Image Compression Fundamentals

Introduction to Lossy and Lossless image compression. Lossy indicates that there will be some loss of information and reduction in quality after compression and decompression algorithms, and is more complex, as one must define what loss of quality is permitted. It also usually relies on assumption about the data being compressed. Lossless allows complete restoration of original data, but often results in a much lower degree of compression achieved. The image compression techniques used in JPEG, a lossy compression technique, are discussed.