Block transform image coding by multistage vector quantization with optimal bit allocation

A multistage vector quantization with optimal bit allocation (MVQ-OBA) in the transform domain is presented. A set of bit allocation planes is first obtained by slicing a (scalar) optimal bit allocation map where the number of bits assigned to each coefficient is proportional to the coefficient variance. The set of bit allocation planes determines the coefficients to be used and the codebook size at each stage. The vector dimensionalities are restricted to small values and relatively small codebooks are used, thus reducing both the overhead required for transmitting the codebooks and the complexity in codebook design. The computer simulation results demonstrate that MVQ-OBA is competitive with many other transform coding techniques including variable length transform coding. MVQ-OBA is well suited for progressive transmission