A unification framework for tree and block wavelet encoders

Wavelet transform coefficient encoders are broadly categorized as depending on correlations: across sub-bands through a zerotree, or within sub-bands through a block quad-tree. This paper proposes a unification framework that allows a suitable algorithm to be crafted according to need. An example block-tree algorithm is described in detail, and results show that the performance closely approaches a state-of-the-art encoder, without needing the complexity of arithmetic coding.