This contribution introduces a new method for
lossy image compression which exhibits special advantages when robust compression behavior
in the vicinity of structurally important regions is needed. Comparing to other general
purpose compression techniques, our approach preserves important image characteristics
more precisely while simultaneously proving less susceptible to the introduction of
annoying artifacts.
In well structured regions, the method is based on multilevel polynomial image
interpolation. Aiming at an average/detail decomposition of the input image, polynomial
(spline) interpolation on an appropriately chosen irregular grid enables us to pack more
information into the average component and, therefore, substantially reduces the need for
storing additional data pertaining to the detail component. For handling highly
unstructured regions, we use wavelet texture coding whereby an interpolating scaling
function, preferably in a biorthogonal setup, is essential.