Patent ID: 7444023
Filing Date: 2008-10-28
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. A method to code and decode digital data that is prioritized for transmission or storage, wherein the digital data contains image data including an array of individual image points (pixels) where each pixel has pixel value which describes the color or luminance information of the pixel, wherein the pixels are prioritized by the steps of: a) determining a priority value for each pixel of the array by calculating a pixel difference value with the aid of the respective pixel value of the pixel in relation to the pixel values of a previously determined group of neighboring pixels; b) combining the pixels used for the calculation of priority value into a pixel group; and c) sorting the pixel groups of the image array with the aid of their priority value, wherein the information to be coded or decoded comprises individual pixel groups, wherein each pixel group has a positional value, at least one pixel value, and a priority value assigned to it, said method comprising using at least one key to selectively code or decode the positional value and/or the pixel value/pixel values of an individual pixel group.