Colour image compression using the embedded wavelet algorithm and merged colour tree

Abstract

We present an image compression algorithm for the coding of colour images using embedded wavelet (EW) techniques. An EW algorithm reorganizes the wavelet coefficients In the subbands into a tree structure which it then efficiently encodes for transmission. The coefficients in the tree structure are related by its spatial positions in the subbands. For colour images, separate tree structures can be established for the coding of each colour component. The focus of this work is to investigate a joint coding scheme for colour images using a merged tree structure which maintains the spatial relationships amongst the colour components.