On the selection of image compression algorithms

This paper attempts to give a recipe for selecting one of the popular image compression algorithms based on: 1) wavelet, 2) JPEG/DCT, 3) vector quantisation, and 4) fractal approaches. We review and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these algorithms for compressing gray-scale images, give an experimental comparison on four 256×256 commonly used images (Jet, Lenna, Mandrill, Peppers, and one 400×400 fingerprint image). Our experiments show that all of the four approaches perform satisfactorily when the 0.5 bits per pixel (bpp) is desired. However, for a low bit rate compression like 0.25 bpp or lower, the embedded zerotree wavelet approach and DCT-based JPEG approach are more practical