This book concerns a new method of image data compression which weil may supplant the well-established block-transfonn methods that have been state-of-the art for the last 15 years. Subband image coding or SBC was first perfonned as such in 1985, and as the results became known at first through conference proceedings, and later through journal papers, the research community became excited about both the theoretical and practical aspects of this new approach. This excitement is continuing today, with many major research laboratories and research universities around the world investigating the subband approach to coding of color images, high resolution images, video- including video conferencing and advanced tele vision, and the medical application of picture archiving systems. Much of the fruits of this work is summarized in the eight chapters of this book which were written by leading practitioners in this field. The subband approach to image coding starts by passing the image through a two- or three-dimensional filter bank. The two-dimensional (2-D) case usually is hierarchical' consisting of two stages of four filters each. Thus the original image is split into 16 subband images, with each one decimated or subsampled by 4x4, resulting in a data conservation. The individual channel data is then quantized *for digital transmission. In an attractive variation an octave-like approach, herein tenned subband pyramid, is taken for the decomposition resulting in a total of just eleven subbands.

This book gives a concise introduction to both image and video processing, providing a balanced coverage between theory, applications and standards. It gives an introduction to both 2-D and 3-D signal processing theory, supported by an introduction to random processes and some essential results from information theory, providing the necessary foundation for a full understanding of the image and video processing concepts that follow. A significant new feature is the explanation of practical network coding methods for image and video transmission. There is also coverage of new approaches such as: super-resolution methods, non-local processing, and directional transforms.

This book also has on-line support that contains many short MATLAB programs that complement examples and exercises on multidimensional signal, image, and video processing. There are numerous short video clips showing applications in video processing and coding, plus a copy of the vidview video player for playing .yuv video files on a Windows PC and an illustration of the effect of packet loss on H.264/AVC coded bitstreams.

New to this edition:

New appendices on random processes, information theory

New coverage of image analysis - edge detection, linking, clustering, and segmentation

Expanded coverage on image sensing and perception, including color spaces.

Now summarizes the new MPEG coding standards: scalable video coding (SVC) and multiview video coding (MVC), in addition to coverage of H.264/AVC.

Updated video processing material including new example on scalable video coding and more material on object- and region-based video coding.

More on video coding for networks including practical network coding (PNC), highlighting the significant advantages of PNC for both video downloading and streaming.

New coverage of super-resolution methods for image and video.
Only R&D level tutorial that gives an integrated treatment of image and video processing - topics that are interconnected.
New chapters on introductory random processes, information theory, and image enhancement and analysis
Coverage and discussion of the latest standards in video coding: H.264/AVC and the new scalable video standard (SVC)

This volume is the most comprehensive reference work on visual communications to date. An international group of well-known experts in the field provide up-to-date and in-depth contributions on topics such as fundamental theory, international standards for industrial applications, high definition television, optical communications networks, and VLSI design. The book includes information for learning about both the fundamentals of image/video compression as well as more advanced topics in visual communications research. In addition, the Handbook of Visual Communications explores the latest developments in the field, such as model-based image coding, and provides readers with insight into possible future developments.
Key Features
* Displays comprehensive coverage from fundamental theory to international standards and VLSI design
* Includes 518 pages of contributions from well-known experts
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* Presents state-of-the-art knowledge--the most up-to-date and accurate information on various topics in the field
* Provides an extensive overview of international standards for industrial applications