A method for progressive near-lossless image compression

In this paper, we propose an algorithm, which allows for embedded coding in L_∞ sense, i.e., progressive near-lossless as well as lossless image compression. The method is based on a lossy plus near-lossless refinement layered compression scheme. As a basis for the lossy layer we use the JPEG2000 standard. We show that this approach allows for a better image quality and compression performance for large tolerance values than algorithms based on predictive coding. The compression performance of the algorithm in the lossless mode is about the same as that of the JPEG2000 standard. Another advantage of this technique is that it allows for all the benefits and functionality of the lossy compression algorithm (JPEG2000) at low bit rates.