New fast search algorithm for image vector quantization

In this paper, a new fast encoding algorithm based on the concept of finite-state VQ has been proposed for image vector quantization. In the proposed scheme, each input block will only search a portion of the codebook to locate the best match vector according to the state of the neighboring blocks. A block transition criterion is developed for selecting a subset of the codebook for searching. Simulation results shows that the encoding time required by the proposed algorithm is just about 10-20% of that required by the full search with almost the same output image quality.