Data compression techniques are widely used to store and exchange multimedia information. Yet many image operations are usually performed on the uncompressed data. The first objective of this research is to develop and implement algorithms for directly processing images compressed by the standard techniques used in NASA projects, such as JPEG. New algorithms will decode the input bit stream and perform operations without constructing the original images. The second objective is to build an image browser for WWW using the new algorithms. It will allow the users not only to view images but also to perform operations, such as contrast and geometric transformation on them. The last objective is to enhance the features of the image browser by developing new compression methods that allow fast execution of the set of operations used by the browser. Algorithms developed under this proposal will be key components for future information systems. Knowledge obtained from this research will be the foundation for developing new ways to process color images, motion pictures, and voice data.

Research Assistants

Biao Chen, M.S.

Cem Sunata, M.S.

Joe Kraft, M.S.

B. Chen, S. Latifi, and J. Kanai, Edge Enhancement of Remote Sensing Image Data in the DCT Domain, Proc. of SPIE, vol. 3387, Visual Information Processing VII, Orlando, 1998.

B. Chen, S. Latifi, and J. Kanai, New Algorithms for MIN/MAX Gray-scale Determination of Compressed Image Data, Proceedings of CISST'98, Las Vegas, July 6-9, 1998. (Postscript>

C. Sunata, E. Regentova, and S. Latifi, A line by line on board compression algorithm for astronomical images, International Conference on Imaging Science, Systems, and Technology (CISST'99), submitted.
B. Chen, S. Latifi, and J. Kanai, Edge Enhancement of Remote Sensing Image Data in the DCT domain, Image Vision and Computing, to appear.
B. Chen and S. Latifi, Astronomical Image Manipulation in the DWT-domain, Journal of Electronic Imaging, submitted.