Embedded SLCCA for wavelet image coding

In 1997, we published a high performance scalable bit-rate-oriented wavelet image codec, significance linked connected component analysis (SLCCA). In term of coding efficiency, SLCCA outperforms EZW, SPHIT and JPEG2000, which are each an embedded image codec. SLCCA is optimized for any given bit rate. Although scalable, its coded bit stream is not fully embedded. In the paper, we provide an embedded SLCCA, which improves our previous work on embedded SLCCA. Like, we define a base layer and an enhancement layer for an image. The base layer encoded by SLCCA provides an acceptable image quality while achieving high coding efficiency and scalability. The enhancement layer provides more elaborate bit-rate adaptive granular picture quality enhancement for embedded image coding. The peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR) of the new embedded SLCCA (called ESLCCA) consistently outperforms JPEG2000 that can be as high as 0.5 dB.