Block-Based Image Compression Using Multiple Non-Uniform Encodings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image compression methods for 3D graphics often result in undesirable visual artifacts due to their lossy nature, making them unsuitable for applications requiring high image quality, especially as systems handle larger amounts of information.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for block-based image compression using multiple non-uniform block encodings, where an image is divided into blocks that are decomposed and compressed using different methods to minimize loss, with optimization techniques applied to reduce visual artifacts by combining partial data values and using color maps or best-fit curves to represent pixel values efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If lossy compression techniques are used to reduce storage requirements, then compression ratio is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to visual artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image into multiple blocks and applies different compression methods to different blocks based on their characteristics. This segmentation allows the system to preserve quality in important regions while achieving higher compression in less critical areas, thus resolving the contradiction between compression ratio and image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality control by analyzing each block's characteristics and applying appropriate compression strategies. Important blocks with high visual significance receive less aggressive compression to maintain quality, while less important blocks undergo more aggressive compression, achieving both quality preservation and compression efficiency.
2Manufacturing precision
If lossless compression techniques are used to preserve image quality, then image quality is maintained, but compression ratio deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image into different blocks and applies lossless compression only to blocks where it is necessary to maintain quality, while using lossy compression for other blocks. This selective approach maintains image quality where needed while achieving overall compression efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes compression parameters based on block characteristics, transitioning between lossless and lossy modes as needed. This parameter adaptation allows the system to maintain quality when necessary while achieving compression when possible, resolving the contradiction between quality preservation and compression ratio.
3Productivity
If fixed rate compression is used to guarantee compression ratio, then compression efficiency is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to uniform lossy compression
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image into multiple blocks and applies different compression rates to different blocks based on their characteristics. This segmentation enables the system to achieve overall compression efficiency while preserving quality in important regions, resolving the contradiction between compression efficiency and image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic compression rate adjustment based on block characteristics rather than applying a fixed compression rate uniformly. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain quality where needed while achieving compression efficiency overall, resolving the contradiction between fixed rate efficiency and variable quality requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method and apparatus for block based image compression with multiple non-uniform block encodings. In one embodiment, an image is divided into blocks of pixels. In one embodiment the blocks are four pixels by four pixels, but other block sizes are used in other embodiments. In one embodiment, a block of pixels in the original image is compressed using two different methods to produce a first and second compressed block. Thus, each block in the original image is represented by two, typically different, compressed blocks. In one embodiment, color associated with a pixel is determined by combining the compressed information about the pixel in the first compressed block with information about the pixel in the second compressed block. In another embodiment, global information about the image is combined with the information in the first and second compressed blocks.