Patent ID: 8315315

Claim:
Method for encoding an image or a sequence of images, comprising: generating a data stream having a hierarchical structure of embedded data layers of successive levels n, where n is an integer, each of said levels n corresponding to a predetermined resolution of said images, encoding at least one of said layers, of level n+1, by prediction at least from said level n layer, wherein each of said data layers of level n enables reconstruction of a version of said images at said resolution level n of a predetermined maximum quality, encoding, for at least one of said level n data layers, at least one sub-stream, called a dead sub-stream enabling reconstruction of a version of said images at said resolution level n of a quality higher than that of said predetermined maximum quality, and wherein said dead sub-stream of said layer of level n comprises additional information associated with the resolution level n, neither used for the encoding by prediction of resolution level n+1 nor for the reconstruction of the image at resolution level n+1, but only used at decoding for image reconstruction at resolution of level n.