Hierarchical image coding via cerebellar model arithmetic computers

A hierarchical coding system for progressive image transmission that uses the generalization and learning capability of CMAC (cerebellar model arithmetic computer or cerebellar model articulation controller) is described. Each encoder and decoder includes a set of CMACs having different widths of generalization region. A CMAC with a wider generalization region is used to learn a lower frequency component of the original image. The training signals for each CMAC are progressively transmitted to a decoder. Compression is achieved by decreasing the number of training signals for CMAC with a wider generalization region, and by making quantization intervals wider for CMAC with a smaller generalization region. CMACs in the decoder are trained on the training signals to be transmitted. The output is recursively added to the other so that the quality of image reconstruction is gradually improved. The proposed method, unlike the conventional hierarchical coding methods, uses no filtering technique in both decimation and interpolation processes, and has the following advantages: (i) it does not suffer from problems of blocking effect; (ii) the computation includes no multiplication; (iii) the coarsest reconstructed image is quickly produced; (iv) the total number of transmitted data is equal to the number of the original image pixels; (v) all the reconstructed images are equal to the original image in size; (vi) quantization errors introduced at one level can be taken into account at the next level, allowing lossless progressive image transmission.