressed images and results are compared with other postprocessing algorithms. The reduction in the blocking artifacts for each image have been evaluated using three indices, namely peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), mean structure similarity (MSSIM) index based on human visual perception, and a new index, called here block boundary measure (BBM), applied to both vertical and horizontal block boundaries. The results show that the proposed method is very effective in detecting and reducing the blocking artifacts in JPEG compressed images.

Comparison of stereoscopic digital imaging and slide film photography in the identification of macular degeneration

Background: This study compared the sensitivity and specificity of stereoscopic digital photography of the retina through a dilated pupil with a 45° nonmydriatic camera and Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) compression of the images with the sensitivity and specificity of 35-mm slide film photography in the identification of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods: Consecutive patients with a diagnosis of AMD were enrolled. Stereoscopic retinal images of the disc,macula and temporal macula were captured with a digital 45° nonmydriatic camera (then compressed into JPEG format) and with a standard fundus camera and slide film. A single retinal specialist graded both image formats in masked fashion, at least 1 month apart, using a modified Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) severity scale.The digital images were displayed on a monitor and viewed with the use of liquid crystal display shutter glasses and stereo imaging software.The film images were mounted on a light box and graded with the use of a stereoviewer. Primary outcome measures included the presence or absence of AMD pathological features. Positive and negative predictive values (PPVs and NPVs), sensitivity, specificity and weighted κ w statistics were calculated. Results: We photographed 203 eyes (of 103 patients) with both digital and slide film cameras. Correlation of the 2 image formats was substantial in identifying AREDS level 3a or greater (κ w = 0.64, standard error = 0.08, PPV = 0.95, NPV = 0.66, sensitivity = 0.93, specificity = 0.74) and excellent in identifying level 4b or greater (κ w = 0.83, standard error = 0.05, PPV = 0.81, NPV = 0.98, sensitivity = 0.94, specificity = 0.94). Interpretation: High-resolution stereoscopic, mydriatic, 45° digital images captured with a nonmydriatic camera and JPEG compressed correlate well with stereoscopic slide film photographs in the identification of moderate to advanced AMD (AREDS level 3a or greater).

Texture analysis in digitally-acquired echocardiographic images: The effect of JPEG compression and video storage

The analysis of texture in video-stored echocardiographic images is an established method to characterize myocardial pathologies. We investigated whether or not texture parameters calculated from video-stored images and those derived from the joint photographic expert group (JPEG) format compressed data are equivalent to those calculated from uncompressed digital images. Texture parameters were calculated using uncompressed digital data, images stored on videotape, and three forms of compressed digital data (baseline JPEG, JPEG 2000 and lossless JPEG 2000). Video storage heavily affected most texture parameters. Although first-order texture parameters derived from JPEG-compressed images were generally equivalent to those derived from the uncompressed data, several second-order parameters differed significantly. We conclude that texture of video-stored images is not comparable to that of digitally-stored images and that JPEG compression changes important second-order texture parameters. This observation should be taken into account when analyzing texture of modern image data (uncompressed or compressed) and comparing the results with earlier studies utilizing video-stored data. (E-mail: karjer@usz.unizh.ch)

JPEG compression of stereoscopic digital images for the diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy via teleophthalmology

Background: Canada's vast size and remote rural communities represent a significant hurdle for successful monitoring and evaluation of diabetic retinopathy.Teleophthalmology may provide a solution to overcome this problem. We investigated the application of joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) compression to digital retinal images to determine whether JPEG compression could reduce file sizes while maintaining sufficient quality and detail to accurately diagnose diabetic retinopathy.Methods: All 20 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus assessed at a 1-day teleophthalmology clinic in northern Alberta were enrolled in the study. Following pupil dilation, seven 30° fields of each fundus were digitally photographed at a resolution of 2008 × 3040 pixels and saved in uncompressed tagged image file format (TIFF). The files were compressed approximately 55× and 113× their original size using JPEG compression. A reviewer in Edmonton randomly viewed all original TIFF images along with the compressed JPEG images in a masked fashion for image quality and for specific diabetic retinal pathology in accordance with Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study standards. The level of diabetic retinopathy and recommendations for clinical follow-up were also recorded. Exact agreement and weighted κ statistics, a measure of reproducibility, were calculated.Results: Exact agreement between the compressed JPEG images and the TIFF images was high (75% to 100%) for all measured variables at both compression levels. Reproducibility was good to excellent at both compression levels for the identification of diabetic retinal abnormalities (κ = 0.45–1), diagnosis of level of retinopathy (κ = 0.73–1) and recommended follow-up (κ = 0.64–1).Interpretation: The application of JPEG compression at ratios of 55:1 and 113:1 did not significantly interfere with the identification of specific diabetic retinal pathology, diagnosis of level of retinopathy or recommended follow-up.These results indicate that JPEG compression at ratios as high as 113:1 has the potential to reduce storage requirements without interfering with the accurate and reproducible teleophthalmologic diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy. This pilot project demonstrates the potential for JPEG compression within a digital teleophthalmology viewing system.