Multigrid embedding (MGE) image coding

In this work we describe a simple transform-coefficient sorting algorithm that enhances the performance of image compression techniques. We use multiresolution grids to localize significant pixels and send out pixel values using successive approximation. In the wavelet domain our method performs slightly better than SPIHT (in average 0.1 dB of PSNR). In the DCT domain our method outperforms the SPIHT-based method and the significant tree quantization method by 1 dB. Our approach breaks the dominant role played by the zero tree structure in image coding, and provides a low complexity solution to image compression