Patent ID: 7724974
Filing Date: 2010-05-25
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. A method of compressing an image to an output stream, said image consisting of a plurality of pixels arranged in scanlines, said method comprising the steps of: (a) maintaining a set of reference points, each said reference point having a predetermined spatial relationship with a current pixel; (b) determining an adjustment along said scanlines of said reference points; (c) adjusting each of said reference points by said adjustment; (d) searching for a match between a string of consecutive pixels including said current pixel and each of the strings of consecutive previously scanned pixels including respective said adjusted reference points; (e) if a match is found, encoding an identifier for the reference point included in the match and the length of said matching string of consecutive pixels, to said output stream; and (f) repeating at least steps (d) and (e) for the pixel after the end of said string of consecutive pixels including said current pixel.