Binary Image Compression Using 2x2 Block Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image compression techniques, such as H.264, JPEG-LS, and JPEG, are inefficient when applied to binary images due to the lack of similarity between pixel values, leading to deteriorated compression efficiency and picture quality in restored images.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing Differential Pulse Code Modulation (DPCM), Pulse Code Modulation (PCM), and binary DPCM/PCM methods to compress and restore binary images by identifying representative values and patterns within 2x2 blocks, allowing for effective compression and restoration of binary images, and improving compression efficiency and picture quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If existing image compression techniques (H.264, JPEG-LS, JPEG) are applied to binary images, then compression is performed, but compression efficiency and picture quality deteriorate significantly due to lack of pixel similarity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompression efficiencyVSAvoidpicture quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The binary image is divided into multiple 2x2 blocks, and each block is processed independently using BTC. This segmentation allows the method to handle local variations in binary images effectively, improving both compression efficiency and picture quality compared to applying global compression techniques to the entire image.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the approach from using similarity-based compression (which assumes continuous pixel values) to BTC which represents binary pixels using two representative values (A and B) and a pattern map. This parameter change adapts the compression method to the discrete nature of binary images, resolving the contradiction between compression efficiency and picture quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If existing image compression methods are applied to binary images with minimal pixel similarity, then compression is achieved, but compression efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata compression ratioVSAvoidcompression efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention creates a pattern map that copies the spatial distribution information of binary pixels, and represents pixel values using two representative values A and B. This copying approach efficiently captures the essential information of binary images without requiring detailed representation of each pixel, thereby improving compression ratio while maintaining compression efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Manufacturing precision

If BTC is applied to represent binary pixels using two representative values, then picture quality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepicture qualityVSAvoidcompression algorithm complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the image into small 2x2 blocks, the invention reduces the complexity of finding representative values A and B within each small block, making the BTC process more manageable while maintaining picture quality through localized processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies BTC selectively to 2x2 blocks rather than processing the entire image uniformly, and uses a fixed 2-bit representation for pattern maps. This partial action approach achieves adequate picture quality improvement without requiring excessive computational complexity throughout the entire image processing pipeline.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP1947861B1Methods for effectively compressing and/or restoring binary images
Publication Date: 2019.09.04 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP1947861B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1947861B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP1947861B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

A method, medium, and system effectively compressing and/or restoring binary images. By compressing pixel values making up a 2x2 block in an input image, using representative values representing the pixel values and a pattern of the pixel values represented by the representative values, it is possible to effectively compress and/or restore binary images having little similarities between pixel values. In addition, by extracting compressed values and a pattern of pixel values making up a 2x2 block in an image, from compressed data of the 2x2 block, and restoring pixel values using the compressed values and the pattern, it is possible to effectively restore binary images.