Quality constraint and rate-distortion optimization for predictive image coders

International audienceNext generations of image and video coding methods should of course be efficient in terms of compression, but also propose advanced functionalities. Among these functionalities such as scalability, lossy and lossless coding, data protection, Rate Distortion Optimization (RDO) and Rate Control (RC) are key issues. RDO aims at optimizing compression performances, while RC mechanism enables to exactly compress at a given rate. A less common functionality than RC, but certainly more helpful, is Quality Control (QC): the constraint is here given by the quality. In this paper, we introduce a joint solution for RDO and QC applied to a still image codec called Locally Adaptive Resolution (LAR), providing scalability both in resolution and SNR and based on a multi-resolution structure. The technique does not require any additional encoding pass. It relies on a modeling and estimation of the prediction errors obtained in an early work. First, quality constraint is applied and propagated through the whole resolution levels called pyramid. Then, the quantization parameters are deduced considering inter and intra pyramid level relationships. Results show that performances of the proposed method are very close to an exhaustive search solution

One Pass Quality Control and Low Complexity RDO in A Quadtree Based Scalable Image Coder

International audienceThis paper presents a joint quality control (QC) and rate distortion optimization (RDO) algorithm applied to a still image codec called Locally Adaptive Resolution (LAR). LAR supports scalability in resolution for both lossy and lossless coding and has low complexity. This algorithm is based on the study of the relationship between compression efficiency and relative parameters. The RDO model is proposed firstly to find suitable parameters. Relying on this optimization, relationships between the distortion of reconstructed image and quantization parameter can be described with a new linear model. This model is used for parametric configuration to control compression distortion. Experimental results show that this algorithm provides an effective solution for an efficient one pass codec with automatic parameters selection and accurate QC. This algorithm could be extended to codecs with similar functions, such as High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC)

Low Complexity RDO Model for Locally Subjective Quality Enhancement in LAR Coder

International audienceThis paper introduces a rate distortion optimization (RDO) scheme with subjective quality enhancement applied to a still image codec called Locally Adaptive Resolution (LAR). This scheme depends on the study of the relation between compression efficiency and relative parameters, and has a low complexity. Linear models are proposed first to find suitable parameters for RDO. Next, these models are combined with an image segmentation method to improve the local image quality. This scheme not only keeps an effective control in balance between bitrate and distortion, but also improves the spatial structure of images. Experiments are done both in objective and subjective ways. Results show that after this optimization, LAR has an efficient improvement of subjective image quality of decoded images. This improvement is significantly visible and compared with other compression methods using objective and subjective quality metrics

Low Complexity RDO Model for Locally Subjective Quality Enhancement in LAR Coder

International audienceThis paper introduces a rate distortion optimization (RDO) scheme with subjective quality enhancement applied to a still image codec called Locally Adaptive Resolution (LAR). This scheme depends on the study of the relation between compression efficiency and relative parameters, and has a low complexity. Linear models are proposed first to find suitable parameters for RDO. Next, these models are combined with an image segmentation method to improve the local image quality. This scheme not only keeps an effective control in balance between bitrate and distortion, but also improves the spatial structure of images. Experiments are done both in objective and subjective ways. Results show that after this optimization, LAR has an efficient improvement of subjective image quality of decoded images. This improvement is significantly visible and compared with other compression methods using objective and subjective quality metrics

Improved Image Partitioning for Compression and Representation using the Lab Color Space in the LAR Image Codec

International audienceThe LAR codec is an advanced image compression method relying on a quadtree partitioning of the image. The partitioning strongly impacts the LAR codec efficiency and enables both compression and representation efficiency. In order to increase the perceptual representation abilities without penalizing the compression efficiency we introduce and evaluate two partitioning criteria working in the Lab color space. These criteria are confronted to the original criterion and their compression and robustness performances are analyzed

Plane-to-Plane Positioning by Proximity-based Control

International audienceIn this paper, we consider a multi-sensor arrangement of proximity sensors that forms a proximity array. A general modeling methodology is considered within the framework of Sensor-based Control. It incorporates multiple sensor signals from the proximity array by giving primary emphasis on the interaction screw. To prove its effectiveness, modeling approach is applied to the task of plane-to-plane positioning. We discuss the development of two sensor-based task functions for the specific task considered. The validity of the methodology is provided using relevant experimental results

Locally Adaptive Resolution (LAR) codec

The JPEG committee has initiated a study of potential technologies dedicated to future generation image compression systems. The idea is to design a new norm of image compression, named JPEG AIC (Advanced Image Coding), together with advanced evaluation methodologies, closely matching to human vision system characteristics. JPEG AIC thus aimed at defining a complete coding system able to address advanced functionalities such as lossy to lossless compression, scalability (spatial, temporal, depth, quality, complexity, component, granularity...), robustness, embed-ability, content description for image handling at object level... The chosen compression method would have to fit perceptual metrics defined by the JPEG community within the JPEG AIC project. In this context, we propose the Locally Adaptive Resolution (LAR) codec as a contribution to the relative call for technologies, tending to fit all of previous functionalities. This method is a coding solution that simultaneously proposes a relevant representation of the image. This property is exploited through various complementary coding schemes in order to design a highly scalable encoder. The LAR method has been initially introduced for lossy image coding. This efficient image compression solution relies on a content-based system driven by a specific quadtree representation, based on the assumption that an image can be represented as layers of basic information and local texture. Multiresolution versions of this codec have shown their efficiency, from low bit rates up to lossless compressed images. An original hierarchical self-extracting region representation has also been elaborated: a segmentation process is realized at both coder and decoder, leading to a free segmentation map. This later can be further exploited for color region encoding, image handling at region level. Moreover, the inherent structure of the LAR codec can be used for advanced functionalities such as content securization purposes. In particular, dedicated Unequal Error Protection systems have been produced and tested for transmission over the Internet or wireless channels. Hierarchical selective encryption techniques have been adapted to our coding scheme. Data hiding system based on the LAR multiresolution description allows efficient content protection. Thanks to the modularity of our coding scheme, complexity can be adjusted to address various embedded systems. For example, basic version of the LAR coder has been implemented onto FPGA platform while respecting real-time constraints. Pyramidal LAR solution and hierarchical segmentation process have also been prototyped on DSPs heterogeneous architectures. This chapter first introduces JPEG AIC scope and details associated requirements. Then we develop the technical features, of the LAR system, and show the originality of the proposed scheme, both in terms of functionalities and services. In particular, we show that the LAR coder remains efficient for natural images, medical images, and art images

WG1N5327 - Medical image database for lossless codec evaluation

This document presents the CAIMAN Project medical image database for JPEG commitee evaluation works purposes.This document describes the CAIMAN ANR project contribution on medical images to be considered for AIC. In order to evaluate the medical image codec, we have compiled a list of medical image (X-ray, CT, MRI) for the development and analysis of medical image compression scheme. All images can be found on a secure FTP server, and can be use freely for research purpose

EFFICIENT DEPTH MAP COMPRESSION EXPLOITING CORRELATION WITH TEXTURE DATA IN MULTIRESOLUTION PREDICTIVE IMAGE CODERS

International audienceNew 3D applications such as 3DTV and FVV require not only a large amount of data, but also high-quality visual rendering. Based on one or several depth maps, intermediate views can be synthesized using a depth image-based rendering technique. Many compression schemes have been proposed for texture-plus-depth data, but the exploitation of the correlation between the two representations in enhancing compression performances is still an open research issue. In this paper, we present a novel compression scheme that aims at improving the depth coding using a joint depth/texture coding scheme. This method is an extension of the LAR (Locally Adaptive Resolution) codec, initially designed for 2D images. The LAR coding framework provides a lot of functionalities such as lossy/lossless compression, low complexity, resolution and quality scalability and quality control. Experimental results address both lossless and lossy compression aspects, considering some state of the art techniques in the two domains (JPEGLS, JPEGXR). Subjective results on the intermediate view synthesis after depth map coding show that the proposed method significantly improves the visual quality

Vision-based assistance for wheelchair navigation along corridors

International audienceIn case of motor impairments, steering a wheelchair can become a hazardous task. Typically, along corridors, joystick jerks induced by uncontrolled motions are source of wall collisions. This paper describes a vision based assistance solution for safe indoor semi-autonomous navigation purposes. To this aim, the control process is based on a visual servoing process designed for wall avoidance purposes. As the patient manually drives the wheelchair, a virtual guide is defined to progressively activate an automatic trajectory cor- rection. The proposed solution does not require any knowledge of the environment. Experiments have been conducted over corridors that present different configurations and illumination conditions. Results demonstrate the ability of the system to smoothly and adaptively assist people during their motions