High Bit-Depth Medical Image Compression via RGB Encoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
High bit-depth gray scale medical images require significant storage and bandwidth for transfer, and existing methods to reduce file size either compromise image quality or are inefficient, as standard image compression algorithms do not effectively handle extended bit depth data without degrading the image.
Innovation Solution
A method to encode n-bit gray scale images into 8-bit RGB format using specific mathematical transformations, allowing for efficient compression using standard JPEG algorithms without degrading image quality, and subsequent decoding back to original bit depth for further processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high bit-depth gray scale images are stored or transferred, then image quality is maintained, but storage space and bandwidth requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary 8-bit RGB color formatted image as a temporary storage format between the original high bit-depth gray scale image and the compressed version. This intermediary format allows standard JPEG compression algorithms to process the image data while preserving the original image quality through mathematical transformations that map the n-bit luminance values to RGB color spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the image data from n-bit luminance values to 8-bit RGB color values through specific mathematical transformations. This parameter transformation enables the use of standard compression algorithms while maintaining image quality, as the transformations are designed to preserve the luminance information across the conversion.
2Quantity of substance
If standard image compression algorithms are applied to high bit-depth images, then file size is reduced, but image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary conversion process where the high bit-depth gray scale image is first transformed into an 8-bit RGB color formatted image. This intermediary format is then suitable for standard JPEG compression, which reduces file size without degrading quality because the mathematical transformations preserve luminance information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter representation from n-bit luminance values to 8-bit RGB color values through carefully designed mathematical transformations. These transformations ensure that the luminance information is preserved during the conversion, allowing standard compression algorithms to reduce file size while maintaining image quality.
3Ease of operation
If original n-bit image data is transferred to workstation for contrast enhancement operations, then image processing capability is maintained, but transfer time and bandwidth consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary compressed format that allows the original n-bit image data to be transferred efficiently to the workstation. The mathematical transformations enable the image to be compressed to a smaller file size while still preserving the original data for contrast enhancement operations, thus reducing transfer time without sacrificing processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the image data parameters to enable efficient transfer while preserving the original information. By converting n-bit luminance values to 8-bit RGB values through mathematical transformations, the image can be compressed and transferred more quickly, yet the original data remains available for contrast enhancement operations when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A digital encoding and decoding method of high bit-depth gray scale medical images allows standard 3-channel color image compression algorithms to be used to compress and de-compress such encoded high bit-depth gray scale images without significant image quality loss. The digital encoding and decoding method may be used to improve the network transmission, storage and rendering of such gray scale images in a standard web browser.