Image Compression Encoding Extra Bit for Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image compression technologies, such as DCT and JPEG-type compressors, require large pixel blocks for efficient compression, leading to increased processor power and memory bandwidth usage, and struggle with maximizing accuracy and minimizing storage and decoding complexities.
Innovation Solution
An image encoding method that allows for the encoding of an extra bit in image compression and decompression systems, utilizing an algorithm to recover the extra bit without altering the decompressed image, enabling increased precision and efficient compression of image data blocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If DCT or JPEG-type compressors are used, then compression efficiency is improved, but processor power and memory bandwidth requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image into 4x4 pixel blocks and applies block truncation coding to each block independently. This segmentation allows processing of small blocks without requiring large 8x8 or 16x16 blocks, reducing memory bandwidth requirements while maintaining compression efficiency through localized processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the quantization parameter from multi-bit DCT coefficients to one-bit quantized values per pixel. This parameter change reduces the data volume significantly, lowering processor power and memory bandwidth requirements while maintaining reasonable compression efficiency through the use of two representative colors per block.
2Quantity of substance
If one-bit quantization is used on 4x4 pixel blocks, then storage requirements are reduced, but decoding hardware complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores two representative colors for each 4x4 block in a lookup table during encoding. This preliminary action simplifies decoding, as the decoder only needs to perform simple color selection based on the stored representative colors and the quantized bit values, rather than performing complex computations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a multiplexer with a look-up table that copies the two representative colors for each block. The decoding process retrieves pre-computed color values from memory and selects between them based on the quantized bits, avoiding complex real-time computation and reducing decoding hardware complexity.
3Productivity
If large pixel blocks are used for compression, then compression factor is improved, but access to small areas requires fetching large quantities of data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image into small 4x4 pixel blocks that can be independently compressed and stored. This segmentation allows random access to individual blocks or even single pixels by fetching only the specific 16-bit block data needed, rather than fetching large quantities of data associated with 8x8 or 16x16 blocks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quantization to each 4x4 block independently, allowing different compression parameters to be applied to different regions. This local approach enables efficient access to small areas by processing and storing each block separately, reducing the amount of data that must be fetched for partial image access.
4Measurement precision
If accuracy of compressed images is maximized, then image quality is improved, but storage and memory bandwidth requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the representation parameter from multi-bit DCT coefficients to one-bit quantized values combined with two representative colors per block. This parameter change achieves a balance between accuracy and storage, maintaining visible image quality while significantly reducing storage requirements compared to traditional methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent discards the least important color information by representing each block with only two representative colors instead of full color data for each pixel. This selective discarding of less important information maintains acceptable image accuracy while reducing storage and memory bandwidth requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for encoding at least one extra bit in an image compression and decompression system. The method includes accessing an input image, and compressing the input image into a compressed image using an encoder system, wherein said encoding system implements an algorithm for encoding at least one extra bit. The method further includes communicatively transferring the compressed image to a decoding system, and decompressing the compressed image into a resulting uncompressed image that is unaltered from said input image, wherein the algorithm for encoding enables the recovery of the at least one extra bit.