Image coding using a fractal/vector quantization model

In this paper a novel image coding scheme, based on combination of fractal and vector quantization techniques is proposed. A two-level coding scheme is described. In the first level, a form of vector quantization is employed to get a rough first-order approximation of the image. In the second level, the residual image, produced after subtracting the first-order approximation from the original image, is coded using a simple, fixed-block size fractal technique. Using fixed block size, the algorithm has a very simple and regular structure. The benefit of the proposed technique is the reduction of the computational complexity in comparison to traditional fractal coding, while the image quality is kept in high levels.